Friday

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

As a friendly and affectionate breed, Alaskan Malamutes’ hearts are bigger than their bite. They make great playmates, especially if it involves digging or tug of war. Malamutes are known for being curious, chatty companions, so get ready for a strenuous workout and an engaging dialogue. Full-grown, they typically weigh 75-85 pounds and stand 23-25 inches tall.

Alaskan Malamutes are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Alaskan Malamutes usually get along well with kids, especially if the children are older. This breed doesn’t make good watchdogs since they’re so friendly and affectionate, but they seek out companionship and love bonding with their closest people friends. They're fairly vocal dogs that bark regularly.

Aside from their favorite human, exercise is a Malamute’s best friend. They need at least an hour of hard exercise each day to avoid getting bored and into trouble. Malamutes love running, roaming around, and pulling (especially sleighs and wagons), but walking them on a leash can be challenging because of their size. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Malamutes have a double coat of thick, coarse hair on the outside and greasy, dense hair underneath. They’re usually pure white or a mix of white and grey, black, red, or sable. Malamutes grow their coat in winter and shed frequently, especially when the weather warms up in spring. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Alaskan Malamutes are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. Malamutes don’t mind being outdoors, as long as they get enough human attention. So big yards and tall, deep fences are a must. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.