Top 10 Companion Dogs For Malamutes (Compatibility Guide)

I know firsthand that these beautiful, strong, and intelligent dogs can make wonderful companions.

However, it’s essential to understand their unique temperament and find the right playmates for them.

In this article, I’ll share the top 10 breeds that get along well with Malamutes and provide essential information to help you decide which breed is perfect for your household.

Understanding the Malamute Temperament

Malamutes are a friendly, social, and loyal breed. They are known for their strength and endurance, which is why they were originally bred for pulling sleds in harsh Arctic environments.

Here are some key traits of Malamutes:

• They are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs.
• They are intelligent and can be independent thinkers, which may require patient training.
• They are high-energy dogs that need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• They can be stubborn and may not always respond well to harsh training methods.

Why Similar Dogs Usually Get Along Better

Dogs with similar temperaments, size, and energy levels tend to get along better. They have a better understanding of each other’s body language, communication, and play styles. When choosing a compatible companion for your Malamute, look for breeds that share these characteristics.

Top 10 Breeds That Get Along Well with Malamutes

1. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies and Malamutes are often considered “cousins” because they share a similar Arctic heritage and working background. They both have high energy levels, love outdoor activities, and have a strong pack mentality. This makes them great companions for each other.

• Closely related to Malamutes in both temperament and appearance
• High energy level and love for outdoor activities
• Strong pack mentality
• Excellent companions for each other due to their similar traits and shared Arctic heritage

2. Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan Husky is another breed closely related to the Malamute. They are a mix of various northern breeds, primarily used for sled racing. Alaskan Huskies have a similar temperament, size, and energy level as Malamutes, making them excellent playmates.

• A mix of various northern breeds, primarily used for sled racing
• Similar temperament, size, and energy level as Malamutes
• Both breeds have a strong pack mentality and enjoy each other’s company
• Excellent playmates due to their shared working background

3. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and highly adaptable. They have a similar energy level to Malamutes and enjoy outdoor activities. Their gentle nature and easygoing temperament make them great companions for Malamutes.

• Friendly, outgoing, and highly adaptable
• Similar energy level to Malamutes, enjoying outdoor activities
• Gentle nature and easygoing temperament
• Great companions for Malamutes due to their sociable and adaptable personalities

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are highly social dogs that get along with almost any breed. Their similar size and energy level make them a good match for Malamutes.

• Known for their friendly and gentle nature
• Highly social dogs that get along with almost any breed
• Similar size and energy level to Malamutes
• Good match for Malamutes due to their gentle temperament and love for play

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and protective. They have a similar size and energy level to Malamutes, which allows them to play and interact well together. Both breeds are highly trainable and can benefit from engaging in activities like obedience training and agility.

• Intelligent, loyal, and protective
• Similar size and energy level to Malamutes
• Both breeds are highly trainable and can benefit from engaging in activities like obedience training and agility
• Compatible playmates due to their shared intelligence and working backgrounds

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They have a calm and easygoing temperament that can balance out a Malamute’s high energy. Their similar size also helps them get along well.

• Gentle giants known for their friendly and affectionate nature
• Calm and easygoing temperament that can balance out a Malamute’s high energy
• Similar size, allowing them to play and interact safely
• Great companions for Malamutes due to their contrasting but complementary temperaments

7. Boxer

Boxers are playful, energetic, and friendly dogs that can match a Malamute’s energy level. They are bold and confident, which can help them establish a strong bond with a Malamute. Their similar size and love for outdoor activities make them great companions.

• Playful, energetic, and friendly dogs
• Bold and confident, which helps them establish a strong bond with a Malamute
• Similar size and love for outdoor activities
• Compatible playmates because they can match a Malamute’s energy and enthusiasm

8. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle, affectionate, and calm dogs. Their sweet temperament and large size make them a good match for Malamutes. They can provide a calming influence and help to balance out a Malamute’s high energy, while their size allows them to play together safely.

• Gentle, affectionate, and calm dogs
• Sweet temperament and large size make them a good match for Malamutes
• Provide a calming influence and help balance out a Malamute’s high energy
• Get along well due to their gentle natures and ability to play together safely

9. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active, and versatile dogs. They have a similar energy level to Malamutes and can keep up with their need for daily exercise. Their herding instincts and love for outdoor activities make them great companions for Malamutes.

• Intelligent, active, and versatile dogs
• Similar energy level to Malamutes, keeping up with their need for daily exercise
• Herding instincts and love for outdoor activities
• Great companions for Malamutes due to their shared love for exercise and mental stimulation

10. Akita

Akitas are large, powerful, and independent dogs that share a similar temperament with Malamutes. They have a strong pack mentality and can form a deep bond with their canine companions. While they can be more reserved than Malamutes, their similar size and energy level make them compatible playmates.

• Large, powerful, and independent dogs
• Strong pack mentality, allowing them to form deep bonds with their canine companions
• Similar size and energy level to Malamutes
• Compatible playmates due to their shared size, strength, and independence

Malamutes and Small Dogs

While Malamutes can get along with a variety of breeds, it’s important to consider their size and prey drive when introducing them to smaller dogs. Malamutes have a natural prey drive, which may be triggered by small animals like cats or small dog breeds. This doesn’t mean they can’t coexist, but extra care and supervision are required. Here are some tips for ensuring a harmonious relationship between Malamutes and small dogs:

• Introduce them gradually and under close supervision.
• Provide separate play areas or activities for the dogs if necessary.
• Use positive reinforcement and training techniques to teach your Malamute to respect and tolerate smaller dogs.

It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if you’re concerned about the compatibility between your Malamute and a smaller dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a list of recommended trainers that can help you address any issues.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right companion for your Malamute is crucial to ensuring a happy and harmonious household. The breeds listed above are known to be compatible with Malamutes, but every dog is an individual, so it’s important to consider your specific dog’s temperament and needs.

Remember to introduce new dogs slowly and under supervision, and consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist if needed. For more information on dog breeds and compatibility, you can visit reputable sources like PetMD and VCA Hospitals.

By choosing a compatible breed and providing a loving, well-balanced environment, you can ensure that your Malamute and their new playmate enjoy a happy and fulfilling relationship together.