Which is Better Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

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Alaskan Malamute Versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Alaskan Malamute and for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Alaskan Malamute or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Alaskan Malamute versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog while the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Alaskan Malamute belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Alaskan Malamute versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Malamute to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Factor Alaskan Malamute Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 100 pounds 48 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1580 No Data
Price Range $950 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Alaskan Malamute in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Alaskan Malamute is 63 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a better pet than the Alaskan Malamute. So, you should get the Appenzeller Sennenhunde!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Below is a list of where the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most different:

    • Alaskan Malamutes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.
    • Alaskan Malamutes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most similar:

    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very easy to train.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Malamute versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

    Alaskan Malamutes weigh 75 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Alaskan Malamutes are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Appenzeller Sennenhundes weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Malamute versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The lifespan of Alaskan Malamutes is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamutes is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is 10.5 years.

    Alaskan Malamutes live longer than Appenzeller Sennenhundes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Malamute versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Alaskan Malamutes do not like to be left alone.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes shed more than Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Alaskan Malamutes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Alaskan Malamutes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Malamute or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Alaskan Malamutes require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Malamute Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Alaskan Malamutes have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes Bark and Howl? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Alaskan Malamutes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Malamute vs. Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Alaskan Malamutes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Alaskan Malamute or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Alaskan Malamutes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Malamutes and Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Alaskan Malamutes get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Easier to Train than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Better for Apartment Owners than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Malamute or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Alaskan Malamutes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Malamute versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Alaskan Malamute and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde better suits you and your family.