Alaskan Malamute vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Alaskan Malamute vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonWest Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Alaskan Malamute is originated from United States. West Highland White Terrier may grow 34 cm / 13 inches shorter than Alaskan Malamute. West Highland White Terrier may weigh 29 kg / 63 pounds lesser than Alaskan Malamute. Both West Highland White Terrier and Alaskan Malamute has almost same life span. Both West Highland White Terrier and Alaskan Malamute has almost same litter size. Both West Highland White Terrier and Alaskan Malamute requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Westie or Westy
Mal and Mally
Colors Available:
White
gray, white, black
Coat:
‎Double
double
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

west highland white terrierThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

alaskan malamuteAlaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

Description

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

alaskan malamute puppy - descriptionAverage weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

Characteristics

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

alaskan malamute dog - characteristicsAlaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

Health Problems

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

alaskan malamute puppies - health problemsUsually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Feeding Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute dogs - caringFeeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Alaskan Malamute vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Alaskan Malamute vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Alaskan Malamute vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Alaskan Malamute vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Alaskan Malamute vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Alaskan Malamute vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Alaskan Malamute vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Alaskan Malamute vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Alaskan Malamute vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Alaskan Malamute vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Alaskan Malamute vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Alaskan Malamute vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Alaskan Malamute vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Alaskan Malamute vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Alaskan Malamute vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Alaskan Malamute vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Alaskan Malamute vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Alaskan Malamute vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Alaskan Malamute vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. West Highland White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. West Highland White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. West Highland White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. West Highland White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. French Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Beagle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Yorkshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Poodle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rottweiler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Boxer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. English Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Siberian Husky vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Doberman Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. American Bully vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Abruzzenhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Affenpinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Afghan Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Aidi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Airedale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Akbash Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison