Which is Better Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier?

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Alaskan Malamute Versus Black Russian Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier? 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 Black Russian Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier. 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 Black Russian Terrier.

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 Black Russian Terrier.

Alaskan Malamute versus Black Russian Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog while the Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are Working Dogs. This means both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier 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.

Alaskan Malamute versus Black Russian Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Malamute to the Black Russian Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier

Factor Alaskan Malamute Black Russian Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 11 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 100 pounds 80 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1580 $3050
Price Range $950 – $2000 $2600 – $3500
Temperament Score 84.8 percent 93.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
    		•
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
    		•

    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 Black Russian Terrier. 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 Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Black Russian Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are most different:

    • Alaskan Malamutes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Black Russian Terriers are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier

    The Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Malamute versus Black Russian Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier.

    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, Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Malamute versus Black Russian Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 years.

    Alaskan Malamutes live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Alaskan Malamute

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Alaskan Malamute.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Alaskan Malamute is 84.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 84.8 percent, the Alaskan Malamute has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 244 Alaskan Malamutes and 164 Black Russian Terriers.

    Price of Alaskan Malamute versus Price of Black Russian Terrier

    The average price of the Alaskan Malamute puppy is $1580. The price of the Alaskan Malamute typically ranges from $950 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 199 Alaskan Malamute puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Alaskan Malamute.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Alaskan Malamute and Black Russian Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Alaskan Malamute puppies or how many Black Russian Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Alaskan Malamutes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Alaskan Malamutes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Alaskan Malamute puppy or the Black Russian Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Alaskan Malamute versus Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Black Russian Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Black Russian Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Alaskan Malamute.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Black Russian Terrier than for the Alaskan Malamute.

    5 health tests are recommended for Alaskan Malamute while 7 tests are recommended for the Black Russian Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Alaskan Malamutes and in Black Russian Terriers.

    Alaskan Malamute Health Problems

    Alaskan Malamutes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Alaskan Malamute puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Alaskan Malamute puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Alaskan Malamute breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Alaskan Malamutes for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Alaskan Malamutes here.

    Black Russian Terrier Health Problems

    Black Russian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black Russian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Black Russian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black Russian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Black Russian Terriers for:

  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black Russian Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Malamute versus Black Russian Terrier

    Alaskan Malamutes do not like to be left alone.

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes shed more than Black Russian Terriers?

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

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Black Russian Terrier

    Alaskan Malamutes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Malamute or the Black Russian Terrier?

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

    Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Malamute Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Black Russian Terrier?

    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.

    Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes Bark and Howl? What about Black Russian Terriers?

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

    Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Malamute vs. Black Russian Terrier

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

    Black Russian Terriers 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 Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Black Russian Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Alaskan Malamute or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs? What about Black Russian Terriers?

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

    Black Russian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Malamutes and Black Russian Terriers?

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

    Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Easier to Train than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train.

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Better for Apartment Owners than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Malamute or the Black Russian Terrier?

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

    Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Malamute versus Black Russian Terrier. 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 Black Russian Terrier better suits you and your family.