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.
Quick Summary
- Owner Experience - Both the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are not recommended for new or inexperienced owners.
- Children - Both breeds are child friendly, but the Siberian Husky is the most friendly between the breeds.
- Grooming - The Siberian Husky requires moderate grooming, The Alaskan Malamute has very high grooming needs.
- Barking - Both the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are very vocal and will bark/howl frequently.
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| Breed Name | Alaskan Malamute | Siberian Husky |
| General Details | ||
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Is Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs. | 12-15 yrs. |
| Height | 23-25 in. | 20-23 in. |
| Weight | 70-100 lb | 35-60 lb |
| Intelligence | Average | Average |
| History | ||
| Origin Country | United States | Russia |
| Origin Year | 1900 AD | 900 AD |
| Temperament | ||
| Overall Friendliness | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Kid Friendly | ||
| Pet Friendly | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Personality | ||
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| Living Environment | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor | Yes | Yes |
| Small Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Medium Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Large Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Tolerance ¹ | -45°F to 70°F | -70°F to 65°F |
| Barks/Howls | ||
| Exercise Needs | ||
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Exercise Required | High | Medium-High |
| Top Running Speed | 22 mph | 28 mph |
| Strength | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Coat Maintenance | Medium | Medium-High |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium-High |
| Dander | Medium | Medium |
| Drool Amount | None | None |
¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
| Breed Name | Alaskan Malamute | Siberian Husky |
| Breed Mentality | ||
| Dominant/Alpha | Yes | No |
| Family/Pack | Yes | Yes |
| Independent | Yes | No |
| Breed Focus | ||
| Distracted Easily | No | Yes |
| Average | Yes | No |
| Focused & Patient | No | No |
| Breed Instincts | ||
| Aggression | Very Low | Below Average |
| Burrow/Digging | Average | Average |
| Chasing | Below Average | Average |
| Follow Commands | Average | Below Average |
| Fighting | Very Low | Below Average |
| Guarding | Below Average | Very Low |
| Herding | Average | Average |
| Hunting | Below Average | Very Low |
| Protection | Below Average | Below Average |
| Remove Vermin | Average | Very Low |
| Sledding | Below Average | High |
| Watch | Very Low | Below Average |
| Breed Name | Alaskan Malamute | Siberian Husky |
| Lifespan | ||
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs. | 12-15 yrs. |
| Common Health Issues | ||
| Cataracts | Yes | Yes |
| Chondrodysplasia | Yes | No |
| Corneal Dystrophy | No | Yes |
| Hemeralopia | Yes | No |
| Hip Dysplasia | Yes | No |
| Hypothyroidism | Yes | No |
| Inherited Polyneuropathy | Yes | No |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | No | Yes |
| Breed Name | Alaskan Malamute | Siberian Husky |
| Coat | ||
| Fur | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Type | ||
| Double Coat | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Texture | ||
| Wooly | Yes | No |
| Straight | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Length(s) | ||
| Long | Yes | No |
| Medium | No | Yes |
| Coat Color(s) | ||
| Agouti & White | Yes | Yes |
| Black & White | Yes | Yes |
| Blue & White | Yes | No |
| Gray & White | Yes | Yes |
| Red & White | Yes | Yes |
| Sable & White | Yes | Yes |
| Seal & White | Yes | No |
| Silver & White | Yes | No |
| White | Yes | Yes |
| Black | No | Yes |
| Black, Gray, & White | No | Yes |
| Black, Tan, & White | No | Yes |
| Brown | No | Yes |
| Brown & White | No | Yes |
| Brown, Black, & White | No | Yes |
| Copper & White | No | Yes |
| Gray & Black | No | Yes |
| Tan | No | Yes |
| Tan & Black | No | Yes |
| Tan & White | No | Yes |