Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky

Compare the Alaskan Malamute to the Siberian Husky. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies.

Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Change Breed
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General Details
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
23-25 Inches
20-23 Inches
Weight
70-100 Pounds
35-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Origin Country
United States
Russia
Origin Year
1900 AD
900 AD
Temperament
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
-45-70 °F
-70-65 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Above Average
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
28 MPH
Strength
Very High
Very High
Grooming Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
Medium to High
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
None
Herding
Average
Average
Hunting
Below Average
None
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Average
None
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Above Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hereditary neuropathy
Hemeralopia
Corneal dystrophy
Cataracts
Progressive retinal atrophy
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Wooly
Straight
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Husky
Breed Colors
Agouti and White
Black and White
Blue and White
Gray and White
Red and White
Sable and White
Seal and White
Silver and White
White
Black
Black and White
Brown
Brown and White
Gray and White
Red and White
Tan
Tan and White
White
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