PuppyBase

Alaskan Malamute vs Glen of Imaal Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Alaskan Malamute vs Glen of Imaal Terrier

You probably wouldn’t compare an Alaskan Malamute and a Glen of Imaal Terrier if you weren’t deep in the dog world already. maybe you’re torn between a powerhouse and a pocket tank, or you love rugged looks but don’t know what kind of lifestyle you’re really signing up for. These two might share a beard and a stubborn streak, but they’re built for entirely different lives. The Malamute is a force of nature. Think sled-team muscle, thick double coat, and a love for snow that borders on obsession. They’re loyal and affectionate with their people, but they need space, cold weather, and serious daily exercise. Without it, they’ll redecorate your yard and howl just to fill the silence. They’re not the easiest to train, despite their intelligence. they’ve got opinions. And yeah, they shed. expect tumbleweeds of fur in spring. The Glen, on the other hand, is a quiet rebel. Low to the ground, bold but not loud, bred to go underground after badgers. They’ve got surprising strength packed into a compact body, but they’re happy with a good walk and some yard time. They’re more apartment-friendly, less destructive if left alone, and oddly cuddly for a terrier. Gotta love their “I’ll do it when I’m ready” attitude. If you’re hiking glaciers or live above the snowline, go Malamute. If you want a sturdy, affectionate dog for a suburban home or city apartment and don’t mind a little terrier sass, the Glen’s your guy. Here’s the real talk: Malamutes look like Instagram dreams but demand a full-time outdoor lifestyle. Glands need grooming, and both breeds can be stubborn, but the Glen will surprise you with his quiet loyalty. The Malamute will always remind you. he’s not a pet. He’s a partner. And he expects you to keep up.

Alaskan Malamute
Glen of Imaal Terrier
23–25 in
Height
12.5–14 in
75–85 lb
Weight
32–40 lb
10–14 yr
Lifespan
10–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#58
AKC popularity
#174

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Alaskan Malamute Glen of Imaal Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Glen of Imaal Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Glen
Trainability
Alaskan Malamute is easier to train (2-point difference)
Alaskan
Shedding Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Glen
Drooling Level
Alaskan Malamute drools less (1-point difference)
Alaskan
Watchdog / Protective
Alaskan Malamute is more protective (1-point difference)
Alaskan
The verdict

Choose the Alaskan Malamute if…

  • Active people
  • Cold climates
  • Experienced owners
  • You value trainabilityAlaskan Malamute scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value affectionate w/ familyGlen of Imaal Terrier scores higher here.
Alaskan Malamute Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Alaskan Malamute home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run