Alaskan Malamute vs English Foxhound
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
English Foxhound
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.
English Foxhound Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Alaskan Malamutes are less energetic than English Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Alaskan Malamutes require more grooming attention compared to English Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Alaskan Malamutes tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Foxhounds.
- Trainability: English Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their English Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Foxhounds 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 English Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | United States (Alaska) | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-25 inches 58-64 cm | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm |
| Weight | 75-85 lbs 34-39 kg | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Playful | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Alaskan Malamute | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is characterized by being affectionate, gentle, sociable, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Alaskan Malamute and English Foxhound, 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
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 2/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
English Foxhound
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.
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds 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, English Foxhounds 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
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
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
English Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Alaskan Malamute and English Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.