Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Alaskan Malamute Versus Boykin Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel.

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 Boykin Spaniel.

Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog while the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Malamute to the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel

Factor Alaskan Malamute Boykin Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 100 pounds 25 to 40 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1580 $1110
Price Range $950 – $2000 $900 – $1225
Temperament Score 84.8 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 out of 125.

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

    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 Boykin Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel

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

    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel.

    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, Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    Alaskan Malamutes live longer than Boykin Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Alaskan Malamute

    The Boykin Spaniel has a better temperament than the Alaskan Malamute.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Alaskan Malamute and the Boykin Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 244 Alaskan Malamutes and 2 Boykin Spaniels.

    Price of Alaskan Malamute versus Price of Boykin Spaniel

    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 Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1110. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $900 – $1225. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 44 Boykin Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Alaskan Malamute is more expensive than the Boykin Spaniel.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Alaskan Malamute and Boykin Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Alaskan Malamute puppies or how many Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Alaskan Malamute puppy or the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel

    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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Alaskan Malamute.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boykin Spaniel than for the Alaskan Malamute.

    5 health tests are recommended for Alaskan Malamute while 8 tests are recommended for the Boykin Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Alaskan Malamutes and in Boykin Spaniels.

    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.

    Boykin Spaniel Health Problems

    Boykin Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boykin Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel

    Alaskan Malamutes do not like to be left alone.

    Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes shed more than Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Boykin Spaniel

    Alaskan Malamutes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Malamute or the Boykin Spaniel?

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

    Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Malamute Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boykin Spaniel?

    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.

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Malamute vs. Boykin Spaniel

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

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

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Alaskan Malamute or the Boykin Spaniel?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs? What about Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Malamutes and Boykin Spaniels?

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

    Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Easier to Train than the Boykin Spaniel?

    Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train.

    Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Better for Apartment Owners than the Boykin Spaniel?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Malamute or the Boykin Spaniel?

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

    Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Malamute versus Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel better suits you and your family.