Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Mally or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita" Compare Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Which is better: Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Border Collie	Alaskan Malamute	Akita
Origins	England Scotland Wales	United States	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Sled Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	38	59	47
Reviews	13	3	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita breeds.	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog	Mally Mal	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.	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)	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 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)	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita? Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita height comparison:	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)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is easiest to train?	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed is most alert?	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed is most protective?	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita? Compare temperaments.	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious	Playful Dignified Friendly Affectionate Loyal Devoted	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita?	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.	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita social needs comparison:	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	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.	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which needs most food?	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.	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. What colors are available?	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	Black Red White Brown Fawn
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which drools least?	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.	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. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Dense Rough Thick Weather-resistant	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita? Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or {name3 shedding:	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is best with kids?	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Alaskan Malamute or Akita?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita?	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.	Yes Akita 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.	No Akita 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.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	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 Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. 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.

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which has most puppies?	4-8 puppies	4-10 puppies	3-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	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 vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. 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 Nordic Sledge Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and Akita. Which has most recognition?	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	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

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