Tosa 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.
Tosa
Foundation Stock Service
Alaskan Malamute
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tosa Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Tosa combines impressive physical strength with a dignified bearing. Standing tall with a muscular build, broad head, and deep chest, these dogs showcase a short, dense coat in various solid colors. Their calm demeanor masks incredible strength, while their patient and vigilant nature makes them exceptional guardians. Distinguished by their noble expression and balanced proportions, Tosas move with surprising grace despite their substantial size.
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: Tosas are less energetic than Alaskan Malamutes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tosas require less grooming attention compared to Alaskan Malamutes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tosas tend to be more reserved 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 Tosas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tosa and Alaskan Malamute, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tosa | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States (Alaska) |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tosa | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm | 23-25 inches 58-64 cm |
| Weight | 100-200 lbs 45-91 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 | Tosa | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant | Affectionate, Loyal, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tosa | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tosa Temperament
The Tosa is known for being fearless, patient, vigilant, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Tosa 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
Tosa
Rating: 3/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Tosa Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tosas require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Tosas 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
Tosa Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint Issues
Alaskan Malamute Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Tosa
Pros
- Loyal guardian
- Patient temperament
- Calm demeanor
- Low barking tendency
Cons
- Requires experienced owner
- Size management challenges
- High food costs
- Not suited for small spaces
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 Tosa and Alaskan Malamute, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.