Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever

Alaskan Malamute dogs thrive on human attention and are happy to welcome a crowd to your house. They don’t play favorites with family members, either—they’re equal-opportunity snugglers. They’re not barkers, but they are chatty—yelps, howls and “woo woos” are all found in their repertoire, so expect them to join in on the conversation.

Goofy dogs with a lovable personality, Mals are also great with kids and babies, although they’ll need to be supervised around small children. They’re big dogs, so they might accidentally knock a child over, and if they nip, they could cause injury. (They do have a strong bite force.)

While Alaskan Malamutes are not aggressive toward people, they can be strong-willed. Plus, this breed has a high prey drive and may not respond well to other dogs if not properly socialized and trained. They also have a penchant for taking off after critters or cats, so think twice about off-leash adventures. For these reasons, it’s best to train your pup from the get-go.

These athletic dogs are always up for outdoor playtime, especially if you give them a job. If you don’t have a sled, this working dog breed is just as willing to pull you on a bike. Or just strap a backpack on your Mal and go hiking.

Savvy problem-solvers, Malamutes are capable of finding new ways to dig under the fence or chew up the furniture unless you keep them challenged. Games of hide-and-seek and teaching them cool tricks are all good ways to exercise their brains. So are dog sports like agility, rally and bikejoring (a sport created to help keep sled dogs in shape in off-winter months).

The Golden Retriever personality is naturally outgoing and eager to please. Although individual personalities can vary, most Goldens love people and social outings, thriving in homes with lively environments.

Generally, Goldens are born to mingle and see everyone as a potential new best friend. Whenever they meet someone new, they seem to say, “Hi! I am so glad we met. Do you have a ball to throw for me now that we’re friends?”

That friendly demeanor, coupled with their moderate weight and height, make Golden Retrievers excellent dogs for families with young children. However, not all Goldens are without challenges. When bringing a Golden home, cautiously introduce them to household members, especially smaller ones like children and cats, and be sure to teach small children how to behave and interact with dogs as well.

Goldens are also intelligent; they’re quick learners and easy to train. They were and are bred to be gundogs, retrieving waterfowl with their soft mouths, a characteristic that allows them to carry delicate items without applying excessive pressure. They often serve as guide dogs, therapy dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. For optimal health, Golden Retrievers need ample mental and physical exercise.

Keep in mind, though, that even the best-trained Goldens can be mischievous. So be prepared for occasional capers and learn to laugh with your dog as they “help” you unload the laundry basket.