Alaskan Malamute vs Whippet

Which dog breed is right for you?

Alaskan Malamute

Size
75–100 lbs, 23–25 in
Lifespan
10–14 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Affectionate Strong Playful Enduring

Whippet

Size
25–40 lbs, 18–22 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Quiet Affectionate Athletic

About the Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, developed by the Mahlemut Inuit people of northwestern Alaska for hauling heavy loads across vast frozen landscapes. These powerful dogs stand 23–25 inches tall and weigh 75–100 pounds, with a sturdy, well-muscled frame built for endurance rather than speed. Their dense double coat — featuring colors like gray-and-white, sable-and-white, and all-white — is designed to withstand temperatures well below zero.

Temperament & Personality

Malamutes are friendly, affectionate, and pack-oriented — they thrive on human companionship and genuinely love being part of the family. Unlike their Husky cousins, Malamutes tend to be more calm and dignified, though they retain a playful streak well into adulthood. They are generally good with children but possess a strong prey drive toward smaller animals, and their pack mentality can lead to dominance challenges with other dogs.

Pros

  • Affectionate and people-oriented — they adore spending time with their family
  • Excellent hiking and outdoor adventure companion with remarkable endurance
  • Friendly disposition toward humans, including strangers
  • Strong work ethic makes them excel in weight-pulling and carting activities

Cons

  • Extreme shedding — the dense undercoat blows out twice yearly, producing massive amounts of fur
  • Not suited for warm climates and can overheat easily
  • Notorious escape artists — they can dig under or climb over fences
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and hypothyroidism

Looking for a loyal adventure partner? Check out adoptable Alaskan Malamutes on Puplister and start your journey together.

About the Whippet

The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours.

Temperament & Personality

Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise.

Pros

  • Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housemates
  • Short, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
  • Gentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years

Cons

  • Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including cats
  • Thin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapes
  • Cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear you
  • Susceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias

Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Alaskan Malamute and a Whippet?
The Alaskan Malamute is 75–100 lbs, 23–25 in sized while the Whippet is 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in sized. They differ in size (75–100 lbs, 23–25 in vs 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in), lifespan (10–14 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Alaskan Malamute or Whippet?
Alaskan Malamute is generally good with kids. Whippet is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Alaskan Malamute or Whippet?
The Alaskan Malamute has a lifespan of 10–14 years while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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