Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd

Compare the Alaskan Malamute to the Australian Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Alaskan Malamutes and Australian Shepherds.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
23-25 Inches
18-23 Inches
Weight
70-100 Pounds
40-65 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Origin Country
United States
United States
Origin Year
1900 AD
1840 AD
Temperament
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
None
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Average
Personality
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
-45-70 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Energy Level
High
High to Very High
Exercise Required
High
High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium
Shedding
Medium
Medium
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
None
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
None
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Average
None
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hereditary neuropathy
Hemeralopia
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Wooly
Wavy
Coat Length
Long
Medium to Long
Coat Coloring
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Breed Colors
Agouti and White
Agouti and White
Black and White
Black and White
Blue and White
Blue and White
Gray and White
Gray and White
Red and White
Red and White
Sable and White
Sable and White
Seal and White
Seal and White
Silver and White
Silver and White
White
White
Black
Black
Blue Merle
Blue Merle
Red
Red
Red Merle
Red Merle
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