American Eskimo vs Alaskan Malamute Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Eskie or Mal?

Compare the American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Eskie or a Mal? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Eskimo Spitz, German Spitz, American Spitz, Eskie

Mal, Mally

Weight

What is the average weight of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

30.0 pounds ( 14 kg )

87.5 pounds ( 40 kg )

Height

What is the average height of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute

17.0 inches ( 43.2 cm )

25.0 inches ( 63.5 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimo has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

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

Hypoallergenic

Are American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither American Eskimo 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 American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute dogs?

Alert
Friendly
Intelligent
Energetic
Independent
Protective

Affectionate
Dignified
Loyal
Devoted
Friendly
Playful

Shedding Level

Do American Eskimos shed more than Alaskan Malamutes, or which breed sheds more, American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes?

American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimos make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose an Alaskan Malamute if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute dog breeds?

Germany

Alaska

Ancestry

What are the origins of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

northern spitz

Spitz

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
United Kennel Club

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 American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds first developed?

early 1900s

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute dogs?

Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Fawn
White

White
Sable
Silver
Blue
Red
Brown
Gray
Black

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

American Eskimos have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute, can have a litter of 12-15 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

American Eskimo 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 American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute, which breed is more prone to health problems?

American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Retinal Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Chondrodysplasia (Chd)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

Patellar Luxation

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Skin Problems
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds?

Eye
Blood
Knee
Hip X-Rays

Eye
Hip
Blood
Chd Clear Rating

Energy

How do the energy levels of American Eskimos and Alaskan Malamutes compare?

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

Social Needs

American Eskimo vs Alaskan Malamute social needs comparison

American Eskimo has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Alaskan Malamute has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

American Eskimo vs Alaskan Malamute exercise need comparison.

The American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds need significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimo 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, American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

The American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute breeds are known for their low drooling tendencies, making them a suitable choice for people who don't want to deal with drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes bark more/less frequently?

American Eskimo dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Alaskan Malamute dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Territorial

Is the American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute a better guard dog?

While American Eskimo dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Alaskan Malamute dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: American Eskimo vs Alaskan Malamute?

Roaming urge

American Eskimo vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute entertained?

Sniffing, Walk, Play, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Walking fast, Jumping, Shake, Eating Snacks, Nap, Walking, Playing, Barking, Trekking

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, American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes?

Medium

American Eskimos 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.

High

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

Walks per Week

How many miles should American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute walk each week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Eskimo, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Alaskan Malamute, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most American Eskimos 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.

90 minutes

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, American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes?

American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute dogs?

Daily

Ideally, American Eskimo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Weekly

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 American Eskimos and Alaskan Malamutes?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute in cups?

2.5 cups

For an average 20-40 pound (9 - 18 kg) American Eskimo feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3 cups

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, American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an American Eskimo is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

$2.80 - $3.20 / 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, American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Eskimo is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $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.

$84 - $95 / month

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: American Eskimos vs Alaskan Malamutes

American Eskimo has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

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

Sensitivity Level

How do American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Eskimo vs Alaskan Malamute?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimos make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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 American Eskimos or Alaskan Malamutes have a friendlier temperament towards children?

American Eskimo 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 - American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

Cat Friendly

Do American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

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

Alaskan Malamutes are not cat friendly.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimos are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

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

Pet friendly

How do American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: American Eskimo or Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimos are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

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

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute?

American Eskimos are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of American Eskimos and Alaskan Malamutes compare?

American Eskimo and Alaskan Malamute dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.