Alaskan Malamute vs American English Coonhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Alaskan Malamute
Working Group
American English Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Alaskan Malamute Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Alaskan Malamute stands as one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. Their sturdy build features a deep chest, strong shoulders, and dense double coat designed for harsh winters. Distinguished by their wolf-like appearance, they possess dark brown eyes, well-furred ears, and a plumed tail carried over the back. Their distinctive facial markings include a cap over the head and dramatic coloring around the eyes.
American English Coonhound Overview
American English Coonhounds possess a lean, muscular build with long, pendant ears and a sleek coat that can show various patterns. Standing proudly at 24-26 inches, these athletic hounds display remarkable endurance and agility. Their expressive eyes and noble carriage reflect their heritage as skilled hunting companions, while their balanced proportions and graceful movement exemplify the breed's athletic capabilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Alaskan Malamutes are less energetic than American English Coonhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Alaskan Malamutes require more grooming attention compared to American English Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Alaskan Malamutes tend to be more reserved with strangers than American English Coonhounds.
- Trainability: American English Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American English Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American English Coonhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Alaskan Malamutes typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Alaskan Malamute and American English Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 11-12 years |
| Country of Origin | United States (Alaska) | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-25 inches 58-64 cm | 23-26 inches 58-66 cm |
| Weight | 75-85 lbs 34-39 kg | 45-65 lbs 20-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Playful | Sweet, Mellow, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Alaskan Malamute Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is known for being affectionate, loyal, playful, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American English Coonhound Temperament
The American English Coonhound is characterized by being sweet, mellow, sociable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Alaskan Malamute and American English Coonhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 2/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Alaskan Malamute Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamutes require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Alaskan Malamutes require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American English Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American English Coonhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American English Coonhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
American English Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Alaskan Malamute
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent cold weather dog
- Strong and athletic
- Good with children
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Strong prey drive
- Challenging to train
- High exercise needs
American English Coonhound
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Friendly and sociable
- Good with other dogs
- Athletic and enduring
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be vocal
- Needs large space
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Alaskan Malamute and American English Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.