Comparison: Akita and Alaskan Malamute

Akita and Alaskan Malamute are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Akita
Photo: Jon Cano, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Alaskan Malamute
Photo: Carina Wicke Photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
AkitaAlaskan Malamute
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originJapanUnited States
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers61–67 cm58–71 cm
Weight32–45 kg34–45 kg
Life span10–13 years10–14 years
Recognition features
  • Large dog with a broad head and small eyes
  • Tightly curled tail over the back
  • Dense double coat in several colours
  • Larger and heavier than a Husky, muscular build
  • Broad head, brown eyes and erect ears
  • Plumed tail over the back, grey to black with white
CoatDense double coat, short; red, white, brindle.Coarse thick double coat; grey, black, sable, red with white.
PurposeA Japanese dog from Akita Prefecture, originally used to hunt bear and deer; a national treasure of Japan.A working dog of the Mahlemut people of Alaska bred to haul heavy sleds.

Breed page: Akita · Breed page: Alaskan Malamute

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.