Alaskan Malamute vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Compare the Alaskan Malamute to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Alaskan Malamutes and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Alaskan Malamute vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
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General Details
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
6-8 Years
Height
23-25 Inches
23-27 Inches
Weight
70-100 Pounds
70-120 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin Country
United States
Switzerland
Origin Year
1900 AD
1892 AD
Temperament
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
-45-70 °F
15-75 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
High
Low
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
22 MPH
Strength
Very High
Very High
Grooming Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Coat Maintenance
Medium
High
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
None
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
None
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
None
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
6-8 Years
Health Concerns
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hereditary neuropathy
Hemeralopia
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Panosteitis
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Wooly
Shaggy
Straight
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Colors
Agouti and White
Agouti and White
Black and White
Black and White
Blue and White
Blue and White
Gray and White
Gray and White
Red and White
Red and White
Sable and White
Sable and White
Seal and White
Seal and White
Silver and White
Silver and White
White
White
Black and White
Black and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Black, Tan, and White
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