A Detailed Comparison of the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz.

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Alaskan Malamute Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz. 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 Finnish Spitz.

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 Finnish Spitz.

Alaskan Malamute versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog while the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Malamute to the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz

FactorAlaskan MalamuteFinnish Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/53/5
Good For Novice Owners1/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Easy To Groom1/52/5
Height1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/55/5
Kid-Friendly3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Does NOT Shed1/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight75 to 100 pounds20 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1580$1500
Price Range$950 – $2000$1500 – $1500
Temperament Score84.8 percent72.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
    		• No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)5043

    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 Finnish Spitz. 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 Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz are most different:

    • Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs. However, Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz

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

    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz are very easy to train.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Malamute versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz.

    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, Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Malamute versus Finnish Spitz

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

    The lifespan of Finnish Spitzs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Finnish Spitzs is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Finnish Spitz Versus the Alaskan Malamute

    The Alaskan Malamute has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Alaskan Malamute is 84.8 percent while the temperament score for the Finnish Spitz is 72.7 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 72.7 percent, the Finnish Spitz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Alaskan Malamute and the Finnish Spitz by measuring the temperaments of 244 Alaskan Malamutes and 11 Finnish Spitzs.

    Price of Alaskan Malamute versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    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 Finnish Spitz puppy is $1500. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Finnish Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Alaskan Malamute is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Alaskan Malamute and Finnish Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Alaskan Malamute puppies or how many Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs

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

    The Intelligence of the Alaskan Malamute versus the Intelligence of the Finnish Spitz

    `
    Alaskan Malamute Finnish Spitz
    Intelligence Rank 50 out of 130 dog breeds 43 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Alaskan Malamute has an obedience intelligence rank of 50 out of 130 dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Alaskan Malamutes tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Finnish Spitz has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Finnish Spitz belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Finnish Spitzs tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Finnish Spitz is more intelligent than the Alaskan Malamute.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Malamute versus Finnish Spitz

    Alaskan Malamutes do not like to be left alone.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

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

    Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Finnish Spitz

    Alaskan Malamutes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Malamute or the Finnish Spitz?

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

    Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Malamute Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    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.

    Finnish Spitzs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

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

    Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Malamute vs. Finnish Spitz

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

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

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitz?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

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

    Finnish Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Malamutes and Finnish Spitzs?

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

    Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Malamute or the Finnish Spitz?

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

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Malamute versus Finnish Spitz. 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 Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.