Alaskan MalamuteVSOld English Sheepdog

The Alaskan Malamute is known for being affectionate, loyal, playful, while the Old English Sheepdog is typically described as adaptable, gentle, playful. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Old English Sheepdog tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Alaskan Malamute's 4/5. Expect the Old English Sheepdog to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Alaskan Malamute is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Old English Sheepdog is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Old English Sheepdog may be the better choice.

The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed standing 58–64 cm (23–25 in) tall and weighing 34–45 kg (75–99 lbs). In comparison, the Old English Sheepdog is a large breed at 53–61 cm (21–24 in) and 27–45 kg (60–99 lbs).

The Alaskan Malamute is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Alaskan Malamute has a medium coat available in gray and white, black and white, sable and white, red and white, while the Old English Sheepdog sports a long coat in gray and white, blue and white, grizzle and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Alaskan Malamute has high energy (4/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Old English Sheepdog has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

The Alaskan Malamute requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Old English Sheepdog is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Old English Sheepdog is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Alaskan Malamute's 1/5. The Alaskan Malamute generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (5/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Old English Sheepdog needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Alaskan Malamute (4/5). The Old English Sheepdog's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Alaskan Malamute and $500 for the Old English Sheepdog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Alaskan Malamute has a lifespan of 10–14 years, while the Old English Sheepdog lives 10–12 years. The Alaskan Malamute tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Alaskan Malamute include hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, hypothyroidism, cataracts. The Old English Sheepdog is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $600 for the Alaskan Malamute and $600 for the Old English Sheepdog. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Old English Sheepdog, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Alaskan Malamute's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Alaskan Malamute and Old English Sheepdog score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in working intelligence. They both excel when given structured tasks and thrive in obedience, agility, or service work.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Old English Sheepdog edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Alaskan Malamute's 4/5. The Old English Sheepdog's adaptable temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Old English Sheepdog tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Alaskan Malamute (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Old English Sheepdog is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Alaskan Malamute ranges from $1,200–$3,000, while a Old English Sheepdog typically costs $1,200–$3,000. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,640 for the Alaskan Malamute and $1,940 for the Old English Sheepdog. The Old English Sheepdog costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $70 for the Alaskan Malamute and $70 for the Old English Sheepdog. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.