Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky: How are they different?

Deciding between an Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky as your new pet can be quite challenging; these breeds share a lot of similar characteristics, including their appearance, friendly personality, and tolerance for the cold.

But with this guide, you’ll find it easy to tell them apart and determine a suitable companion based on your lifestyle and preferences.

What is an Alaskan Malamute?

Fluffy Alaskan Malamute outdoors in winter with trees in the background (Source: iStock)

The Alaskan Malamute is a dog breed named after the Malemiut, an Inuit group in northern Alaska. Also called Mals, these dignified working dogs have a wolf- or spitz-like appearance, a thick coat, a heavy-set build, and a tendency to be affectionate and loyal.

What is a Siberian Husky?

Siberian Husky standing on a leaf-covered path in an autumn forest (Source: iStock)

The Siberian Husky, another working breed with wolf-like qualities, got its name from the Siberian region of Russia and an old term for the Inuit people of the Arctic. Huskies are double-coated, medium-sized canines with high energy levels, graceful movements, and an outgoing personality.

Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute: How are they different?

This Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky comparison section details the similarities and differences between these two distinct breeds.

In terms of history

Three huskies harnessed and pulling a sledge on a winter path (Source: iStock)

Both Huskies and Mals have adapted well to cold temperatures due to their Arctic origins. Raised by the Chukchi people of Siberia and the Malemiut people of Alaska, respectively, these pack animals were mostly utilised as sledge dogs and served as human companions.

As an ancient breed, the Alaskan Malamute has a long and varied history. Mals were used as rescue dogs during World War II and carried loads for miners during the 1800s Gold Rush.

On the other hand, Siberian Huskies were imported from Russia to North America in 1908 to serve as working dogs. They also excelled in sledge dog racing, winning several competitions through the years.

In terms of appearance

There are a few breeds of dogs that look like Huskies and Mals. However, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have several defining traits in appearance that set them apart from other breeds. These can be spotted through their respective builds, facial characteristics, coat patterns, and tails.

Build

Husky and Sheltie facing each other outdoors at sunset (Source: iStock)

There is a significant difference between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky when it comes to build.

Typically weighing 34 to 38.5 kg, the Alaskan Malamute is considerably bulkier than the Siberian Husky, whose average weight ranges from 15.8 to 27 kg. Mals (58.4 to 63.5 cm) are also usually taller compared to Huskies (50.8 to 59.7 cm).

For both breeds, female dogs are generally smaller in contrast to male ones.

Face

Close-up of a Siberian Husky with one blue and one brown eye (Source: iStock)

Mals have facial markings that can be described as a black or grey mask. They have a large head, brown eyes, and triangular ears with rounded tips.

Meanwhile, Huskies usually have blue or brown eyes, although they are also likely to have heterochromia, which typically manifests as two different eye colours. They have upright triangular ears and a mask-like facial pattern.

Coat 

Alaskan Malamute with a thick coat standing alert in a forest clearing (Source: iStock)

One similarity among these Arctic breeds is their medium-length, double-coated fur, which helps them tolerate cold temperatures. However, Mals have denser coats, and their colour combinations differ from those of Huskies:

Tail

Alaskan Malamute displaying its signature fluffy tail while outdoors (Source: iStock)

Siberian Huskies have furry tails in the shape of a sickle, while Alaskan Malamutes have plumed tails that curl to one side of their bodies. These tail shapes are not just aesthetic but also functional; they help both breeds maintain balance while moving and provide extra warmth when curled over their faces in cold conditions.

In terms of personality

Happy Siberian Huskies side by side with tongues out in the sun (Source: iStock)

Do Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies make good family pets? Alaskan Malamutes are wonderful companions for families since they are very sociable and loyal. However, these intelligent dogs can be difficult to train due to their strong-willed personality.

What is the temperament of a Siberian Husky? Huskies are playful and friendly dogs with streaks of mischief and energy. Similar to Mals, they’re intelligent yet stubborn, which means they’re not the easiest dogs to train.

In terms of vocalisation

Compared to other dogs, Huskies are chatty canines that howl, whine, and scream when the situation calls for it. They are also known for being able to ‘talk’ by imitating the sounds they hear from their pet parents.

Mals, likewise, are vocal dogs that ‘talk,’ howl, and even sing. However, one thing they rarely do is bark.

In terms of care difficulty

Siberian Husky grooming session showing a brush with collected fur (Source: iStock)

Getting an Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky is only recommended for people who have abundant time to take care of dogs.

This is because both breeds require lots of mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep them from getting bored. Moreover, their thick double coats need maintenance in the form of regular brushing, especially during shedding season.

Nutrition-wise, Mals and Huskies will greatly benefit from a diet high in meat-based proteins.

In terms of lifespan

What is the lifespan of an Alaskan Malamute? The life expectancy of Mals ranges from 10 to 14 years, while that of Huskies is 12 to 14 years. This difference is partly influenced by size (larger breeds like Alaskan Malamutes tend to have slightly shorter lifespans), as well as by genetics, diet, exercise, and the overall quality of care.

In terms of cost

Adorable Siberian Husky puppies resting together on a soft blanket (Source: iStock)

In general, you won’t shell out as much cash if you’re acquiring young puppies of Siberian Huskies vs Alaskan Malamutes. Depending on various factors, such as a dog’s pedigree and a breeder’s reputation, Husky prices usually range from £800 to £3,000. Meanwhile, Mals typically cost between £1,200 and £2,500.

Care for your Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky with Airtasker

Siberian Husky sitting calmly beside a walker on a bright afternoon (Source: iStock)

If your busy lifestyle is preventing you from fulfilling your pet duties, Airtasker is here to lighten your load.

The process of finding a pet carer is as simple as doing the following steps:

1. Post a task on the platform.

2. Write down all the details relevant to what you need done, including your budget and location.

3. Wait for Taskers to reach out to you, and choose the most suitable person for the job.

Airtasker’s roster of professionals, which includes dog walkers and pet sitters, can level up how you care for your beloved pet.