Huntaway vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Huntaway vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonAlaskan Malamute is originated from United States but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Alaskan Malamute and Huntaway are having almost same height. Alaskan Malamute may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Alaskan Malamute and Huntaway has almost same life span. Both Alaskan Malamute and Huntaway has almost same litter size. Alaskan Malamute requires High Maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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United States
New Zealand
Height Male:
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Mal and Mally
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
gray, white, black
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
double
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

alaskan malamuteAlaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

Description

alaskan malamute puppy - descriptionAverage weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

Characteristics

alaskan malamute dog - characteristicsAlaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems

alaskan malamute puppies - health problemsUsually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet

Feeding Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute dogs - caringFeeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  14. Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  26. Alaskan Malamute vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Malamute vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Malamute vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Alaskan Malamute vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaskan Malamute vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Alaskan Malamute vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Alaskan Malamute vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Alaskan Malamute vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaskan Malamute vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Alaskan Malamute vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Alaskan Malamute vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Alaskan Malamute vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Alaskan Malamute vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Alaskan Malamute vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Alaskan Malamute vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Alaskan Malamute vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Alaskan Malamute vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alaskan Malamute vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Alaskan Malamute vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison