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Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Comparison – Which dog is better Sheepdog or Mally?

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute" Compare Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which is better: Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Alaskan Malamute
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank3859
Reviews133
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. What other names are these breeds known by?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Mally
Mal
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute? Is a Border Collie taller than an Alaskan Malamute?
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare training requirements.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare alertness levels.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare territorial behaviors.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. How do their temperaments differ?
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare play drive and energy.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare adaptability levels.
Border Collie 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: Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
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 common health issues between a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is healthier?
The Border Collie 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: Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute?
Average
The Border Collie 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: Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare activity levels.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare daily food needs.
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Black
Gray
Red
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare drooling amounts.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute? Compare fur types.
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Alaskan Malamute dogs?
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare kid-friendliness.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie 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 Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute? Can a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute be friends? Do Border Collie dogs get along with Alaskan Malamute dogs?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute?
Yes
Border Collie 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
Border Collie 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?
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Alaskan Malamutes are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Border Collie or an Alaskan Malamute? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which groups are they in?
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 Nordic Sledge Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association
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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