Transylvanian Hound 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.
Transylvanian Hound
Foundation Stock Service
Alaskan Malamute
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Transylvanian Hound Overview
Majestic and athletic, the Transylvanian Hound displays a powerful build with a distinctive black coat marked by rich tan points. Standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder with a muscular frame, these dogs exhibit remarkable endurance and agility. Their expressive eyes and noble bearing reflect their hunting heritage, while their medium-length coat provides protection in varied terrain.
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: Transylvanian Hounds are more energetic than Alaskan Malamutes, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Transylvanian Hounds require less grooming attention compared to Alaskan Malamutes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Transylvanian Hounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Alaskan Malamutes.
- Trainability: Transylvanian Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Transylvanian Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Alaskan Malamutes adapt better to apartment living, while Transylvanian Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Transylvanian Hound and Alaskan Malamute, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States (Alaska) |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 23-25 inches 58-64 cm |
| Weight | 55-55 lbs 25-25 kg | 75-85 lbs 34-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Good-Natured, Determined | Affectionate, Loyal, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Transylvanian Hound | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Transylvanian Hound Temperament
The Transylvanian Hound is known for being courageous, good-natured, determined, making them excellent family dogs. Their high intelligence means they learn quickly and excel in training. 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 Transylvanian Hound 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
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 4/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Transylvanian Hound
Rating: 3/5
Alaskan Malamute
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Transylvanian Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Transylvanian Hounds 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, Transylvanian Hounds 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
Transylvanian Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
Alaskan Malamute Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Transylvanian Hound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Loyal companion
- Good with family
- Athletic and enduring
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires space
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 Transylvanian Hound and Alaskan Malamute, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.