Alaskan Malamute vs Chow Chow
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is named after the Mahlemiut Inuit people of northwest Alaska, who kept the breed for centuries to haul heavy freight, a job built around power rather than speed. Unlike the lighter Siberian Husky, the Malamute was bred to pull heavy loads slowly over long distances, which is why a build up to 43 kilograms runs heavier and more muscular. The dense double coat sheds heavily and needs regular brushing, especially through the seasonal blowout. The breed carries a strong prey drive toward small animals and tends to be strong-willed, so training needs to start early and stay consistent. Life expectancy runs 10 to 14 years.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest known dog types, originating in China and used as a hunter, guard dog, and puller, historically also raised for meat in some regions. The breed carries a distinctive blue-black tongue, a rare trait shared with only one or two other breeds worldwide, along with straight rear legs that give it a stiff, almost bear-like gait. The dense, long double coat, alongside a rarer smooth variety, forms a lion-like mane around the neck, and a male can reach 32 kilograms. It is known for an independent, sometimes almost cat-like temperament, rarely showing the demonstrative friendliness toward strangers that many breeds do. Coat care demands a real, ongoing time investment in brushing. Life expectancy runs 8 to 12 years.
At a glance
| Alaskan Malamute | Chow Chow | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 61.0–66.0 cm | 48.0–56.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 34.0–43.0 kg | 25.0–32.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–14 yrs | 8–12 yrs |
| Coat | double coat, thick, medium length | double coat, rough long outer coat (also smooth variety) |
Temperament & Family Life
| Alaskan Malamute | Chow Chow | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Alaskan Malamute | Chow Chow | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Alaskan Malamute | Chow Chow | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Alaskan Malamute | Chow Chow | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.