Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky

Both Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies are breed of dogs known for their strength and endurance, originally bred for hauling sleds in arctic conditions. However, there are quite a few differences between them.

Alaskan Malamutes are larger and typically more robust, designed for heavy load pulling. Their coats are thick and come in various shades of gray and white, sable and white, black and white, seal and white, red and white, or solid white.

Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are slightly smaller and faster, designed for long distance rather than heavy pulling. They have a variety of eye colors, including blue, brown, amber, or a combination. Their coats can come in all colors ranging from black to pure white, and there are many patterns in between.

Personality-wise, Alaskan Malamutes are independent, friendly, and loyal but can be challenging to train. Siberian Huskies are also friendly and somewhat independent, but they are known for being easier to train than the Malamutes.

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

The comparison of between the Alaskan malamute with. The Siberian Husky when you are considering your next dog? Are you aware of what the similarities and differences are? If not, read on as we go into the specifics of both these breeds that are renowned. The two breeds are old as the time itself and, as the well-known phrase goes “respect your elders,” since these two brave dudes certainly have earned (and have the right to command!) respect from you. Every one of them is just as stunning and gorgeous as the other even though it might be a shock to certain people, they are all extremely affectionate and sweet toward their families. Actually, they’re often mixed with each other, producing offspring called the Alusky.

Both of these breeds are extremely active dogs with a work background, and therefore they need to get the exercise they require, and they require more more than the average dog. They are Alaskan Malamute was originally used to pull sleds that were heavy due to his strength as well as Siberian Husky was a breed that is Siberian Husky was needed for the supersonic speed he could achieve.

Both are alike to one another in look and could be siblings and the Alaskan Malamute being the larger and more chunky sibling! The Husky is slightly more playful than the Malamute however, the Malamute is a superior guard dog. It is true that the Alaskan Malamute requires a bit more grooming than the Husky however, the Husky is less expensive to purchase.

If you’re looking to make a decision between the two breeds or looking to expand your knowledge of dogs Let’s break the ice and get right into the specifics of their similarities and differences.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky

Breed History

These two beautiful breeds have a common history and function, however with a an added geographic twist.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is the first freight vehicle. It was developed through members of the Mahlemut Tribe in North-Western Alaska over 4000 years in the past. He was designed to be an animal pack dog that was designed to pull massive weights over long distances. Also, they were designed to serve in the homes of the entire family after a long day working.

In recent years in recent years, the Alaskan Malamute is becoming more well-known in pop culture. In 1984, he was one of four pure-bred dogs chosen to be featured in US Stamps to commemorate the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) centennial celebration. In 2010, the Malamute was elevated to the position of being the the official dog for state of Alaska because of an initiative by students from a school. He is currently listed in the top 58 the most loved breed across America according to the AKC.

Siberian Husky

It is believed that the Siberian Husky is the first race car developed through members of the Chukchi Tribe from Russia many thousands of years long ago. They were developed to carry lightweight loads across vast areas of terrain in speeds that were at the pace of light (or at the very least, as quick that they were able to) and not tire too quickly. Like the Malamute Husky, the Husky was also popular as a pet for families that provided companionship to the entire family.

The Siberian Husky rose to fame in 1925 when an outbreak of the fatal Diphtheria erupted and a group of Huskies traveled 658 miles across frozen terrain in just five and one-half days to provide a life-saving remedy. Balto, who was the top dog during the final stretch of the race and is among the most admired and famous dogs ever. Since then, the Husky is among the most loved dog breeds in America and is ranked in AKC as the AKC as being the 14 the most loved breed.

Due to their popularity, they’ve been utilized in a variety of cross-breed initiatives with purebred dogs. A few examples of these Husky mixed breed dogs include those of the Pomsky as well as the Horgi, which is an amalgamation of the Siberian Husky and a Welsh Corgi.

Appearance

There’s no rivalry in terms of size between the two breeds of dogs that resemble wolves The Malamute is the winner with paws down. The Malamute weighs, in the average, around 100 pounds. At 35% less than the Husky can weigh up to 65 pounds. The Malamute can also measure up to 28 inches from its withers (paw from shoulder) in comparison with the Husky’s 23.5 inches.

Since it is the case that Malamute can be described as a massive breed and the Husky is a medium-sized breed This is an important factor to consider when you’re deciding one over the other. As a massive dog with plenty of brute force The Malamute is likely to not be a fan of living in an apartment.

Both breeds are alike in appearance when it comes to their body and face; not dissimilar to wolves however, they are more friendly! Both have straight, medium-length hair however, the coat of the Malamute is a bit thicker than that of the Husky which makes his appearance a little more floppy. Malamutes are available in light gray, black and a few shades of red, whereas Huskies are available in red, black and sable. They also come in agouti, sable and white.

Temperament

The Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky were breed to be part of a pack consisting of dog and to live with their owners and families. Both dogs are extremely loved and affectionate with their family after they have settled for the evening after a day of fun, they’ll jump onto the couch with you and beg for attention as well as cuddles, strokes and kisses.

But, the Malamute is known to be more distant to strangers, or people who he hasn’t yet accepted as part of the pack yet. However, the Husky is extremely social and is able to accept animals and humans alike. This is the reason why the Husky is known to be afflicted with fear of separation and doesn’t like being left alone for long periods of time.

Because of this distinction in their social interactions due to this difference in their sociality, due to this difference in their socialization, Malamute is a dog with more tendencies to guard in comparison to the Husky and, consequently, Malamutes are often excellent dog guards. The Malamute is a prey dog with a strong drive and has a lower tolerance to other animals, especially other dogs, while the Husky has a similar prey drive, but is friendly and well-behaved to other species. This is why it is the Siberian Husky rarely makes a great guard dog because they believe that everyone likes to play, which is great for families but isn’t a great protection against potential intruders. This makes them an ideal pet for families with young children or a family that has other pets.

Another distinction between the two breeds is that one of the main differences between them is that the Husky is generally louder in comparison to the Malamute. Both breeds bark and howl however the Husky is believed to be more chatty. One great example can be seen in the viral internet phenomenon Mishka the Husky Unfortunately, she crossed over the rainbow bridge in the last few days, but she’s an excellent example of how friendly and friendly the Husky is. She acted like her family members when they talked about her she has even stated “I love you” and “I want waffles”, visit her on YouTube to watch the hilarious clips she has posted!

The Malamute as well as the Husky are thought to be the “Houdini of Hounds’; If your yard and home aren’t dog-proof, they will escape. Trust me that I’m not saying they’ll just snooze around the property, they will be able to run through the streets for miles and miles on end. In fact, that’s the way they were bred to do! If you’re unable to protect your home from dogs, or even fence them in your backyard, then none of these dogs is the right one for you. The Husky is able to jump over the fence up to 6 feet! It is also recommended that neither of these guys are let off their leashes while in public, because they could perform an act of disappearance.

Another characteristic they possess as an inherent animal is the fact that they both dig huge pits and your yard will be awash with dirt mounds whenever they go to find the gold’ (probably not actual gold!) If you see the digging around in your yard, it’s likely that they are looking to escape or are simply frustrated. The ‘huge hole’ characteristic is exclusive to the two breeds. The majority of dogs are diggers however, these two breeds are the excavators of the canine breed..

Energy

In terms of exercise, they are both very similar They both require a lot and plenty of it! They’ll both require at minimum an hour of exercise every day however, this should not be just a 90-minute walk. They need to get rid of some serious heat by engaging in intense workouts. It could be tug-of war frisbee, frisbee, or dog agility classes to just a handful of.

Both benefit from being let off leash and able to run around to their hearts’ content, as they’re both dogs that sled! This will require secured and fenced in, so if you have a huge backyard, this will be ideal. If you don’t have an extensive yard, don’t worry you can find many doggy parks that are free or fields that you can lease for an hour only to be used for this!

They’re both working dogs that were designed to run for miles at a time , without fatigue and this desire to work is inborn and cannot be tamed to get it out from them. If they get bored, they’ll ruin anything they can get their hands on. This is why Malamutes as well as Huskies are rehomed for adoption more often than other breeds due to the fact that their owners are completely unaware of their need to exercise. If you aren’t able to provide them with the exercise they require, then neither of these breeds is suitable for you.

Training

Both the Malamute as well as the Husky both are smart breeds This is great because they can quickly grasp commands and, as long as you’re constant, they will adhere to the commands too!

Training in obedience is essential for this group of people So make sure that you’re in control. A strong mentality of the pack implies that they need an unambiguous leader If you aren’t able to assume the position or don’t believe you’ve earned the position then they’ll choose to assume the leadership role by themselves. This can cause problems with behavior and a sour mood, but it could cause a discontented family, which is why it’s essential to get the order of pecking established quickly.

If you are planning to train crate ensure that you have the correct crate for this breed , as Huskies require a medium-sized cage and Malamutes will likely require an XXL-sized Crate in the event of an massive Malamute.

It is also crucial to be social with the pups at an early age. Socialization is crucial because it helps teach your dog that humans as well as other animals aren’t threats and there’s no need to shield your dog from strangers. If you make every interaction enjoyable through positive reinforcement training your dog will develop into an obedient and happy dog. This is a little more crucial for the Malamute because his tendency to bark and be guarded are a bit higher than those of the Husky and the Malamute is more than other canines. If you are looking to reverse this issue in your Malamute and socialization training is the solution.

The Malamute is believed to be an extremely strong head dog and is much stronger that those of the Siberian Husky, so you might have more trouble working with the Malamute as opposed to the Husky. However If you’re having trouble in your training, whether because of stubbornness or other than that, it’s always recommended to bring your dog to obedience classes in which an experienced dog behavior therapy will evaluate your dog and help you through the training process.

Health

It is true that the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky have a lot in common and differ in regards to health. In general, however it is the Siberian Husky is generally more healthy than the Malamute from Alaska because the Malamute’s health tends to decline faster that the Husky.

It is recommended that the National Breed club recommends both dogs be tested for hip Dysplasia which is a condition that causes an irregular development of joints that may cause lameness in the joints or pain in the joints. The Club also suggests an Ophthalmologist examination that covers a variety of eye conditions, including Progressive Renal Atrophy, Cataracts and Day Blindness.

In addition to those concerns In addition, there are other issues too. Alaskan Malamute is also tested for Polyneuropathy which is a neuro-disease that can affect nerves. There are a variety of signs to look out for like the loss of function of their limbs, loss of coordination, inability to exercise, and the loss of muscle mass, to mention just some. The signs of this typically are seen in puppies between the age of 7-18 months. A reliable breeder will conduct an genetic test on the puppy to determine if the pup is affected by it.

Furthermore the Malamute is more likely to suffer with Von Willebrand’s Disease that results from a decrease in the amount of specific platelets in his blood. which means that the blood of the dog is not able to form clots. Chondrodysplasia is often referred to as dwarfism is a condition that can be observed in Malamutes, however it is typically discovered in the early months of the puppy’s life.

Nutrition

For nutrition in terms of nutrition, in terms of nutrition, the Alaskan Malamute will consume four cups of food per day while the Husky consumes 3 cups of food that is designedspecifically designed for active breeds such as those of the Husky. It is usually based on the size of the dog, so if you have a big Husky and a smaller Malamute, they could eat the same amount of food.

Always it is recommended to feed it is recommended to feed a high-quality food item is the best option to ensure your pet is in top shape. Make sure you keep in mind the amount of food items you give them since, despite being active they could gain weight quickly if they aren’t controlled.

Grooming

The grooming requirements of both the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky is similar. Both have an thick undercoat as well as an outer coat that is fluffy as such, and each breed should get groomed at least two or three times per week and possibly more. In the springtime, when the weather begins to get warmer and the temperature rises, the Husky sheds a lot and you should expect similar results for the Malamute. It is necessary to groom them every day to keep their coat in good shape for you and your family members.

Every dog needs to be cleaned at least once every month and more frequently than that can damage the balance of the natural oils that maintain their coats’ health and dry their skin out. This could cause flaky, itchy skin that can be extremely uncomfortable for their owners. However adventurous they may be likely to be dirty between baths, so they’ll require cleaning or freshening up once or twice a week. This can be done with doggy wipes, dry shampoo, or even doggy scents that can be purchased from the pet store near you.

In addition, since their undercoats are so thick and thicker than other breed, it is essential to make sure that after washing their coat, it is completely dried and rinsed in the event that the process isn’t done correctly, there is a possibility that mold could develop on the fur near their skin. This could cause severe skin problems that will require medical attention if left untreated.

Both of them are extremely demanding when compared to the typical dog in terms of grooming. Because of their extremely thick coats, the majority of owners of Malamutes and Husky owners claim that during the time of shedding, they take their dogs for a groomer professional as they can become unmanageable without. If you’re not a fan of hairy houses, then you should take this into consideration.

Puppy Price

If you’re still unable to choose which one to choose between Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky There is one more difference: the cost. The average of it is estimated that the Alaskan Malamute is priced at $1,500 while Siberian Husky is priced at $1,000. Siberian Husky is priced at $1,000.

Of course, this can vary depending on certain desirable characteristics, the reputation of the breeder, the show-quality/bloodline of the dog, or the location of the breeder to name but a few. For instance, if the dog has a unique color, or has different eyes (known as heterochromia) the chances are that he’s going to be priced higher than the other dogs.

In addition to the initial cost There are additional costs to think about, like the initial setup of owning dogs, for example collars, beds and ID tags as well as toys and so on. Additionally, there are regular Veterinarian examinations, medical insurance and the expense of his food, professional grooming and many more. The decision to have a dog is a huge commitment, and these dogs are a bit more expensive than the typical dog throughout the years.

Final Thoughts

They are truly incredible and both have an impressive background and a impressive professional career. They are truly the top of both words for dogs smart, intelligent and hardworking dogs who will also shower you with affection and love after you’re completed! They share many traits, but there are many differences.

The Husky is more prone to health problems, needs less grooming, consumes less, and the initial cost is lower. But, the Malamute is more confident and less likely to be affected by separation anxiety and is more intimidating and secure in comparison to the Husky.

Both require massive amounts of exercise, and can ruin your garden and home when left uninvolved. But, both are smart and can comprehend commands quickly If you train them properly and keep up with their requirements, none of this will be an problem.

With their wolf-like look, but softer and more fluffy, they can be head turners for all animals and humans alike. The Malamute is larger and is a more effective protector because of his tendencies to guard. If it’s an animal that you want to guard looking for, then the Malamute is likely to be the best choice. It’s the Husky. Husky can be regarded as a less sized breed that is more playful and more chatty as compared to the Malamute. If it’s an affectionate family member you’re looking for, the Husky is your best option.

When it comes to selecting an animal companion, the issue is not which dog is the best but which one fits your needs and lifestyle? The million-dollar question is: which dog has affected your emotions and thrust straight to your soul?

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