Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever
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
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Alaskan Malamute if you want a great companion. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Alaskan Malamute
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
34–45 kg (75–99 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
58–64 cm (23–25 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
10–14 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
5/5
Shedding
4/5Better
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,200–$3,000
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Family Life: Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
2/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Training Differences: Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Labrador Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever: Temperament Compared
Alaskan Malamute is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
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. Labrador Retrievers, belonging to the Sporting group, are friendly, outgoing and active — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Grooming and Shedding: Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever
Alaskan Malamute sheds more; Labrador Retriever is easier to maintain.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
5/5
vs4/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
The Alaskan Malamute sheds a bit more (5/5) than the Labrador Retriever (4/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Labrador Retriever has a slight edge.
Total Cost of Ownership: Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Alaskan Malamute
Avg. Purchase$2,100
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,640
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,200–$3,000 for a Alaskan Malamute and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
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, Labrador Retriever: 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.
Size Differences: Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever
Alaskan Malamute is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
34–45
vs25–36
Height (cm)
58–64
vs55–62
The Alaskan Malamute stands 58–64 cm (23–25 in) and weighs 34–45 kg (75–99 lbs), while the Labrador Retriever measures 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs). The Alaskan Malamute is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Health and Lifespan: Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
10–14
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Alaskan Malamute lives roughly 10–14 years while the Labrador Retriever averages 10–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever: Summary and Verdict
On balance, the Labrador Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5), better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $300/year.
Choose Alaskan Malamute if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Alaskan Malamute's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Alaskan Malamute or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Alaskan Malamute's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Alaskan Malamute or Labrador Retriever?
A Alaskan Malamute puppy costs $1,200–$3,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,640 for the Alaskan Malamute and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Alaskan Malamute is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Alaskan Malamutes or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Alaskan Malamute lives 10–14 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever 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.