Breed Comparison: Alaskan Malamute Versus Manchester Terrier

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Alaskan Malamute Versus Manchester Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Alaskan Malamute versus Manchester Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog while the Manchester Terrier is a small-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 Manchester Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Alaskan Malamute versus Manchester Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Malamute to the Manchester 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 Manchester Terrier

FactorAlaskan MalamuteManchester Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/55/5
Good For Novice Owners1/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Easy To Groom1/55/5
Height1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span12 to 15 years14 to 16 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Kid-Friendly3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Affectionate With Family4/54/5
General Health4/52/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather5/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight75 to 100 pounds12 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan13.5 years15.0 years
Average Price$1580$1030
Price Range$950 – $2000$725 – $1300
Temperament Score84.8 percent87.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Juvenile Dialated Cardiomyopathy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Xanthinuria type 2A
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)5032

    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 Manchester 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 Manchester Terrier is 74 out of 125.

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

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

    • Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Manchester Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
    • Alaskan Malamutes require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Manchester Terriers are very easy to groom.
    • Alaskan Malamutes can tolerate cold weather. However, Manchester Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier

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

    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester 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 Manchester Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Malamute versus Manchester Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester 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, Manchester Terriers weigh 12 to 22 pounds when fully grown. Manchester Terriers are 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Malamute versus Manchester 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 Manchester Terriers is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Manchester Terriers is 15.0 years.

    Manchester Terriers live longer than Alaskan Malamutes.

    Temperament of the Manchester Terrier Versus the Alaskan Malamute

    The Manchester Terrier has a better temperament than the Alaskan Malamute.

    This is because the temperament score for the Manchester Terrier is 87.1 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 87.1 percent, the Manchester Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Alaskan Malamute and the Manchester Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 244 Alaskan Malamutes and 62 Manchester Terriers.

    Price of Alaskan Malamute versus Price of Manchester 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 Manchester Terrier puppy is $1030. The price of the Manchester Terrier typically ranges from $725 – $1300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Manchester Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Alaskan Malamute is more expensive than the Manchester Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Alaskan Malamute and Manchester Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Alaskan Malamute puppies or how many Manchester 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 Manchester Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Manchester Terriers

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

    The Intelligence of the Alaskan Malamute versus the Intelligence of the Manchester Terrier

    `
    Alaskan Malamute Manchester Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 50 out of 130 dog breeds 32 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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 Manchester Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 32 out of 130 dog breeds. The Manchester Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Manchester Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Manchester Terrier 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.

    Health Problems of Alaskan Malamute versus Health Problems of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Alaskan Malamute.

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

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

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

    Manchester Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Juvenile Dialated Cardiomyopathy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Xanthinuria type 2A

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Malamute versus Manchester Terrier

    Alaskan Malamutes do not like to be left alone.

    Manchester Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes shed more than Manchester Terriers?

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

    Manchester Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Manchester Terrier

    Alaskan Malamutes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Manchester Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Manchester Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Malamute Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Manchester 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.

    Manchester Terriers 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.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes Bark and Howl? What about Manchester Terriers?

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

    Manchester Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Manchester Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Manchester Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Malamute vs. Manchester Terrier

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

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

    Can Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Manchester Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Manchester 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 Manchester Terrier?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Manchester Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs? What about Manchester Terriers?

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

    Manchester Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Malamutes and Manchester Terriers?

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

    Manchester Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Easier to Train than the Manchester Terrier?

    Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train.

    Manchester Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Better for Apartment Owners than the Manchester Terrier?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Manchester Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Manchester Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

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