Certain dog breeds can very easily be confused, mostly due to their appearances and habits, like the Alaskan malamute and Siberian husky.The American Kennel Club has identified each of the husky and malamute, who has an appearance similar to wolves but has different characters. It is, however, true that the Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute have many features in common.Both of them are well adapted to the extreme climatic conditions, good at doing hard work, have too much energy, and are very smart animals. The Siberian husky, which ranks 14th amongst AKC identified breeds in popularity, originated from Siberia. The Alaskan malamute, who ranks 58th originated from Alaska.Both breeds are from places that have extreme winters and freezing conditions. They were originally used by the local people of Siberia to transport food from different places. Along with the malamute and husky, the samoyed and the chinook are also considered the most commonly used sled dogs. They are medium-sized working sled dogs. These sled dogs are highly intelligent, and you can easily train them and make them perfect for their role. Sled dogs are trained in such a way that they can easily follow verbal commands provided. The Siberian husky is medium-sized but has great strength. A Siberian husky is an athletic dog and graceful with high endurance and an eagerness to work. The Alaskan malamute is also known to be a sled dog. It has been recognized as one who can pull more than 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) of heavy sleds for a short distance over snow. The malamute is the workhorse of the sled dog world. Sleds are usually used in the Alaskan region. A healthy Siberian husky produces about 4-6 puppies in a litter. Puppies grow fully within 15 months. The female Siberian huskies weigh on an average of 35.2-50.7 lb (16-23 kg), and the males weigh on an average of 44.0-57.3 lb (20-26 kg). The female Alaskan malamutes weigh 70.5-83.7 lb (32-38 kg), and the males weigh on an average of 79.3-94.7 lb (36-43 kg).After you have read about the differences between husky and malamute, also check out the most stubborn dog breeds and cheap dog breeds.What’s the difference in their coats and markings?Have you ever compared an Alaskan malamute vs Siberian husky? These dogs are adorable, and among them are two popular breeds that we’re going to discuss, the Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute. Both of these have double and thick coats and are treated by breed for working purposes while being at low temperatures or cold climates, according to which, their coats can ensure adequate warmth. However, a malamute has longer hair compared to its counterparts the Siberian husky.Huskies and malamutes both have similarities in color, which ranges between white, gray, black, and rust. Although, these color ranges have few differences subtly including their markings. Huskies, during their young age, have a contrasting and bolder color that fades as they age. Many of these breeds appear with face markings resembling a sort of white mask on their face that goes around their eyes or over them to the downward parts of their noses.Additionally, both Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute have underbellies that are white-colored. Observing their tails will conclude their differences as huskies have tails that are brush-like and point downward while malamute has tails like bushes.Malamute And Husky SimilaritiesThese two breeds are generally from a working background and are very energetic in nature. The high energy levels in them require exercise every day. They are friendly and have a loving, affectionate, and caring nature. Both of them have similarities in their appearances and can be considered brothers, where the Alaskan malamute is taller and chunkier.Both of them have got a double coat with thick fur. Members of their breed shed their double coat fur once during the fall and another time during the spring. Their double coat of fur is thick when the comparison is made with several different dog breeds. The double coat consists of two layers one is the dense, finely wavy undercoat, and another is the topcoat. The double coat offers the dog protection from chilly Arctic winters and also helps protect from sun rays during the summer. They have high prey drives and thus, should not be kept with any other type of pet. They always require strong dog owners whom they respect as the pack leader.Difference In Their Care And GroomingMalamutes are higher maintenance than the Siberian husky.Since malamutes have thick coats, these dog breeds require brushing on a daily basis. This breed needs to be bathed every eight weeks. The frequency of bathing gets increased if people show them Subsequently, huskies too, need brushing but weekly, which sounds like a lot of brushing when in comparison to malamutes. Huskies have a habit of self-cleaning, for which they need bathing just two or three times in a year as compared to malamutes.Both huskies and malamutes have some periods every year when their undercoat entirely undergoes shedding. This period, which is known as blowing the coat, which takes the shedding process to its extreme level. Although brushing more frequently might help the hairs to shed in a controlled way, but sometimes this shedding becomes inevitable for both breeds. Huskies are very stubborn, and they have acquired this stubborn character genetically.The Features Of The Alaskan Malamute Vs Siberian HuskyThe breed of a husky and malamute have another noticeable difference in their Siberian and Alaskan forms, respectively, perhaps their sizes where the latter is bigger as in a lot than the former.An Alaskan malamute vs Siberian husky according to the American Kennel Association, the height of huskies stand between 20-24 in (50.8-60.9 cm) tall. Usually, female huskies are smaller than male ones. Their weight varies from 35-50 lb (15.9-22.7 kg) in females and 45-60 lb (20.4-27.2 kg) in males. The height of malamutes isn’t much higher or taller as it ranges from 23-25 in (58.4-63.5 cm) tall. Huskies are surpassed by being bulky. However, female malamute’s weight varies about 75 lb (34 kg) and 85 lb (38.6 kg) in males, which is much higher in comparison to female huskies. It isn’t a mistake counting the malamutes twice heavier as in weight than huskies making them more of a burlier cousin by a long shot. The Siberian husky can combine power, endurance, and speed.Both of these dog breeds have a white face that has a mask-like appearance with dark vertical lines. Additionally, the Siberian husky has a finer and thinner face than the Alaskan malamute, with a wide head. This difference can be noticed through their structures. Also, the ears of both breeds give away another characteristic of appearance having medium-sized ears, but this differs being bigger in the huskies significantly. Although, the Alaskan malamute has smaller ears proportionally to their enormously big head.The Personalities Of These Arctic DogsThe Alaskan malamute and Siberian huskies have some differences when we compare their temperament. But, first, let’s speak about what common attitudes these dogs have.Malamute and huskies have a sociable nature as they are usually pack orientated. They love family. They’re generally attention seekers and are very friendly towards human beings. They are loyal. Family participants can assume that they’ll surely get a variety of cuddles from those dogs. They’re rather wise canines, creative, and even independent. Training any of these dogs will be an exciting experience.A malamute tends to be a greater dignified creature when compared to huskies. With this mindset comes an aloofness and sometimes aggression around different dogs, especially those who are of the same sex. They have behavior differences as they are generally found in packs, and it’s the breed’s strong pack nature. They are a very active species and they love doing physical exercise. Many physical activities like running, walking, fetching, and chasing. It is good if you provide them with 80 minutes of physical exercise daily.Feeding A Husky Vs Feeding A MalamuteDog breeds need complete nutrition, which optimally supports their daily requirements and the production of energy for their body. Huskies and malamutes, both of these dog breeds, require food of good quality and should be enriched in protein, contain moderately high fat, and their meals should contain low carbohydrates, which will fulfill their needs.Huskies and malamutes require a very small amount of food. Their size is very big, but the amount of food they require is small. Their metabolism rate is very high, thus the small amount of meal that is rich in nutrients helps them inadequately supply their nutritional needs, which in turn provides them with energy. Their food should primarily include fish, fowl, or any other grassland animals, which will act as the protein base. Whole meat sources should be given to them, which will be a rich source of fat. The use of a complex carbohydrate source, like legumes, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, should be present in their meals. Corn or wheat should not be included in the husky’s diet. They should also be given dog-safe herbs, which they require for digestion or to immune their system support and provide energy. The use of natural sources should be done to provide for their vitamins, minerals, and supplements.Both of these dogs need a higher than average protein amount in their diet. In case you are feeding kibble, the protein content material needs to be near 30-40% (relying on the activity of the dogs). The fat content of the material needs to be approximately 18-20%. The source of the best proteins for Arctic dogs usually comes from plenty of fish and bird-based foods. Red meats like beef, lamb, or bison also represent a smaller percentage of their protein intake.Which of these northern breeds is prone to more health issues?Though we do not have any control over dogs from getting sick, you may at least check and choose dogs that do not get ill easily. Huskies and Alaskan malamutes are regularly checked for various health issues that are related to chronic or genetic issues. Though this doesn’t mean that later in their life, any illness would not come up.If we consider both breeds, the huskies and malamutes, the dog breed that suffers from considerably lesser health issues are huskies. They only have a risk of having eye problems like cataracts. That can be avoided by having regular exams to catch up with them at a very early stage when they are developing. Huskies are working dogs, so they may face some hip issues at older ages like other dogs. Working dogs can perform many tasks when compared to any other pet dogs. Working dogs are very intelligent, watchful and alert, and easily learn things. Doing exercise helps them remain more active.Whereas, an Alaskan malamute can get various illnesses like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thrombophilia, hypothyroidism, and various other issues. They also get day blindness sometimes and even chondrodysplasia, which is dwarfism. Thus, you’ll find that huskies are better than malamutes when it comes to their health.Malamute Vs Husky TemperamentWhen considering the Alaskan malamute vs Siberian husky, it is seen that the Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies have the same temperaments. Both of them are good companions. They are very friendly with people who they don’t even know. It is good to keep them in your house. Huskies and Malamutes are not guarding dogs, although, they do have a loud voice.Both of these animals are considered pack animals, thus, they are very loyal as well as loving. We see an independent side of the Alaskan malamute, which tends to relish occasional alone time, and therefore are considered lower than huskies when they are kept as pets. They occasionally become aggressive when they face other dogs. But huskies, on the other hand, are peace-loving and try to spend most of their time with their family, which includes both human beings and even other pets. They do not like to be left alone.Which breed is right for you?Different dog breeds behave differently. But, the Siberian huskies and malamutes from Alaska are both affectionate and friendly. These breeds love running, love staying with their owner, and also love eating. This signifies their relative obedience while being motivated mostly, especially when food is involved. Malamutes are quiet and they do not bark or produce a lot of sounds usually, only while playing, eating, or running. Adult malamutes stay calm and happily lay with their owner while they relax. However, they are keener and actively stay with their owner and their family.Naturally, huskies are more friendly than malamutes. Huskies do have a drawback for befriending any random stranger while malamutes become aggressive or suspicious. Meanwhile, malamutes are more loyal to their owners than huskies. Huskies prefer to be with their canine pack, and malamutes prefer to stay with their owners. The husky does not get to be a good guard dog, but a malamute, through training, can become a good guard dog. Training is necessary for them. Unlike malamutes, huskies are much more intelligent than malamutes. Huskies are very friendly, and they stay happily with other breeds or other dogs of the same breed. Whereas Alaskan malamutes preferably stay with their owner. The friendly behavior of the Siberian husky makes them unaware of strangers, for which they get easily befriended by strangers.Are malamutes aggressive?We can say that Alaskan malamutes are not aggressive dogs. However, the nature of aggressiveness in dogs comes mostly from the style of their upbringing. Alaskan malamutes are loyal and are very calm animals when they are around children. They are good companions of human beings. When they see someone unknown, they become careful but don’t attack them first. Some Alaskan malamutes are aggressive towards other animals. Though they have a large size, and they bark, they are not necessarily guard dogs but become possessive of their family. Their size may surely scare anyone who is outside your house. They look like Arctic wolves and would easily distract anyone who has come to your house with bad intentions.Do malamutes have blue eyes?It is seen that both huskies and malamutes have striking almond-shaped eyes. Because both breeds have very beautiful eyes, this trait attracts more people towards them. Many people are not familiar with the breed of Siberian husky but are surely familiar with their striking blue eyes. You’ll find many tattoos of these dogs with blue eyes. Though all of them don’t have this feature, some of them have brown eyes as well. Some have one blue eye and the other a brown eye. Approximately 40% of huskies have brown eyes. This feature sets them apart from others.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for the difference between husky and malamute, then why not take a look at most friendly dogs or Siberian husky facts?
Certain dog breeds can very easily be confused, mostly due to their appearances and habits, like the Alaskan malamute and Siberian husky.
