The Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They look similar, but there are many differences between them. The Alaskan Malamute is larger and heavier than the Siberian Husky. It has long fur and a thick coat.
If you’re looking for a dog breed that is loyal, energetic, and fun to be around, huskies and malamutes might be the breed for you. They are known for their wolf-like appearance, husky eyes, heavy coat, large size, and aloof temperament. These breeds have long been favorites of sled owners who love their versatility. However, huskies and malamutes have become more popular as family pets in recent years.
But if you’re considering getting one of these puppies as a family member or co-pet, you may wonder what the Husky vs. Malamute difference is. This blog will help you better understand the Husky vs. Malamute differences so that you can make an informed decision before bringing a Husky or Malamute home as a family member or pet.
What Is A Siberian Husky?
A Siberian husky is a breed of dog originally bred by the Chukchi people of Eastern Siberia. These huskies are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them ideal for working in huskies’ high-energy lifestyle. Siberian huskies were used by the Chukchi people as sleds for thousands of years, helping them to follow their nomadic lifestyle.
They became famous when they were exported to Alaska in 1908 as sled dogs during the gold rush. These huskies were known for their endurance and hardiness and could run long distances without stopping. Their high energy and eagerness to please made them great sled dogs and prone to overexerting themselves. This can lead to health issues such as bone malformation and hip dysplasia. Today, Siberian huskies are famous because of their beautiful appearance and temperament. They are commonly seen in dog shows, sled dog teams, and husky sled races.
What Is An Alaskan Malamute?
Alaskan malamutes are a breed of dog with a long history in sled dog racing and hauling heavy loads through arctic climates. They are large, heavy-boned, and have robust, deep-chested, and strong-shouldered bodies. Alaskan malamute puppies are born with brown, tan, or black coats and may have white, gray, or brown markings.
Alaskan malamute puppies grow to be around 60 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 75 and 130 pounds, though some larger malamute breeds can weigh up to 150 pounds. Their eyes are a brown color, with a distinct husky dog eye. Alaskan malamute temperament is gentle but can be aloof with strangers.
Alaskan malamutes are not hypoallergenic, so people with allergies should avoid them. The American Kennel Club is the AKC breed club for the Alaskan Malamute, and Alaskan malamute puppies can be obtained from reputable breeders or rescued from shelters.
Alaskan malamute clubs can provide information about training and health issues and offer socialization opportunities for puppies and adults. With their endurance, huskies make great family dogs, but Alaska malamute owners must be prepared to devote time to training their pups.
Husky Vs Malamute – All 10 Differences Explained
The Alaskan Malamute also has a long rectangular shape with a slightly arched back and sturdier build. The Siberian Husky has a more rounded frame, shorter coats, and thinner hair. The Alaskan Malamute is known for its loyalty and intelligence, whereas Siberian huskies are known for their athleticism, energy, and agility. The Alaskan Malamute is more active than the Siberian Husky.
Another difference is coat color. Malamutes usually have brown coats, while huskies have white coats. Finally, the temperament of Alaskan malamutes also differs from that of Siberian huskies. The Alaskan Malamute is more loyal and obedient than Siberian huskies. It is considered a good family dog, whereas huskies are suitable for working or sledding due to their athleticism, energy, and agility. Here are 10 differences between Husky vs. Malamute.
1.Origins Of The Husky And Malamute
The Husky originated in Northeast Asia and was bred by the Chukchi people as a sled dog. The Alaskan Malamute was bred by the Mahlemut, an Inuit tribe in Alaska. To protect from polar bears and hunt seals. The Chukchi Tribe bred the Siberian Husky in Russia to haul light loads over vast expanses of land.
The Alaskan Malamute was essential to the survival of the Mahlemut tribe as it helped them with everything from hunting animals to pulling sleds. These dog breeds are popular for their brave personalities, making them ideal companions for those who seek a powerful yet intelligent dog breed.
The Huskies are highly social animals that thrive best with plenty of stimulation and exercise. As long as they receive early training, they make wonderful family pets, but they can be aggressive with other dogs. These dog breeds are popular for their strong work ethic, making them excellent working dogs.
Huskies owners must give them plenty of exercise due to their high energy levels, or they can become destructive. Despite their dog breeds popularity and appeal, huskies still need to be protected due to population declines and insufficient gene conservation efforts.
2.Size And Weight Differences
The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed that can reach heights of 25 inches and 85 pounds for males and 23 inches and 75 pounds for females. These dogs have long, flowing fur that can turn silvery white with age. They are popular for their intelligence and hardiness, making them the ideal dog breeds for outdoor activities such as hiking, sledding, and dog sledding.
Siberian Huskies are a medium-sized breed, with males reaching 23.5 inches and 60 pounds and females reaching 22 inches and 50 pounds. These dogs have thick coats of long, wavy hair that can be either white or brown. They are popular for their intelligence and playfulness, making them perfect family dogs.
3.Coat Color Variations
The Husky and Malamute are two dog breeds that share many similarities but have distinct characteristics that make them unique. Both breeds have long, double coats that can be made up of different types of fur, such as long silky fur or short, dense hair.
However, the Husky has a shorter coat than the Malamute. The huskies’ coat is usually white with pigment around their eyes and nose, which fades with age and results in a solid color.
Alaskan malamutes only come in black, light gray, and shades of red. However, the Husky can be found in various coat colors, including blue, brown, silver, and sesame. Siberian Huskies have more color variations than malamutes; they can come in albino, brown spotted, and other unique color combinations.
4.Distinctive Facial Features
Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are dog breeds popular for their distinctive faces and coat colors. Both breeds have a long, double coat that can be brown, black, or white. The Huskies have a dense, heavy coat, while the malamutes have a longer, thinner coat.
Alaskan Malamute fur is typically thicker than that of the Huskies. The Huskies have pointed ears and a muzzle more pointed than a malamute’s. Alaskan Malamute fur has a square muzzle with a broad head, distinguishing it from the husky breed’s round muzzle.
Malamutes tend to have brown eyes, while huskies typically have blue eyes. Huskies are slightly smaller than malamutes but possess similar physical characteristics, such as a long coat and muscular body. Despite these differences, both breeds make great family dogs due to their loyal and playful personalities. They make excellent companions for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and sledding.
5.Temperament Differences
Huskies are famous for being more independent and content with spending time without humans than Malamutes. While Malamutes are typically more loyal to their owners and the pack leader, Huskies can be aloof and independent.
They can be difficult to train, making them challenging to care for. Huskies are generally more intelligent than Malamutes s, but the two dogs can be collusive if given the opportunity. These two dog breeds have distinct personality traits that make them unique and memorable companions.
6.Exercise Requirements
Huskies and malamutes are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These dogs have a long history of working in various capacities, such as sledding, hunting, and guarding. Both huskies and malamutes have different exercise requirements.
Huskies require around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. Alaskan malamute puppies need up to 90 minutes of exercise daily to release pent-up energy and stimulate their minds.
However, these dogs can have different exercise requirements based on their breed. For example, people mainly used Siberian huskies for long-distance running and speed, which required intense exercise to release energy. On the other hand, breeders bred Alaskan malamute puppies for different purposes, resulting in different exercise needs. Activities such as jogging, training, or meetups with other dogs can benefit both breeds.
7.Cost Differences
Alaskan Malamute puppies can cost between $500 and $2500 (US dollars) depending on the breeder, the parents, and the coat color. This can be costly, but it can be worth it if you are looking for a reliable guard dog or family pet.
Siberian Huskies can have a similar cost range of $500 to $3000 (USD) depending on coat color and eye color. The average cost of an Alaskan Malamute is typically higher than a Siberian Husky due to the Malamute’s larger body size and strength.
However, specific coats and eye colors in either breed can cost more than others. Overall, it is essential to research before purchasing a dog breed, so you can decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and needs.
8.Popularity And Recognition
People popularly use Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies as sled dog breeds. Both dogs have a loving and friendly temperament and make excellent family pets. Malamutes are popular for their thick double-layer coat, and huskies for their agility and speed. According to the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds, Alaskan Malamutes s are more popular than Siberian Huskies in the United States.
The country ranks the Alaskan Malamute as the 10th most popular breed, while it ranks the Siberian Husky at number 23. There are numerous similarities between Malamutes s and huskies, such as their double-coated coats, but differences make each breed unique and special.
9.Wolf-Like Behavior
Huskies and Malamutes are dog breeds with a common ancestry with the wolf. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and easy to care for. Huskies are more tolerant of other dogs than Malamute puppies and can be aggressive.
Huskies and Malamute puppies require different levels of exercise and movement, with huskies requiring a higher level of speed-based exercise than Malamute puppies. And, Huskies and Malamute puppies differ in color and eye color, with huskies having blue eyes and a more comprehensive range of colors than Malamute puppies.
Huskies and Malamute puppies have some distinct physical differences from one another. While both dog breeds share a common ancestor with the wolf, huskies tend to be larger, have longer hair, and have more grooming requirements than Malamute puppies.
However, both breeds are highly social animals that need plenty of socialization as puppies grow up. Owners need to provide them with this critical early socialization.
10.Grooming Needs
Both huskies and Malamute require grooming to maintain their coat and ensure it is healthy and pests-free. Regular grooming can help prevent skin disorders in both breeds, such as dryness and itchiness. Both huskies and malamute coat requires brushing two to three times a week to help remove dead hair and keep the coat healthy and clean.
During springtime, huskies and Malamute will shed heavily, requiring daily grooming to ensure the coat looks its best. Bathing more often than once a month can damage the balance of natural oils in their coat, leading to dry and itchy skin.
To keep huskies and malamutes looking their best, owners must regularly groom them with a brush and a dog shampoo or conditioner and provide them access to a dog bath to help slough off the shedding fur. Regular grooming is essential for both huskies and malamutes to stay healthy and have a long lifespan.
Which Breed Is Right For You?
Malamute and Husky are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength. However, they must make reliable guards or watchdogs due to their aloof and independent personalities.
Both malamutes and huskies require assertive leadership and are not ideal for those seeking an ultra-obedient dog. Malamutes can be aggressive with strangers, so they may not be the best choice for households with frequent visitors.
Malamutes and huskies can be a great family and high-energy dogs that need regular exercise. Huskies are better at hunting and pulling sleds, while Malamutes are better suited for physical tasks such as sled racing. All things being equal, malamute owners can expect their dogs to have a longer lifespan than huskies.
Conclusion
The Husky and Malamute are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They have a long lifespan, working solid instincts, and an outer coat that protects them from the cold. While they differ slightly in temperament and size, these huskies and malamutes make loyal companions and outstanding sled dogs.
Their long coats protect them from the elements and double as insulation during the winter. They’re working animals with many exercise needs, so plan plenty of daily walks to keep them happy and healthy. If you’re looking for a dog breed that can withstand weather conditions, huskies or malamutes may suit you.