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One decision you may find yourself making is between the Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky when finding one of the sled dog breeds to be a part of your family. Both breeds are known for their strength, endurance, and loyalty, which are the main reasons why many people want such breeds in their families. Although they are so similar, these two breeds are different in terms of personality and requirements, making them suitable for different types of families and lifestyles. This book will outline the main differences between the Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky to help you decide which one is right for you.
Origin History of Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky
Originally bred from various origins, the Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky are unique breeds. The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds. Originally bred by the Mahlemut tribe in Alaska, they were specifically developed to pull heavy sled loads over long distances. Big on power, these dogs were used in transporting supplies and hunting, hence the want for working animals that could efficiently perform this type of function.
Originating from northeastern Siberia, the Siberian Husky was bred by the Chukchi people for pulling lighter loads for long distances with speed. Huskies helped in transporting goods and people across icy tundras. Both breeds were bred for pulling sleds, but the Alaskan Malamute is stronger, while the Siberian Husky is faster.
Size and Physical Appearance
One of the most striking differences between Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky is their size. They are bigger and more muscular. Males weigh between 85 and 100 pounds, while their female partners weigh between 75 to 85 pounds. The height of a Malamute reaches approximately 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder. Malamutes are constructed for strength with a broad chest, strong bones, and a heavy, thick coat that defends against the extreme climate of the Arctic.
In contrast to the Malamute, Siberian Huskies are more slender and slighter in build, weighing around 45 to 60 pounds for males and 35 to 50 pounds for females. They’re more at a height of between 20 and 24 inches tall, making them a slightly more medium-sized dog. Their overall build is leaner and more streamlined as compared to the Malamute. Although both breeds have double coats, the Huskies are rather a bit shorter and softer, and they are frequently distinguished by their striking facial markings and bright blue or multi-colored eyes.
Coat and Grooming Needs
An Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky have thick, double coats which are their primary protection against cold. Their outer coat is longer, coarse, and more dense, whereas the undercoat is dense and woolly. As a result, Malamutes tend to shed out a lot of fur requiring regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Regular brushing is essential in the care of this thick coat and to regulate the number of hairs that fall inside.
Siberian Huskies have a short coat but are not exactly easy to groom through heavy shedders. Malamutes are heavy shedders and need regular brushing to keep them healthy and prevent shedding around the house. Huskies shed twice a year. Brushing weekly will keep their coat intact. To summarize, Malamutes require just a bit more of that, but both breeds require regular grooming for their coats to be up to par.
Temperament and Personality
Alaskan Malamutes vs Alaskan Husky breeds have different personalities, for which they suit distinct types of owners. The independent loyalty of an Alaskan Malamute towards family and strictness towards strangers make them rather reserved towards unknown people. Malamutes may even be a little tricky and will respond well only to a patient owner with experience. They are more protective and may reveal territorial instincts, so they should go well with families having older children who will respect their boundaries.
On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are friendly and very social with a playful temperament. They are more outgoing and generally good with strangers and other pets, making them suited for families with children or other pets. Another way that Huskies have a mischievous streak and love an adventure. They love lots of interaction and mental stimulation so will not remain happy in isolation and may become bored and destructive if these needs are not met.
Exercise Requirements
One of the very important things you have to consider when choosing between Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky will be their exercise requirements. Both are high-energy dogs that have a great amount of physical activity. However, Alaskan Malamutes are built for strength and endurance and not speed so are suitable for other exercises such as hiking, weight pulling, and lengthy walks. They need to be exercised because of their weight and power. It will help them feel full and avoid monotony.
Since Siberian Huskies were bred to run long distances at a swift pace, they do best if their lifestyles reflect this. They love to run, play, and participate in agility sports. These breeds also have strong prey drives and a tendency to roam, so it is very important to have a secure fenced yard. Both breeds are exercised and mentally challenged every day, but Huskies are so infamous for escaping that they should never be left unattended outside.
Training and Intelligence
Both of these breeds are of a very highly intelligent nature but may be stubborn and independent-minded. The independent nature of Alaskan Malamutes can make them a bit resistant to training. Independent-minded and demanding an authority owner with experience in handling such a breed, the Alaskan Malamute requires consistency and positive reinforcement when training a dog, as it may become willful when not controlled.
Siberian Huskies are also independent but generally more social and easier to train compared to Malamutes. Although they may be relatively easy to train than the Malamutes, they tend to get very distracted and so seem more playful. Both breeds benefit well from early socialization and training. In general, a first-time dog owner will easily handle Huskies because of their friendly and adaptable temperament.
Health and Lifespan
Such breeds are also healthy but prone to certain health issues. Alaskan Malamutes tend to suffer from hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and polyneuropathy, the latter being a disease affecting nerve function. They naturally live about 10 to 14 years.
Some health issues of Siberian Huskies include hip dysplasia, conditions of the eyes such as cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). On average, Huskies live a year or so longer than Malamutes, with their average lifespan being around 12 to 15 years. Regular check-ups with the vet, a healthy diet, and suitable exercise will keep both breeds healthy and for a good long time.
Family Suitability
Among the considerations when deciding between an Alaskan Malamute and vs Siberian Husky, one of the major factors is family suitability. Alaskan Malamutes are great for a family who can accommodate a big powerful dog with a calm but independent temperament. They are best suited to a household without young children due to their size and strength, which may inadvertently cause harm during play.
Siberian huskies, however, make excellent family dogs with kids and other pets. They love to play and are interactive, friendly, and playful. They can do well if much is going on in the house, accompanied by people to interact with. A husky would suit an active family who likes to be outdoors and gives sufficient mental and physical stimulation.
Final Words:
Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky – Which Breed is Right for You?
It does come down to the type of life and experience you have with your family. Do you need a strong, loyal companion who will protect iyourfamily, or do you think that you would be content with a companion that is more manageable in size? But if you need a social dog playing and are active, then the Siberian Husky is good for you. Both breeds have some quality features, and they could be really good pets in specific situations, so be sure to consider your family’s needs before making your final decision.
Which one do you like the most between Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute?
Huskies are faster than malamutes, but malamutes are also built bigger and stronger than the two dogs.
How will you distinguish if the dog is a Husky or a Malamute?
Their difference, though, is the brilliance of the husky’s blue eyes. As for their faces, many huskies have markings that look like white masks with coloring around or over their eyes and down their noses. Malamutes usually possess more well-rounded, unmarked faces crowned by heart-shaped “caps” on their heads.
Are malamutes as hyper as Huskies?
Malamutes are generally calm, and they tend to be less hyperactive than a Husky. Malamutes may be more introverted and less likely to have high energy, a trait common in a Husky
