Alaskan Malamute vs Yorkshire Terrier

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

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

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 Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Alaskan Malamute and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Alaskan Malamute is 75–100 lbs, 23–25 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (75–100 lbs, 23–25 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (10–14 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Alaskan Malamute or Yorkshire Terrier?
Alaskan Malamute is generally good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Alaskan Malamute or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Alaskan Malamute has a lifespan of 10–14 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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