Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Working Group

Height: 29 / 27 in

Weight: 110-150 / 80-120 lbs

Life Span: 11-13 years

SteadyBoldIndependentConfident

Alaskan Malamute

Working Group

Height: 25 / 23 in

Weight: 85 / 75 lbs

Life Span: 10-14 years

FriendlyAffectionateDevotedLoyal
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Alaskan Malamute
Best

Physical Traits

60% similar
Breed Group
Working
Working
Size Category
Giant
Large
Height (in)
2927
2523
Weight (lbs)
110-15080-120
8575
Life Span
11-13
10-14

Personality & Temperament

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

SteadyBoldIndependentConfidentIntelligentProud

"The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a reserved, independent, and fiercely loyal breed with a strong protective nature. They are naturally aloof with strangers and exhibit a calm yet vigilant demeanor, making them excellent guardians but requiring a confident and experienced handler for training and socialization."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the need for early socialization to ensure the dog is comfortable with strangers and other animals.

💡

This breed is best suited for experienced owners or families living on a farm or ranch who can provide space, structure, and a firm hand in training.

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.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Livestock guardian
Sled dog, designed to work in packs to haul heavy loads at low speeds over long distances
Best Suited For
Rural or ranch living with ample outdoor space
Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, preferably in homes with a yard
Training Difficulty
Hard
Hard
Care Difficulty
Moderate
High

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Smooth
Double
📏 Coat Length
Short
Medium
🎨 Colors
FawnBlue FawnGray FawnRed FawnLiverWhiteBiscuit & WhiteBrindle
Gray & WhiteBlack & WhiteRed & WhiteSeal & WhiteSilver & WhiteWhiteSable & WhiteBlue & WhiteAgouti & White
✨ Markings
Black MaskBrown MaskDutch MarkingsPintoPinto, Black MaskSilver Mask
Black MaskGray Mask

Care & Health

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Care

Grooming
Exercise
Training
Nutrition

Health

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationElbow Evaluation

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

Trait Comparison

68% similar
💡 Alaskan Malamute is easier to train
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Reserved)
Affectionate With Family for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Alaskan Malamute
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Young Children for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Other Dogs for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Shedding Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Alaskan Malamute
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Drooling Level for Alaskan Malamute: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
🐾 Balanced
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Cautious)
Openness To Strangers for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Alaskan Malamute
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 5 out of 5 (Highly Protective)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Alaskan Malamute: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Trainability Level for Alaskan Malamute: 5 out of 5 (Very Eager to Learn)
Alaskan Malamute
Energy Level
Energy Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for Alaskan Malamute: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Alaskan Malamute
Barking Level
Barking Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for Alaskan Malamute: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced

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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Alaskan Malamute.

Both breeds can be good family pets with proper socialization, though they may not be as naturally patient as some other breeds.
Alaskan Malamute is generally easier to train than Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Alaskan Malamutes are often more eager to please, while Anatolian Shepherd Dogs may be more independent or stubborn.
Yes, both breeds have a similar shedding level (3/5).
Both breeds can be suitable for first-time owners, depending on your lifestyle and dedication to training and care.

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Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Alaskan Malamute: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison