Comparison: Alaskan Malamute and American Akita

Alaskan Malamute and American Akita are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Alaskan Malamute
Photo: Carina Wicke Photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
American Akita
Photo: Cozmo, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Alaskan MalamuteAmerican Akita
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originUnited StatesJapan
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–71 cm–
Weight34–45 kg–
Life span10–14 years–
Recognition features
  • Larger and heavier than a Husky, muscular build
  • Broad head, brown eyes and erect ears
  • Plumed tail over the back, grey to black with white
  • Large, powerful dog with broad wedge-shaped head and small erect ears
  • Large well-furred tail carried over the back in one or two curls
  • Any colour including pinto and brindle; solid white dogs have no mask
CoatCoarse thick double coat; grey, black, sable, red with white.Double coat: thick, soft, dense undercoat and straight, harsh/stiff outer coat; any colour including pinto and brindle.
PurposeA working dog of the Mahlemut people of Alaska bred to haul heavy sleds.Large companion dog developed in the USA from Japanese Akitas; powerful and dignified.

Breed page: Alaskan Malamute · Breed page: American Akita

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.