Against a snowy backdrop , it ’s sometimes a challenge to compare the Alaskan malemute vs. the Siberian husky . But you could do it : Malamutes are bigger and sport curlier tails while husky show off their hallmark striped brow and pointy , upright auricle .
Appearance aside , both mould breed are fantastically active , though huskies have a second more stamina . They also usually live longer than malamutes , but malamutes are , generally , a bit more focussed on their people .
Of course , both Arctic stock get into mischievous antics and share some ancestry , so it ’s no easy task to tell them apart . So let ’s mush on with a trio of expert :
Alaskan Malamute / Liliya Kulianionak / dien /Shutterstock / Siberian Husky / undefined / patrisyu / Getty
How to Tell the Difference Between an Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky
ocular stock identification is oftentimes a crap game , but make out the husky vs. malamute differences gets easier reckon on where you look . Start with the overall size before move to the ears , forehead , and rump . That should give you a reasonably honest melodic theme .
Appearance
Let ’s set out with the size , which might be the tell - tale clew for which pup you see before you .
build up : If you ever see ahuskyandmalamuteside - by - side , it ’s easy to see the long legs of a husky and the broader chest of a malamute . A husky ’s face is narrow , too , with ears perched more atop his head , compared to a malemute ’s ears that angle slightly more alongside her head , specially when she ’s feeling mellow .
Facial markings : Both bet like they have incessantly upgrade eyebrows , but most Siberian husky have a band — maybe an extension of muzzle color , usually bright white — that goes up the centre of their foreheads . Alaskan malamutes , meanwhile , have a forehead color , often fatal , that moves down toward their white snouts , forming a kind of arrow .
Alaskan Malamute / Liliya Kulianionak / dien /Shutterstock / Siberian Husky / undefined / patrisyu / Getty
butt : Both breeds ' tails are fluffy , but malamutes ' are curled while huskies ' are shaped like a brush .
Eyes : Siberian husky are more likely to have various tad of eye coloration , including amber , blue , and brown , while malamutes incline to have brown eyes . Eskimo dog might also sport one brown eye and one depressed or even half - dispirited and half - brown centre .
Fur coloring : Both the Alaskan malamute and Siberian Eskimo dog are drop - dead gorgeous , sashay about in their thick bivalent fur coats that " blow " twice a year — but reckon close to spot the differences :
Health
There ’s only a slim divergence in thelifespanof an Alaskan Alaskan malamute vs. a Siberian husky . They enjoy themselves for 10–14 and 12–15 long time , respectively , and remain rather goodish as long as pet parents only extend delicacy for specialtraining accomplishmentsand good dog deed .
Pam O’Connor , president of theDelaware County Siberian Husky Rescue , says Siberian huskies can have inherited defects of the eye , such ascataracts . " These can present 6–12 calendar month of age and may ask operation , " she says . " They might also be at risk forcorneal dystrophyandprogressive retinal atrophy . "
Alaskan malamute can be at risk forpolyneuropathy(PN ) andepilepsy . examination , which above - board stock breeder are required to do , can place PN , but epilepticseizuresare harder to retrace and are usually inherited . That ’s according to Julia Berquist , the public education death chair for theAlaskan Malamute Club of America , and Alexis Smith , an officer with theMinnesota Malamute Club .
Both working breed are frequently at risk forhip dysplasia , a developmental condition .
" unseasoned pup should only walk on natural surfaces for shorter distances , " Berquist and Smith say . " They can beginharnesswork at an early age but should not pull substantial weights until their articulation have matured around 2 years old . "
They apprize consult areputable breederwho ’s completedOrthopedic Foundation for Animals hip testingto ensure the best likelihood of sizeable hip and joints in a matured dog .
Temperament and Personality
This is where you ’ll regain more similarities between malamutes and huskies . O’Connor says both Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies are independent thinkers . right socializationand consistentpositive support trainingare must .
" Pet parents require to be patient , have a sense of temper , and be capable the think outside the box seat when training their husky or malemute , " O’Connor says .
They ’ve also inherited unique survival ability , so prospective pet parents must be able to keep up with all therunning , carting , skijoring , hiking , snowshoeing , andbiking . Fortunately , they can often channel their ownwater bottlesand otherexcursion necessary .
However , Berquist and Smith say malamutes do have an off - switch not as easily throw on a Eskimo dog . " A person who is looking to enjoy the scenery , rather than a uninterrupted adrenaline rush , is going to be a better match for a malamute , " they say .
Both these pups have a bun in the oven plenty of personal aid , especially fromactive peoplewho need to explore the outdoors as much as they do . Because of this , neither dog should be lefthome alonefor long periods of time . If bored , they can become destructive .
Huskies might initially appear to be a tad more aloof , but O’Connor says they ’re rattling companions and commonly swallow dogs of both sexes into the category equally . Malamutes , Berquist and Smith say , are typically more people - orient and quick to flop on their back for never - ending belly rubs . So they might take consequence with dogs of the same sex competing for lap meter .
When it total to noise , both breeds have no issue say you on the nose how they feel all the time . Berquist and Smith say Alaskan malamutes are known for their typical " woo woo " ( likeWaya do here ) . Huskies , meanwhile , are more prone toscreams , howl , and chuffs .
Huskies and malamutes , however , do partake in several behaviors :
With a history of chasing nutrient and digging for protection , these Houdini hounds can labor or rise their elbow room out of your yard . Make indisputable you havesecure fencingand anupdated chip , and always keep them on a trio in public .
Both dogs can also get a little excited in the moment and could have a tendency tojump on people .
History of the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Dog Breeds
Their calls of the wild harken back to theirspitz ancestorstraveling the far - pass tundra of North America , Russia , and Scandinavia . Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies portion out apaleolithic wolf antecedent , but their history diverge from there .
The ancientMahlemiut Inuit tribebred malamutes to carry heavy loads on their wandering pursuance across the Kotzebue Sound , an area now part of northwest Alaska . Across the Bering Straight , the Chukchi — autochthonic people of Russia who inhabit far northeastern Siberia — uprise a cold - resistant dog that could haul sleigh and be honest kinsperson companions .
O’Connor say huskies were multiply to pull out lighter loads over longer distance , while Alaskan malamute carry heavier piles over brusk distances . Their speed differs , too .
" Huskies arefast . They ’re considered the sport cars of the mushing human race , " Berquist and Smith say . " Malamutes are the freight trucks . When bunk Alaskan malamute , one will note that instinctive preference for the ' malamute plod'—that slow , stiff speed — over sprinting . "
Husky or Malamute: Which Dog Breed Is Best for You?
no matter of which breed you prefer , you ’ll need to be an active , outdoor - centrical person who does n’t mindshedding , Berquist and Smith say , adding that a sense of humor will go a prospicient way with these sometimes - prankish pup , too . These are notcouch - potato dogs .
" Before welcome a dog into your abode , explore the strain and talk with those who own the stock , " O’Connor says . " Many dogs stop up in rescue or shelters because their owners were not fain to deal with the characteristic of the breed . "
If you really have no preference , meet your nearby breeder or rescue and meet the dogs in mortal . fall in honey with your newfangled dog or puppy might make the determination for you .
