Thursday: How can I choose between an Alaskan Malamute and an American Akita?
What are the key differences between these two breeds, that should be one's deciding factors when choosing between Akita and Malamute?
Photo Credit: randihausken/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:
Answer by NatrGrrl
I have an Alaskan Malamute. He is wonderful. I won't pretend to know much about Akitas but Malamutes need lots of exercise and room to run run run. They are very intelligent so you need to puppy-proof your house, I even had to lock our fridge when mine learned how to open it. They shed a lot but are great dogs and wonderful with kids. Research both and pick one IF it is right for your family.
Answer by anwen55
Akitas do not need a great deal of exercise but will take as much you can give them. Neither breed is suitable for the novice. Both breeds can be dog-aggressive towards the same sex but both should be good with humans. Both breeds shed plenty! Both are Spitz breeds and therefore not the easiest to train, but it can be done with firmness and consistency.
The Malamute was bred to pull sleds, the Akita can – but only at his own speed and convenience!
The Akita should not be aggressive towards humans but will guard his people with his life if necessary and is totally devoted to his family.
My dog of a lifetime was an Akita – he broke my heart when he died and I doubt I'll ever own another one, he was irreplaceable.
Whichever breed you decide upon, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder who has temperament as a priority – both breeds are large, powerful and capable of inflicting a large amount of damage. The Akita also has a number of inherited health conditions (so do most breeds of course). You can maximize your chances of buying a healthy one by finding a knowledgeable, responsible breeder.
Answer by pyrothahitman
Akitas and Malamutes have different needs and personalities. Guess it depends on what ur looking for.
Answer by Spanish
There's a crossbreed called Alaskan Akita that has the traits of both dogs.
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Answer by The Legendary Masked
Be very careful about the source of an Akita puppy. Up to 10 or 15 years ago they were bred rampantly by puppy mills and genetic defects were ignored by those breeders. Some descendants of this are still being bred. OTOH, there were conscientious breeders and still are, but stay away from pet shop puppies. People slam backyard breeders, but good dogs can come from this type of program if it's well done.
In different parts of the country (USA) the appearance of the dogs can differ, with the West Coast looking more like the Japanese type and the East Coast varying more, exhibiting more of the mastiff and GSD traits.
Be wary of breeders advertising huge size, 135 or 150 lbs. this is too much weight for the bone structure and can lead to dysplasia or other health problems. It often comes from overfeeding puppies.
Inquire about the temperament of the parents. An Akita is a big, strong dog and is capable of doing serious damage.
If you can't handle a strong-minded dog an Akita isn't for you.
Hope some of this helps.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
wintersnight20 says
I just wanted to comment about my akita. They are wonderful, loving dogs and when raised right are just like big puppies. They don't do very well around small animals so a puppy would have to be raised with cats, etc to know better. They are extremely protective of their family and mine attacked a rottweiler because she felt it threatened us by growling. akitas don't shed much but blow their coat twice a year, this means all their fur falls out in clumps so don't be scared! I think malamutes and huskies do it too. One big factor is don't have either dog breed in a warm climate, their furs very thick. hope this helps a bit!