The terms Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute refer to well-known dog breeds.
Sometimes dog breeds are very similar to each other and if we talk about the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute they are two dog breeds that can be confused very easily.
Let us discuss in detail the major differences between the two types of dog breeds.
Key Takeaways
- Siberian Huskies are medium-sized, athletic dogs known for their speed and endurance in sledge racing.
- Alaskan Malamutes are larger, more robust dogs bred for strength and hauling heavy loads.
- Although both breeds appear similar, Huskies are more agile, while Malamutes have greater strength and stamina.
Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Huskies is a distinct breed of dogs originally bred for sled pulling in cold environments are smaller, faster, and have a more playful temperament. Alaskan Malamutes is also a distinct breed of dogs originally bred for sled pulling in cold environments are larger, stronger, and are known for their endurance and strength.
Siberian Husky can survive in harsh conditions and originated in eastern Siberia. It has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and are omnivorous animals.
Sometimes huskies appear with a brown eye and a blue eye, which is the most interesting feature of them all. This breed is a family man type of breed because they love to spend most of their time with family instead of being alone.
Alaskan Malamute on the other hand, is considered as the official state dog of Alaska. These dogs have a life span of 10 to 14 years. Malamutes have double coating on their body and they are larger in size as compared to the former breed.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Siberian Husky | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size and body coating | They have single coating on their body and are smaller in size | These are larger in size with bushier appearance due to double coating |
| Origination | As the name suggests, it originated in eastern part of Siberia | It is considered as the state dog of Alaska |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Ear size | Triangular ears with round tips | Very slight round tips on triangular ears |
| Eye color | They have stunning blue eyes | Alaskan malamute can have both brown and blue eyes |
What is Siberian Husky ?
The Siberian Husky is swift and floaty enough to carry light loads at high speeds. The Siberian coat is uniform over the entire body, somewhat soft and never rigid and has high ears that point straight upwards.
Male Siberian Huskies are 21 to 23½ inches long and weigh 45 to 60 pounds, while Siberian Huskies have brown or blue almond-shaped eyes. Sometimes huskies appear with a brown eye and a blue eye, which is the most interesting feature of them all.
Huskies need brushing once a week, which sounds a lot like that, but actually lags far behind compared to Malamute. But, the shower schedule is even better; Huskies are very self-cleaning and only need a few baths a year.
Huskies spend more time with their family members and do not like to be alone. The name of this dog suggests that the people of eastern Siberia are responsible for their creation and running is their favorite pastime.
These are very friendly dogs and love their family members, they do not stick to one person but love everyone around them. They can be recognized very easily as they keep their tail low most of the time.
What is Alaskan Malamute ?
The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, loyal and playful but respectable dog, distinguished by its well-angled tail, erect ears and plenty of bone. The average weight of a Malamute is 75 to 85 pounds which might differ in male and female Malamute.
Malamutes are sledge dogs which have very powerful shoulders and extremely dense and weather proof coating on their body.
But their almond-shaped brown eyes sparkle with affection, indicating that malamutes can mingle and enjoy themselves with their men when the workday is over.
The malamutes are larger in size and keep their tail erect or in upward direction most of the times. These are known to be originated in Alaska and they are also considered as state dog of Alaska.
Their appearance is bushier as they have double coating on them and marked by the presence of blue as well as brown eyes. Because of this heavy coating it is important to brush them daily to avoid any infection.
The owner is suggested to use conditioner and trim their nails regularly. These are extremely intelligent dogs and most suitable for guarding. These dogs have a life span of 10 to 14 years.
Main Difference Between Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute
- Husky’s tail is shown downwards whereas Malamute’s carry their tail on their backs which flutters in the air like feathers.
- Siberian Huskies are familiar with their stunning blue eyes. Huskies may have one blue eye and one brown eye, some may even have two brown eyes.
- Although Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute are both large dogs, the Husky is the smaller of the two by comparison.
- The Siberian Husky is lightweight and Malamutes do not prefer speed but endurance, so they are heavy-boned and have a well-muscled body.
- Siberian Husky’s ears are triangular and have rounded tips and Alaskan Malamute ears have very little rounded tips.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1790528/
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0038-1623617
Last Updated : 07 July, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
