Differences in Siberian Huskies & Malamutes

The Siberian husky and the Alaskan malamute were bred to perform similar tasks. In fact, you may often see them working together on sled teams in dog-sled races. Both were bred to pull loads, and both enjoy cold weather. They also share the same wolf-like look that suggests they are part dog, part wolf, though this isn't the case for either breed. Despite these similarities, there are significant differences between huskies and malamutes.

  1. History

    • The Siberian husky was bred in northeast Asia by the Chukchi people. These nomads used huskies to help pull sleds of supplies and belongings as they moved from one place to the other. By the early 1900s, dog-sled racing was becoming a popular sport in places such as Alaska. Huskies continue to participate in sled races such as the Iditarod. The origin of the Alaskan malamute is more mysterious. Their exact origin is not known, but they were first reported to have lived with the Mahlemut people on the northwest coast of Alaska. Malamutes were bred for hunting large game as well as pulling heavily loaded sleds.

    Size and Appearance

    • In general, Alaskan malamutes are much larger dogs than Siberian huskies. The average husky weighs 35 to 60 pounds; the average malamute weighs 75 to 85 pounds. The difference in height between the two breeds is not as significant: The average husky stands between 20 and 23 inches, and the average malamute reaches 23 to 25 inches tall. The eyes are another difference between the breeds. Malamutes have brown eyes, while huskies can have brown, blue or a combination of both.

    Tasks

    • Though both Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes were originally bred to pull loads through icy conditions, their intended tasks were different. Siberian huskies have high endurance and were meant to pull light loads quickly over a long distance. Malamutes, on the other hand, were bred for both strength and endurance. They were originally intended to pull much heavier loads, as they would often accompany their masters on a hunt and pull the carcasses home. For this reason, the pace of a malamute is typically slower.

    Social Tendencies

    • Siberian huskies are extremely social dogs. They thrive in homes where they have constant companionship, whether human or animal. Some huskies can show aggression to unknown dogs if they are not well-socialized. They general enjoy the companionship of other household dogs. Malamutes, like huskies, are social and affectionate with humans, but they are much less tolerant of other dogs. Malamutes can be dog aggressive and need to be well-socialized.