Breed comparison
Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky
Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky? Both are fluffy Arctic sled dogs with wolfish looks, thick coats and independent minds, so the Husky is often mistaken for a smaller Malamute. The short answer: the Siberian Husky is the lighter, faster, more social and more energetic dog, while the Alaskan Malamute is the heavier, stronger and often more dog-selective one. Both shed a lot, howl, hate heat and are best with experienced owners who can offer lots of exercise and secure fencing. Neither is an easy first dog.
Photo: SCMW · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: xJaM (talk · contribs) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| Alaskan Malamute | Siberian Husky | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 23–25 in (58–64 cm) | 20–23.5 in (51–60 cm) |
| Weight | 75–85 lb (34–39 kg) | 35–60 lb (16–27 kg) |
| Life span | 10–14 years | 12–14 years |
| Group | Working | Working |
| Coat | Thick, coarse double coat with a woolly, oily undercoat | Dense double coat of medium length |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
The Malamute is the bigger dog, at 23 to 25 in (58 to 64 cm) and 75 to 85 lb (34 to 39 kg). The Husky stands 20 to 23.5 in (51 to 60 cm) and weighs 35 to 60 lb (16 to 27 kg). PetMD notes the Malamute can be too much for young children because of its size. The Husky is easier to lift and to hold on a leash.
Energy and exercise
The Husky scores 5 out of 5 for energy and exercise, and the Malamute 4 for energy and 5 for exercise. PetMD describes the Malamute as needing a lot of daily exercise, such as runs or bike rides, and says a tired Malamute is a happy Malamute. It puts the Husky at 40 minutes or more a day, plus mental stimulation, and notes that a bored Husky may dig and escape. Neither suits an apartment (1 out of 5 for both).
Coat and grooming
Both have thick double coats and score 5 out of 5 for shedding, and both love cold weather (5) and handle heat poorly (1). The Malamute scores 4 out of 5 for grooming and the Husky 3, and PetMD recommends daily brushing for the Malamute. Huskies shed their undercoat about twice a year and benefit from a rake-style brush. Plan on a lot of fur with either dog.
Temperament and training
Both score 2 out of 5 for trainability and 1 for first-time owners, and both have a prey drive of 5. The Husky is friendlier with other dogs (4 versus 2) and is more playful (5 versus 4). PetMD says Malamutes are very vocal with their awoos and Huskies are known for howling and singing, so neither is a quiet neighbor. Neither is a good guard dog (1 out of 5 for watchdog instinct).
Health and life span
Huskies typically live 12 to 14 years and Malamutes 10 to 14. PetMD lists hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, chondrodysplasia and polyneuropathy for the Malamute. For the Husky it lists cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy, hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia. Our health meter favors the Husky (4 versus 3 out of 5).
Cost and care
A Malamute costs more to feed and equip because it is larger, and it needs more brushing time. Both need a very secure fence, a lot of exercise and a cool home in summer. PetMD suggests a certified trainer for first-time Husky owners, and the same advice fits the Malamute.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Siberian Husky if you want a lighter, livelier and more social sled dog, you have the time and fencing for daily running, and you can live with howls and escape attempts. Choose the Alaskan Malamute if you want a bigger, stronger and calmer-indoors working companion, and you are prepared for more brushing, more food and a dog that may not tolerate other dogs. Both suit experienced owners in cool climates, and neither suits a hot, small or empty home. Talk to breed rescues and meet adult dogs before you decide, because these breeds look similar but live differently.
Alaskan Malamute profile Siberian Husky profile
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, a Malamute or a Husky?
The Malamute. It weighs 75 to 85 lb (34 to 39 kg), while the Husky weighs 35 to 60 lb (16 to 27 kg).
Which is better with other dogs, a Malamute or a Husky?
The Husky, at 4 out of 5 on our meters against 2 for the Malamute. Both still need early socialization.
Do Malamutes or Huskies shed more?
They tie at 5 out of 5. Both blow their undercoats and need regular brushing, and the Malamute needs the most.