Great Dane vs. Alaskan Malamute: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

2 / 5

Great Dane has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

3 / 5

Alaskan Malamute has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Great Dane nor Alaskan Malamute are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute dogs?

Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Confident
Intelligent
Loving

Affectionate
Dignified
Loyal
Devoted
Friendly
Playful

Shedding Level

Do Great Danes shed more than Alaskan Malamutes, or which breed sheds more, Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes?

3 / 5

Great Danes are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

5 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

5 / 5

The Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute dogs are some of the best choices if you want good watchdogs. These breeds will keep watch over you and your family at all times. They take this task seriously and will typically perform their guarding duty with little to no training. These dogs will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute dog breeds?

Germany

Alaska

Ancestry

What are the origins of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Wolfhound, Old English Mastiff, Greyhound

Spitz

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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

Date of Birth

When were Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds first developed?

3000 BC

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

Working (AKC:1887)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Working (AKC:1935)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

Blue
Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Brindle
Sable
Blue
Fawn
Black
Brown
Red

White
Sable
Silver
Blue
Red
Brown
Gray
Black

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

1 / 5

Great Danes have short coats.

2 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

A Great Dane can have a litter of 7-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

An Alaskan Malamute can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

3 / 5

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute dogs generally have an average level of adaptability when it comes to adjusting to changes in lifestyle and different living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

Great Danes typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

3 / 5

While the Alaskan Malamute breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Chondrodysplasia (Chd)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

Myotonia

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Skin Problems
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Blood
Chd Clear Rating

Energy

How do the energy levels of Great Danes and Alaskan Malamutes compare?

5 / 5

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Great Dane vs Alaskan Malamute social needs comparison

4 / 5

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Great Dane vs Alaskan Malamute exercise need comparison.

2 / 5

Great Danes need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

4 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

1 / 5

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

4 / 5

Great Dane drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.

1 / 5

Alaskan Malamute minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

Compared to most other breeds, Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute tend to be less vocal and bark less frequently. They typically only bark when necessary, such as to communicate or alert their owner, and do not bark excessively, especially when left alone.

Territorial

Is the Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute a better guard dog?

5 / 5

These breeds are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Great Dane vs Alaskan Malamute?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Great Dane vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Prey Drive

Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute entertained?

Walking, Petting, Eating Snacks, Walk, Nap, Sniffing around, Play keep away, Fetch, Chasing Cats, Running, Treats, Play, Smelling, Exploring, Walks, Sniffing, Playing, Kisses, Jumping, Run, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Wrestling, Dog Parks, Hiking, Waking, Tug of war, Fetching

Jogging, Trotting, Sniffing, Exploring, Tug-of-war, Walking, Walk, Running, Run, Fetch, Runing, Doing tricks, Play, Snow, Hiking, Walks, Howling, Chasing things, Socialization, Bikejoring, Rollerjoring, Dog Parks, Hikes, Eating Snacks, Winter walks, Sleep, Hike, Tracking, High Five, Herding

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes?

Great Danes are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Alaskan Malamutes are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute walk each week?

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute generally need a minimum of 10 miles of walking per week, but it can be increased as long as they are comfortable with it.

Activity per Day

Do Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes require more exercise?

In general most Great Danes usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Alaskan Malamutes usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes?

1 / 5

The Great Dane is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

3 / 5

The Alaskan Malamute requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute dogs?

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Great Danes and Alaskan Malamutes?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute in cups?

For an average 120-175 pound (54 - 79 kg) Great Dane feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 80-100 pound (36 - 45 kg) Alaskan Malamute feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

The average cost of a Great Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

The average cost of an Alaskan Malamute is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

The average per month expenses of a Great Dane is between $116 - $126. This makes an average of $1392 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Alaskan Malamute is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Great Danes vs Alaskan Malamutes

4 / 5

Great Dane is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

3 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Sensitivity Level

How do Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Alaskan Malamute?

3 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

5 / 5

Great Danes make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

1 / 5

The Alaskan Malamute is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Child Friendly

Do Great Danes or Alaskan Malamutes have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Great Danes are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

1 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes are not cat friendly.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

3 / 5

Great Danes are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

5 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

1 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Great Dane or Alaskan Malamute?

3 / 5

Great Danes are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

4 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute?

2 / 5

Great Danes are not known for being a highly playful breed.

4 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Great Danes and Alaskan Malamutes compare?

3 / 5

Great Danes are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

4 / 5

Alaskan Malamutes are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.