Alaskan Malamute VS Husky (Siberian and Alaskan)

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between some dog breeds. The Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky, and the Alaskan Husky are often confused, and I can understand why! They are all sled dogs built for living in a very cold climate, and so they share some physical characteristics. However, there are differences between each breed in terms of appearance as well as character.

Let me make it easy for you! Here is a comparison of all three, plus a summary of each breed. So if you’re thinking of getting one and want to compare Malamute vs Husky, read on to find out more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Husky comparison chart

Alaskan MalamuteSiberian HuskyAlaskan HuskyLarge – up to 26″ (66 cm)Medium – up to 23.5″ (60cm)Medium/Large – up to 26″ (66cm)Usually brown eyes, never blueLight blue or brown eyesUsually brown eyesDouble coat, longDouble coat, mediumDouble coat, short/mediumTail curls over backTail hangs downTail hangs downMalamutes are strongSiberian Husky is FastAlaskan Husky is the FastestAverage lifespan: 10 – 12 yearsAverage life span: 12 – 15 yearsAverage lifespan: 10 – 15 yearsCalmHyperCalmestIntelligentVery intelligentVery intelligentHigh prey driveHigh prey driveSometimes high prey driveMalamutes are Good with older childrenSiberian Huskies are Good with older childrenAlaskan Huskies Good with childrenDoesn’t get on with dogs of same sexSociable with other dogsSociable with other dogsLow guard dog abilityLow guard dog abilityLow guard dog abilityMalamute Likes to pullLikes to runLikes to runRarely barksRarely barksRarely barksCannot live in a hot climateCannot live in a hot climateCannot live in a hot climateDigs under a fence (if bored)Jumps over a fence (if bored)Jumps over a fence (if bored)

Siberian Husky vs Malamute comparison

Similarities:

• A double coat
• Heavy seasonal shedders
• High prey drive
• Friendly with people
• Needs a firm leader

Differences:

• The Alaskan Malamutes are much larger and stronger vs the Siberian Huskies.
• The Malamutes never has blue eyes like the Siberian Huskies.
• The Siberian Husky has a longer lifespan on average.
• The Siberian Husky is a faster runner compared to malamute.
• The Siberian Husky needs lots more vigorous exercise (e.g. hiking, jogging).
• The Siberian Husky is more intelligent than the Malamute.
• The Alaskan Malamute is calmer indoors than the Siberian Husky.
• The Siberian Husky is more sociable compared to other dogs.
• The Siberian Husky prefers to live with other dogs.

Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky comparison

Similarities:

• Double coat
• Heavy seasonal shedders
• Love to run
• Strong pack instinct
• Friendly
• Intelligent
• Need firm leaders

Differences:

• The Alaskan Husky is not a purebred like the Siberian (there is no standard look).
• The Alaskan Husky is larger and leaner.
• The Alaskan Husky can have a shorter coat.
• The Alaskan Husky is mellower.

Alaskan Malamute vs Alaskan Husky comparison

Similarities:

• Double coat
• Heavy seasonal shedders
• Strong pack instinct
• Friendly
• Need firm leaders

Differences:

• The Alaskan Husky is not a purebred like the Malamute.
• The Malamute is much stockier and stronger than the Alaskan Husky.
• The Alaskan Husky has a longer average lifespan.
• The Alaskan Husky is usually a little calmer.
• The Alaskan Husky is more suitable for a family with younger children.
• The Alaskan Husky runs faster than the Malamute.
• The Alaskan Husky is more sociable with other dogs.
• The Alaskan Husky is more intelligent.

The Alaskan Malamute info

Photos

Appearance

The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the three sled dogs, as well as the largest. She can measure up to 26 inches (66 cm) and usually weighs between 75 – 85 lb (34-38 kg), but some males can weigh up to 100 lb (45 kg) or over!

She has a double coat, a broad face, erect ears, and a fluffy tail that curls over her back.

Malamutes are usually a mix of colors. Commonly, her belly, feet, legs and most of her face is white, and the rest can be black, gray, sable or red.

Characteristics

Like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky, the Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull sleds in freezing temperatures. While the Huskies are known for their speed, she is much stronger and can pull incredibly heavy loads of up to 3,000 lbs.

Her working dog background makes her a high energy dog who needs lots of exercise. She does especially well if you give her a task that involves pulling, such as pulling you on skates or a bicycle. If exercised well, she will be calm at home and happy to snooze while you go about your chores.

The Siberian Husky info

Photos

Appearance

The Siberian Husky is medium in size, weighing up to 59.5lb (27kg) and measuring up to 23.6 inches (60cm).

She has an thick double coat, consisting of dense fur, and distinctive face markings. She has erect ears, a fluffy tail, and she often has piercing blue eyes (though they can be brown, green or amber).

She can come in a variety of colors, including:

• Black
• Black and white
• Black and tan
• Brown
• Cream
• Gray
• Red
• Sable
• Silver
• White

Characteristics

The Siberian Husky is a highly energetic dog who needs lots of exercises. While the Alaskan Malamute and Alaskan Husky are more chilled at home, she can be a bit of a clown and loves to play.

She has a strong pack instinct and loves to live with a family and with other dogs. She is friendly to all, and, therefore, does not make a good guard dog.

The Alaskan Husky info

Photos

The Alaskan Husky is not a purebred like the previous two sled dogs, nor is she even recognized as a breed. She is a mix of many Northern breeds, and she is defined by her purpose: as a sled dog, and a fast one!

Appearance

As she is a hybrid of various breeds, her looks vary. She is usually medium to large in size, with a larger and leaner body compared to the Siberian Husky. She has a double coat, which can come in any mix of colors, and her eyes are usually brown.

Here is a little look at the Alaskan Husky in all her racing glory. This video also gives you an idea of how varied her physical traits can be:

Characteristics

The Alaskan Husky tends to be mellower than the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, and, if exercised properly, she is calm indoors. Like both of the other two breeds, she is a true pack animal who love to spend time with their family and is gentle with children.

She is also highly intelligent and trainable, but, like the others, can be stubborn, so it is important to be firm!

Summary of Malamute vs Husky

I hope this article made things clearer for you.

Alaskan Malamute and Huskies are known as sled dogs of the North. These three dog breeds have a lot of things in common like their appearances such as coats, eyes, height, and intelligence. But their differences when it comes to temperament and sociability make each of them unique.

If you still not sure and compare Malamute vs Husky, consider which one will better fit into your family and everyday life. Some of them require plenty of exercises and lots of attention. Their size is different, so you’ll need to consider that too.

Let us know what you think of one or all of these breeds! Comment below!