East German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonAlaskan Malamute is originated from United States but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Both Alaskan Malamute and East German Shepherd are having almost same height. Both Alaskan Malamute and East German Shepherd are having almost same weight. Both Alaskan Malamute and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Alaskan Malamute and East German Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Alaskan Malamute and East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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United States
Germany
Height Male:
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 9
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Mal and Mally
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
gray, white, black
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Coat:
double
double, dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

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.

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

Description

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

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

Characteristics

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.

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

Health Problems

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.

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Malamute vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Malamute vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Alaskan Malamute vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaskan Malamute vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Alaskan Malamute vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Alaskan Malamute vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Alaskan Malamute vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaskan Malamute vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Alaskan Malamute vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Alaskan Malamute vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Alaskan Malamute vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Alaskan Malamute vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Alaskan Malamute vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Alaskan Malamute vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Alaskan Malamute vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Alaskan Malamute vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alaskan Malamute vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Alaskan Malamute vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison