Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

Border Collie vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonBorder Collie is originated from United Kingdom but Alaskan Malamute is originated from United States. Border Collie may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Alaskan Malamute. Border Collie may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Alaskan Malamute. Both Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute has almost same life span. Both Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute has same litter size. Border Collie requires Moderate maintenance. But Alaskan Malamute requires High maintenance

History

border collie - historyThe Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

alaskan malamute - historyAlaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

Description

border collie puppy - descriptionUtterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

alaskan malamute puppy - descriptionAverage weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

Characteristics

border collie dog - characteristicsThe Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

alaskan malamute dog - characteristicsAlaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

Health Problems

border collie puppies - health problemsIf your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

alaskan malamute puppies - health problemsUsually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

Caring The Pet

Exercise

border collie dogs - caringThis is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Feeding Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute dogs - caringFeeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 17 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
Mal and Mally
Colors Available:
White and Black, Chocolate and White, Liver and White or Blue Merle
gray, white, black
Coat:
Moderately long and smooth
double
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  2. Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  3. Alaskan Malamute vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Malamute vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  5. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  6. Alaskan Malamute vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Alaskan Malamute vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  8. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  9. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Alaskan Malamute vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  11. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  12. Alaskan Malamute vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  13. Alaskan Malamute vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  14. Alaskan Malamute vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  15. Bullmastiff vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  16. Great Pyrenees vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  17. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  18. Presa Canario vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  19. Labrador Husky vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  20. Argentine Dogo vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  21. Giant Schnauzer vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  22. Goldador vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  26. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Border Collie vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  29. Border Collie vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Collie vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  32. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Sakhalin Husky vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. German Pinscher vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Puli vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spaniel vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  42. Porcelaine vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Finnish Lapphund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  45. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Pumi vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  48. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds