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Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or American Akita or Mally? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute" Compare Australian Shepherd and Akita. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Akita Alaskan Malamute
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Japan flagJapan United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank174759
Reviews793
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute breeds.
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Mally
Mal
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute? Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1200 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute?
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most active?
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Gray
Red
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which drools least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute? Australian Shepherd or Akita or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best with kids?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Akita or Alaskan Malamute?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Alaskan Malamute is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Alaskan Malamutes are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies, average 7 3-12 puppies 4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs Alaskan Malamute Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Shepherd, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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