I'm sure that many do not agree with this. Many could add other undesireable traits. Basically I feel its a matter of opinion and what one wants. From what I've been regularly exposed to the malamute cross was more hard headed and broader bodied. However this animal typically had a wolfier phenotype than the German Shepherd cross which was more tractable.
Some breeders have very strong preferences for one breed or another.
Mals possess great size, smaller ears, bushier coats, are more stubborn than GSDs and are less inclined as a breed to be watchdogs. Sibs are smaller, also possessing small ears and curly tails. Some breeders do not like the blue eye color which can emerge, while others love this feature. Sibes rarely suffer hip dyslplasia, which plagues both GSDs and Mals. Some people have discussed shyness with GSDs.