Flat-Coated Retriever vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonFlat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom but Alaskan Malamute is originated from United States. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Alaskan Malamute are having almost same height. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Alaskan Malamute are having almost same weight. Flat-Coated Retriever may live 5 years less than Alaskan Malamute. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Alaskan Malamute has same litter size. Flat-Coated Retriever requires Moderate maintenance. But Alaskan Malamute requires High maintenance

History

flat coated retriever - historyThe Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

alaskan malamute - historyAlaskan 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
59 - 61 cm
23 - 25 inches
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Flatcoat, flatt, Flattie Flatte (Sweden)
Mal and Mally
Colors Available:
liver and yellow (blonde, black
gray, white, black
Coat:
double, glossy and smooth
double
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

flat coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

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

flat coated retriever dog - characteristicsThe Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

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

flat coated retriever puppies - health problemsFlat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

  1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
  2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
  3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
  4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
  5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

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

flat coated retriever dogs - caringHe will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.

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.

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