Harrier vs Alaskan Malamute
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Harrier
Hound Group
Alaskan Malamute
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than Alaskan Malamutes, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Alaskan Malamutes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Alaskan Malamutes.
- Trainability: Alaskan Malamutes may be slightly easier to train due to their Alaskan Malamute's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Alaskan Malamutes adapt better to apartment living, while Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Harrier and Alaskan Malamute, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States (Alaska) |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 23-25 inches 58-64 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 75-85 lbs 34-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Affectionate, Loyal, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Alaskan Malamute Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, playful, 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 Harrier and Alaskan Malamute, 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers 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, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Alaskan Malamute Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamutes 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, Alaskan Malamutes require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Alaskan Malamute Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and Alaskan Malamute, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.