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Alaskan Malamute vs Newfoundland vs Labrador Retriever

Three friendly breeds enter—one emerges as your best match. Use the trait grids below to spot practical differences in lifestyle fit.

Full body image of a Alaskan Malamute
size

Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs, weighing 75-85 lbs, with a height of 23-25 inches.

energy level

Alaskan Malamutes have a medium energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

exercise needs

Alaskan Malamutes need a significant amount of exercise, including daily walks, runs, and opportunities for play and exploration.

trainability

Alaskan Malamutes can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. Consistent, positive reinforcement and patience are essential.

intelligence

Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent dogs and excel in various dog sports and activities, especially those involving endurance and strength.

adaptability

Alaskan Malamutes can adapt to different living situations, but they need plenty of space and exercise to thrive.

with kids

Alaskan Malamutes are good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

with other pets

Alaskan Malamutes can get along with other pets, but their high prey drive may require caution around smaller animals.

in cold climates

Alaskan Malamutes are well-suited for cold climates, thanks to their thick, double-layered coats.

in hot climates

Alaskan Malamutes are not well-suited for hot climates and need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Alaskan Malamutes have thick double coats that shed heavily, especially during seasonal shedding periods.

grooming

Alaskan Malamutes require frequent grooming, including regular brushing and occasional bathing to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

Alaskan Malamutes bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Alaskan Malamutes may experience some health issues and require additional care and attention, such as regular veterinary checkups, preventative care, and potential medication or treatments.

Full body image of a Newfoundland
size

Newfoundlands are extra-large dogs, weighing 100-150 lbs, with a height of 26-28 inches.

energy level

Newfoundlands have a medium energy level and enjoy regular exercise, but they are not as demanding as some other breeds.

exercise needs

Newfoundlands require regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, to keep them happy and healthy.

trainability

Newfoundlands are intelligent dogs, but they can be independent thinkers, making training moderately challenging.

intelligence

Newfoundlands are intelligent dogs and are known for their problem-solving abilities.

adaptability

Newfoundlands can adapt to various living situations, but they need enough space to accommodate their large size.

with kids

Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and protective nature towards children, making them great family dogs.

with other pets

Newfoundlands generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized.

in cold climates

Newfoundlands are well-suited to cold climates due to their thick, double-layered coats.

in hot climates

Newfoundlands may struggle in hot climates due to their thick, double-layered coats.

shedding

Newfoundlands have seasonal shedding and require regular brushing to manage their thick coats.

grooming

Newfoundlands require regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional trims, to maintain their thick, double-layered coats.

bark tendency

Newfoundlands bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Newfoundlands may have some health issues, requiring regular veterinary checkups and preventative care.

Full body image of a Labrador Retriever
size

Sturdy and muscular, Labs weigh 55-80 lbs and stand 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

energy level

Labs are energetic and playful, always ready for adventure or a fun game of fetch.

exercise needs

Keep your Lab happy and fit with daily exercise like walks, runs, or playtime.

trainability

Labs are eager to please, making them a breeze to train for both beginners and experts.

intelligence

Quick learners, Labs excel at problem-solving and mastering new tasks.

adaptability

Labs adapt to various environments and lifestyles, from city apartments to country homes.

with kids

Known as gentle giants, Labs are patient, loving, and fantastic playmates for children.

with other pets

Friendly and sociable, Labs get along swimmingly with other dogs and even cats.

in cold climates

Labs' double coats help them handle cold weather, but they still need shelter and warmth.

in hot climates

Labs can manage hot climates, but provide shade, water, and avoid excessive exercise.

shedding

Expect Labs to shed, especially during seasonal coat changes. Keep that brush handy!

grooming

Regular brushing keeps Labs' coats healthy and controls shedding.

bark tendency

Labrador Retrievers have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.