Malamute vs Husky: What to Know

Reviewed By Kim •  Updated: 04/30/21 •  5 min read
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There are two breeds that are often mixed up and confused with each other. This is the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. These are both working dogs that look similar and both make good family pets. Let’s take a look at their needs and how they are different.

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Their Size and Weight

One thing that can make it easier to tell the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute apart is their size. This is the most noticeable difference. Of course, you are going to describe both canines as large dogs. Indeed, the Siberian Husky can reach a height of 24 inches tall. The Alaskan Malamute normally is around 25 inches tall. But the weight difference is noticeable. The Alaskan Malamute is going to weigh a lot more at around 75 to 85 pounds, depending on the gender. In comparison, the Siberian Husky is normally 35 to 60 pounds, with the female being lighter than the male.

Their Furry Coats

When it comes to the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, they are both breeds that have a lot of fur. In fact, they also have a double coat. This means that they are canines that work well in the winter months of the year. Their fur keeps them nice and warm so they are suitable for colder climates. Of course, if you live somewhere with hot summers, this does mean that you have to watch these pooches do not overheat during the day. Exercise early in the morning before the sun comes up and in the evenings after the sun goes down will be best to avoid heatstroke.

It is easy to mix up the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute when you look at their fur. They have similar colors, such as white, gray and black coats. However, one thing you might notice is that Malamutes have longer fur. This is something you can see when you are brushing your pooch. In addition, Malamutes send to have unique face markings that can make them stand out from Siberian Huskies.

When it comes to grooming, you can expect both dogs to need regular brushing. Indeed, any dog that has a double coat is going to do a lot of shedding, especially during certain months throughout the year. But be prepared to have more work if you have an Alaskan Malamute. They have big thick coats that require brushing every day. This is going to stop matting and knotting that can become uncomfortable for your furry friend. In comparison, Siberian Huskies will be smooth and silky with a weekly brush. This is also going to help with their shedding during the year.

Their Exercise Needs

Let’s not forget that both the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute are working dogs. This means that they like to be active and have a job to do. Therefore, you can expect to be kept on your toes when it comes to exercise. Both canines are high energy and will need a lot of exercise during the day. These are not dogs that are going to be satisfied with a simple walk around the block.

For example, let’s consider the Siberian Husky. This was a pooch that was once bred to pull sleds. This means that they are going to love to run and expend their energy. Of course, they are also strong and agile. They will love to chase a ball and play tug of war. But since they have the instinct to run, they might be best kept on a leash when in a public park. Then there is the Alaskan Malamute. Their job was to carry around heavy load. Thus, they are strong and have a lot of endurance. Thus, they can carry a pack and will love to go hiking up mountains and even go swimming.

Know that if you do not provide your Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute with the exercise that they need, they might develop bad behaviors. For example, they may start to dig in the yard if they are bored or chew your furniture for something to do. The Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute need to expend their energy, as well as be mentally stimulated to have happy and content in the home.

Their Temperaments

When you have a family and are wanting to bring a canine into the home, you will want to know about their temperaments. The good news is that both the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute have great temperaments for families with children. They are both known to be very friendly and very tolerant around others. In other words, the size of these furry friends might scare people, but they are not guard dogs! Generally, they are welcome to anybody coming into their home.

When it comes to socializing with other dogs, Siberian Huskies and the Alaskan Malamutes can make new furry friends. But it is important to socialize your pooch from an early age to ensure this is the case. Some Alaskan Malamutes can be independent and enjoy alone time. This means that they might not want to spend time with other canines. On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are a breed that does not like to be left alone. Thus, they are going to live with other dogs and have a great time. They also do not want their owner to be gone for long periods of time during the day.

Their Training

Every canine is going to benefit from training and the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute are no different. The good thing is that both of these breeds are intelligent and this can make it easier to train them. Of course, it is going to be a lot easier when you have a reward ready for them. One thing to know is that some Alaskan Malamutes can be hard to house train. You are going to have to be patient when it comes to training, as well as consistent in your approach.

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Kim

Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.

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