Alaskan Malamute vs Portuguese Water Dog

Compare the Alaskan Malamute to the Portuguese Water Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Alaskan Malamutes and Portuguese Water Dogs.

Alaskan Malamute vs Portuguese Water Dog
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
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General Details
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-14 Years
Height
23-25 Inches
17-22 Inches
Weight
70-100 Pounds
35-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin Country
United States
Portugal
Origin Year
1900 AD
1297 AD
Temperament
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Average
Personality
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
-45-70 °F
40-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
High
High to Very High
Exercise Required
High
High to Very High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
22 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
None
Dander
Medium
None to Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Average
None
Hunting
Below Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Average
Remove Vermin
Average
None
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
None
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hereditary neuropathy
Hemeralopia
Addison's disease
Entropion
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Ectropion
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Gangliosidosis
Hair Loss
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Curly
Single
Coat Texture
Straight
Wooly
Wavy
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Alaskan Malamute
Portuguese Water Dog
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
Black and White
Black and White
Brown
Brown
Brown and White
Brown and White
White
White
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