Alaskan Malamute

Working Group

Height: 25 / 23 in

Weight: 85 / 75 lbs

Life Span: 10-14 years

FriendlyAffectionateDevotedLoyal

American Bulldog

Working Group

Height: 22-25 / 20-23 in

Weight: 75-100 / 60-80 lbs

Life Span: 10-12 years

FriendlyAssertiveEnergeticLoyal
Alaskan Malamute
American Bulldog
Best

Physical Traits

90% similar
Breed Group
Working
Working
Size Category
Large
Large
Height (in)
2523
22-2520-23
Weight (lbs)
8575
75-10060-80
Life Span
10-14
10-12

Personality & Temperament

Alaskan Malamute

FriendlyAffectionateDevotedLoyalDignifiedPlayful

"The Alaskan Malamute is a loyal, affectionate, and playful breed with a strong, independent streak. Highly intelligent but willful, they thrive with owners who can provide consistent leadership and plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Their friendly and open nature makes them great companions, though their protective instincts can also make them alert watchdogs."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the need for high-maintenance grooming due to heavy shedding, especially during seasonal shedding periods.

💡

This breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide firm, patient training in a home with ample space for exercise and play.

American Bulldog

FriendlyAssertiveEnergeticLoyalGentleConfidentDominant

"The American Bulldog is a loyal and self-confident breed with a strong protective nature. They are affectionate with family and generally good with children and other dogs, though they require early socialization and firm training to channel their energy and confidence effectively."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with managing their high energy levels and potential stubbornness, especially without proper training and stimulation.

💡

This breed is best suited for an experienced or confident owner who can provide consistent training, frequent exercise, and mental stimulation, ideally in an active household with space for outdoor activities.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Sled dog, designed to work in packs to haul heavy loads at low speeds over long distances
Farm utility dog and family companion/protector, known for catching feral cattle and pigs
Best Suited For
Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, preferably in homes with a yard
Active families or individuals with experience in dog training, preferably in a home with space for exercise and stimulation
Training Difficulty
Hard
Moderate
Care Difficulty
High
Moderate

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Double
Smooth
📏 Coat Length
Medium
Short
🎨 Colors
Gray & WhiteBlack & WhiteRed & WhiteSeal & WhiteSilver & WhiteWhiteSable & WhiteBlue & WhiteAgouti & White
White
✨ Markings
Black MaskGray Mask
Black MarkingsBrindle MarkingsTan MarkingsBrown MarkingsRed Markings

Care & Health

Alaskan Malamute

Care

Grooming
  • Alaskan Malamute grooming requires daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb to check for mats and hot spots
  • add an undercoat rake twice yearly during shedding season
  • bathe show Malamutes weekly, pets every 6-8 weeks
  • use conditioner sparingly if coat feels dry
  • trim nails regularly as with all breeds
Exercise
  • Alaskan Malamute exercise needs: bred for working with high endurance and strength, requiring daily exercise
  • thrives in fenced yards or enclosed spaces but enjoys active outdoor pursuits like hiking, running, and swimming
  • excels in agility, obedience trials, and weight-pulling competitions
  • often participates in backpacking, sledding (recreational or competitive), and skijoring with owners
  • needs owner engagement for fulfilling physical and mental stimulation
  • well-suited for endurance-based activities due to athletic build and stamina.
Training
  • Alaskan Malamute training requires socialization and obedience to curb pushiness with children/pets or dominance toward unfamiliar adults
  • High intelligence meets stubbornness, demanding fairness and patience for a loyal companion
  • Some innate behaviors (e.g., digging) may be untrainable, necessitating buried yard fencing
  • Independent nature makes them less suited for guard-dog roles due to universal friendliness
  • Early training helps channel willfulness into trustworthy behavior
  • Stubbornness may persist, so consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
Nutrition
  • Alaskan Malamute nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to life stage (puppy/adult/senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, limit treats to avoid excess weight gain
  • consult vet about safe human foods for dogs and dietary concerns
  • ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
  • watch for signs of overweight and adjust diet as needed with vet guidance

Health

Ethical Alaskan Malamute breeders prioritize health testing for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thrombopathia, chondrodysplasia, hypothyroidism, inherited polyneuropathy, von Willebrand’s disease, and day blindness. Regular ear and teeth care are also essential to prevent wax buildup and dental issues in this breed.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationOphthalmologist EvaluationAlaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) - DNA Test

American Bulldog

Care

Grooming
  • American Bulldog grooming is simple and low-maintenance
  • only bathe occasionally when dirty
  • brush coat regularly to keep it clean and shiny
  • trim nails every few weeks
  • clean ears monthly or as needed
  • brush teeth regularly and expect seasonal shedding
Exercise
  • American Bulldog exercise care: The breed thrives on activity but needs careful management
  • Puppies require non-impact exercises to protect bones and joints
  • Adults need varied activities like jogs, hikes, tug-a-war, and training
  • Avoid leaving them alone in a yard to prevent energy-related behavior issues
  • Frequent exercise and constant stimulation are essential for their well-being
  • Fostering athletic development keeps them fit and content
Training
  • American Bulldog training requires early socialization and structured routines
  • Early puppy training classes help channel their energy effectively
  • Establish boundaries with a firm yet loving approach
  • Consistent exposure to training, dogs, and people improves manageability
  • Rules must be set early and maintained as they mature
Nutrition
  • American Bulldog nutrition guidance
  • Feed quality dog foods for optimal health
  • Use large-breed puppy food for first 14 months to support slow, steady growth
  • Avoid added calcium in puppy food until transitioning to adult food
  • Adults need quality large-breed food plus joint, muscle, and coat supplements

Health

The American Bulldog is generally a robust and healthy breed, but regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential for long-term well-being. Owners should prioritize hip and elbow evaluations to mitigate common joint issues, as these can be prevalent. Like all breeds, genetic health risks exist, so responsible breeders screen potential parents for hereditary conditions before pairing.

Trait Comparison

60% similar
💡 Compare their traits above to see differences
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableAffectionate With Family for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Young Children for American Bulldog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Other Dogs for American Bulldog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Shedding Level for American Bulldog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Alaskan Malamute
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableCoat Grooming Frequency for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Alaskan Malamute: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Data unavailableDrooling Level for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableOpenness To Strangers for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailablePlayfulness Level for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Alaskan Malamute: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableWatchdog/Protective Nature for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableAdaptability Level for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Alaskan Malamute: 5 out of 5 (Very Eager to Learn)
Trainability Level for American Bulldog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Alaskan Malamute
Energy Level
Energy Level for Alaskan Malamute: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableEnergy Level for American Bulldog: Data unavailable
Barking Level
Barking Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for American Bulldog: 1 out of 5 (Quiet)
Alaskan Malamute
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Data unavailableMental Stimulation Needs for American Bulldog: Data unavailable

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about Alaskan Malamute and American Bulldog.

Both breeds can be good family pets with proper socialization, though they may not be as naturally patient as some other breeds.
Both breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
No, Alaskan Malamute typically sheds more than American Bulldog.

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Alaskan Malamute vs American Bulldog: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison