Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Alaskan Malamute
A powerful, heavy-boned sled dog built for endurance in harsh Arctic conditions. Alaskan Malamutes are affectionate and loyal but strong-willed, requiring firm leadership and lots of exercise.
VS
German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
Quick Answer
Choose Alaskan Malamute if you want a great companion. Choose German Shepherd if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Alaskan Malamute
Attribute
German Shepherd
large
Size
large
34–45 kg (75–99 lbs)
Weight
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
58–64 cm (23–25 in)
Height
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
Better10–14 yrs
Lifespan
9–13 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
5/5
4/5
Grooming
3/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,200–$3,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd: Training and Intelligence
German Shepherd is generally easier to train.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The German Shepherd's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Family and Social Compatibility: Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
2/5
vs3/5Better
Strangers
Better4/5
vs2/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Energy Level
4/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (5/5) and similar energy levels (Alaskan Malamute: 4/5, German Shepherd: 5/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd: Size and Coat
Alaskan Malamute is the larger breed; German Shepherd is more compact.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Weight (kg)
34–45
vs22–40
Height (cm)
58–64
vs55–65
The Alaskan Malamute stands 58–64 cm (23–25 in) and weighs 34–45 kg (75–99 lbs), while the German Shepherd measures 55–65 cm (22–26 in) and 22–40 kg (49–88 lbs). The Alaskan Malamute is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Temperament: What to Expect
Alaskan Malamute is calmer; German Shepherd is more energetic.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs4/5
Energy
4/5
vs5/5
Alaskan Malamutes from the Working group carry a affectionate, loyal and playful personality, shaped by their heritage as working dogs. German Shepherds, belonging to the Herding group, are courageous, intelligent and loyal — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Which Sheds More — Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Grooming Compared
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Shedding
5/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs3/5Better
Both breeds shed at the same rate (5/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Budget for a good robot vacuum.
Which Is Healthier — Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Health Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Alaskan Malamute
German Shepherd
Lifespan (years)
Better10–14
vs9–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Alaskan Malamute lives roughly 10–14 years while the German Shepherd averages 9–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Alaskan Malamute
Avg. Purchase$2,100
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,640
German Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,580 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,200–$3,000 for a Alaskan Malamute and $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Summary and Final Take: Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
On balance, the German Shepherd has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the German Shepherd is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shepherd is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Alaskan Malamute if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose German Shepherd if...
- ✓This is your first dog — German Shepherds are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd have high energy needs (4/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
The Alaskan Malamute scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the German Shepherd at 4/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd easier to train?
The German Shepherd is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Alaskan Malamute's 2/5. The German Shepherd's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
A Alaskan Malamute puppy costs $1,200–$3,000 while a German Shepherd costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,640 for the Alaskan Malamute and $1,580 for the German Shepherd. The Alaskan Malamute is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Alaskan Malamutes or German Shepherds live longer?
The Alaskan Malamute lives 10–14 years on average, while the German Shepherd lives 9–13 years. The Alaskan Malamute generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd live in an apartment?
The German Shepherd adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Alaskan Malamute (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.