They look confusingly similar and yet they are two different dog breeds: The husky – more precisely, the Siberian husky – and the Alaskan Malamute.
Where are the individual differences? Maybe there is similarities? Which of the two fur noses is better suited for a family?
These are some of the questions we ask you in our Husky vs. Alaskan Malamute guide respond.
Husky vs. Malamute – Brief Profiles
So that you can better tell the two dog breeds apart, we will now introduce you to the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute in a little more detail.
Siberian husky
The Siberian Husky is one of two Husky breeds – because there are still alaskan huskywho, however, does not necessarily look confusingly similar to him.
The dog, also simply called Husky, comes from originally from Siberia. His first public He appeared in 1910 at a sled race in Alaska.
Since 1932 he has been a separate breed recognized – in contrast to the Alaskan Husky.
Already knew?
husky was in the past one Swear word for Eskimos or Inuit. Why the Siberian Husky got this name?
Because he was significantly slimmer than other sled dogs. He was laughed at and even laughed at.
That was to change as these dogs won sled race after sled race after sled race after sled race – although the name Husky has stuck to this day, but the negative reputation has long since been forgotten.
Look
The medium-sized husky has a very striking appearance. Actually he resembles a wolfto which it is also genetically very closely related.
It’s not just them that immediately catch the eye Eyes – which are mostly ice blue – but also the “wolfish” marked fur.
While the saddle is mostly gray and black tones, the face and lower body are white.
Another feature is the so-called sickle rod. It even serves a very special purpose.
During a snowstorm – not uncommon in the far north – the huskies hide their snouts under their tails. This then acts as a Air filter and warms the air before.
Good to know:
The blue eyes of both the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute – if they occur – are that result of a genetic defect.
In fact, the Inuit prefer dogs with them brown eyes. The reason is simple: they can do it Better “tolerate” sunlight reflected from the snowthan the more sensitive blue eyes.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute now originates originally from Alaska. And there he is the state dog of that state.
Ultimately, the Alaskan Malamute emerged around the same time as the Siberian Husky.
As a separate race he will purposefully bred since 1926. He’s sort of the stockier version of the husky.
Already knew?
The Alaskan Malamute is the largest among the sled dogs and also the sturdiest. He has a very muscular and compact build that makes him perfect for pulling sleds.
Look
As with the Siberian Husky, the first falls fur coloring on. Here is the one too Saddle in black and gray tones held, but can also have shades of brown. Also, the Alaskan Malamute has the for both breeds typical white face mask.
What is the difference between the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute?
Now you have received some details about the story and the first striking visual features. But where are they here? Differences between the two breeds?
Look
There are no significant differences between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky in terms of coat color. If that were the case, they would not be confused with one another.
However, there is an important difference the eyes. These are usually blue in the husky. At the Alaskan Malamute however, they must not have this color.
In fact, this dog should according to FCI breed standard Brown eyes have. Blue eyes are almost an «accident», these dogs are not pure pedigrees.
Size
Let’s continue with the size. As we have already mentioned, the Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the sled dogs. And this compares to the Siberian Husky as follows.
Alaskan Malamute males reach one Shoulder height from 61 to 66 centimeters and weigh it between 36 and 43 kilograms.
A Siberian husky male on the other hand, «only» 53 to 60 centimeters high and weighs between 20 and 27 kilograms.
You can find out more about the size of huskies in our article: How big does a husky get?
Origin
As mentioned, the two breeds originate from different countrieswhich the names also reveal.
The husky originally comes from Russia, more precisely Siberia. The Alaskan Malamute is a breed from the USA – just from Alaska.
beings
Ultimately, there are not many differences in essence. Both breeds are considered very intelligent and willing to learn.
They are working dogswho love to be out and about in the great outdoors – and to pull sleds.
When it comes to temperament, that applies Siberian husky however as a little more unpredictable. The reason is his excellent powers of observation as well as his quick reactions.
How are malamute and husky similar?
In addition to the differences, there are some overlaps in terms of nature and character. Both breeds are considered very people-related – the Alaskan Malamute maybe even a little more.
Both breeds love mentally and physically challenged both breeds need a lot of exercise and exercise.
Of course, the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky look alike – but you may already know that from your own experience.
Which dog is better for families?
Both dog breeds are considered familyfriendly. This unofficial race but the Alaskan Malamute wins here.
This dog is considered to be particularly people-related. And just loves it when he surrounded by as many people as possible is. After all, these are his two-legged pack.
Conclusion
At first glance, there are hardly any significant differences between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky.
Do you think! Because let’s play the game Husky vs Alaskan Malamutethe start Differences already in size and extend over the color of the eyes to the character.
Just the latter is a little more temperamental in the Siberian Husky and more unpredictable than the malamute.
And this in turn is because of his devotion and loyalty the better family dog.
But the fact remains: Both fur noses are very special breeds and just beautiful. Are you already living with one of the two? Then we would be happy if you share your stories in our comments 😊