Portuguese Water Dog 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.
Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group
Alaskan Malamute
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
Portuguese Water Dogs showcase a robust, athletic build with a distinctive waterproof coat that can be either wavy or curly. Their muscular frame and webbed feet reflect their heritage as maritime working dogs. Standing proudly with an alert expression, these medium-sized dogs display a well-proportioned head, expressive eyes, and a strong muzzle, embodying both strength and agility.
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: Portuguese Water Dogs are less energetic than Alaskan Malamutes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Alaskan Malamutes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and Alaskan Malamute, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States (Alaska) |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm | 23-25 inches 58-64 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 75-85 lbs 34-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic | Affectionate, Loyal, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is known for being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs 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, Portuguese Water Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
Alaskan Malamute Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Non-shedding coat
- Excellent swimming ability
- Great family companion
- Athletic and versatile
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive maintenance
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 Portuguese Water Dog and Alaskan Malamute, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.