Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - what's the difference?

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky: what’s the difference? Both intelligent, qualified powerhouses that were once bred for endurance across harsh ice deserts, these pooches are in fact different breeds. And despite their joint Spitz heritage, the Alaskan Malamute and Husky were bred from different corners of the world for slightly different purposes. 

While it can be hard to tell the difference between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky (just look at those piercing eyes, smushable double coat, and handsome faces - what’s a pooch lover to do?!), there are actually quite a few. So, if you’re thinking about adopting one of the two, pet sitting, or finding a sitter, this info on the difference between the two breeds might be handy. 

Is a Malamute a Husky?

The short answer? No. They’re different breeds. While they’re both from the Spitz family and are both Arctic working dogs (i.e sled dogs), they originate from different places, and have slightly different working histories. 

Difference between the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky history

When it comes to their origins, the Alaskan Malamute was bred to haul travellers (the Mahlemut tribe) and their heavy loads across long distances at a slow, steady speed. It’s thought that the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, and that they descend from wolves that spent their days pulling sleds filled with travellers from the Bering Strait and into North America.

Like the Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to work under harsh conditions on very little to eat. These working dogs were ‘part of the family’, as our pets are today, except they were allowed to hunt, carry packs, and of course, pull sleds.

These hardy pooches succeeded in their mission: to haul their Mahlemut tribe families to Northern America. During Alaska’s gold rush, the dogs were almost bred-out. There was a need for working dogs, so people bred dogs from outside of Alaska with the Alaskan Malamute to meet the demand. Fortunately, the breed managed to live on because of the dogs still living in remote areas with the Mahlemut tribe, who hadn’t been bred with other dogs. 

The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, is from Northern Asia. They were bred to run as fast as possible, carrying lighter loads than the Alaskan Malamute. In fact, they were well-known for winning sled races at the start of the 20th century, and according to the American Kennel Club, they’re the 14th most popular pet.

As the name suggests, these cuties were originally bred in Northern Asia to work on little food. One of the core aims of the travellers at the time was to find other food sources, which was scarce for them and their accompanying four-legged friends. These dogs were used to some of the harshest conditions around, and after years of breeding and conditioning, they became super efficient at ingesting and storing the energy they needed for their hard work and of course, to survive.

Both of these pooches are well adapted for working on little food across harsh, seriously cold conditions - ideal for sledding. The difference between their sledding abilities though, is that the Alaskan Malamute is able to haul heavy loads for long periods of time at a slow pace. The Siberian Husky on the other hand, was bred to carry lighter loads, but at a much faster pace.

Differences between Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky appearance

Alaskan Malamute vs. Husky size

​​Alaskan Malamute can grow between 22 and 25 inches tall, and can weigh between 70 and 94 pounds. Huskies are a little smaller, growing between 19 and 23 inches, and weighing between 35 and 59 pounds. And if you think about their heritage, it makes sense. The Husky was built for short, fast sledding journeys, while the Alaskan Malamute was built for the opposite: long journeys at slow paces, with heavy loads.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky coat 

While their markings have some similarities, the coat of the Siberian Husky is the same length all over and lays pretty smooth. The Alaskan Malamute however, has a longer coat over their shoulders, neck, back, and rump, with a coarser texture than their Siberian cousins. Both breeds have thick, double coats due to the cold conditions they’re well adapted for.

Both breeds tend to have similar colours, with a mix of black, white, grey, and sometimes rust. The more notable differences in their coats is probably their markings: Malamutes tend to have more of a mix of colours, fading between the two, whereas the Husky markings tend to be more defined. Both can have somewhat of a white heart shape on their faces, defined by a grey or black background with white underbellies. Their stunning markings can fade as they age, and tend to be most defined in Huskies during the (adorable) puppy years.

One more thing to note about these two cuties and their coats - their tails! Malamutes have pretty bushy tails which spill out into a feathery plume over their backs. Huskies on the other hand have a less bushy tail that points downwards.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky face and head

If you compared a picture of these two powerful pooches side by side, you’d also see quite a few differences in their facial features and head shape. The Husky’s muzzle is narrower than the Malamute’s, which is bulkier. When it comes to the ears, the Malamute’s point forward ever so slightly, while the Siberian’s point directly upwards. While Siberian Husky breeds are known for their piercing blue eyes, purebred Alaskan Malamutes tend to have mid to dark brown eyes.

If you compared a picture of these two powerful pooches side by side, you’d also see quite a few differences in their facial features and head shape. The Husky’s muzzle is narrower than the Malamute’s, which is bulkier. When it comes to the ears, the Malamute’s point forward ever so slightly, while the Siberian’s point directly upwards.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky - what’s better for me?

Let’s take a look at some of the personality, energy, health, training and grooming differences between the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky. And if you can’t decide, check out if your local shelter has an Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix, otherwise known as an Alusky dog. Like their four-legged parents, they’re super active and need to stick to consistent training.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky personalities

Although originally bred for strength and endurance, Alaskan Malamutes are friendly and affectionate pooches. And it’s no surprise that they’re loyal dogs - their working roles required them to have a serious level of dedication to their pack of two and four-legged friends. While some can get on well with other animals, their high prey drive means they can be prone to stalk and sometimes even kill other pets or garden visitors. So, if you’d rather not take the risk, have an Alaskan Malamute as your soul four-legged companion.

The Siberian Husky is equally intelligent, having been bred for similar purposes as their Alaskan cousins. Huskies make for great pets - they’re also affectionate, gentle and friendly. Again, most likely due to their history, these pups are alert and always ready to get moving. While enjoying the company of their four-legged friends, Huskies won’t be pestering you for cuddles, like some other breeds.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky energy levels

Neither of these dog breeds are couch potatoes - their ancestors were bred to run across snow deserts, so they both have seriously high energy levels. So, only welcome a Malamute or Husky into your home if you can give these pooch’s zest for life a run for their money (and if you're armed with Husky dog names, naturally). And it’s not just about exercise. These dogs need to let off steam to dodge those dreaded destructive behaviours. 

Difference between Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky health issues

The Alaskan Malamute is prone to a few genetic diseases, like most healthy pooches tend to be. These include hip dysplasia, a form of dwarfism called chondrodysplasia,  inherited polyneuropathy, diabetes mellitus, follicular dysplasia and uveodermatologic syndrome. Huskies are also generally healthy, but can be subject to a few health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky training tips

When it comes to training your Husky, stick to your guns! While these pooches are very trainable, they will test the boundaries. Sometimes, they might even try to dominate your pack. So, one way to assert yourself as the pack leader is to be consistent with your house rules, whatever they might be (and we know how hard that can be - they’re just so cute!). A great way to establish your leadership role in the house is to make your pooch wait to eat - making it clear that you decide when the bowl goes down. That way, your Husky will view YOU as the owner of the valuable stuff, i.e, food, toys, and maybe even their favourite slipper.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky grooming

If you live in a warm area, vacuums at the ready if you’re bringing either of these dog breeds home. These pups are well adapted to freezing temperatures, and so have a fabulous amount of fur, a double coat at that. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is soft and fluffy. Both pooches shed twice a year during spring and fall in preparation for the warmer and colder weather. To avoid matting and clumps of hair around your home, we’d advise grooming your pooch at least weekly, especially during the moulting period.

Want to learn the differences between two more powerful breeds?

Like these two wolf dogs, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are often confused for one another. Both ex-herding dogs with a strong work ethic (and brilliant CV), they do have their similarities. So, want to learn the differences? Check out our blog on Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherds.