What is the difference between siberian husky and alaskan malamute

Both dogs are known for their fluffy coats that give them a wolf-like appearance. Their fur is concentrated in a very thick, double coat. They also both have lots of fur between their toes to keep their feet warm while running in the snow.

Because these dogs were bred to work in cold, artic climates, they needed thick fur that could keep out freezing temperatures for long periods of time. This is one of the reasons they share similar behaviors such as curling their tail over their nose when lying down in the snow to warm the air they are breathing.

Alaskan Malamutes have longer fur than huskies. Their fur is especially long around their rear end, tail, neck and shoulders. This adorable, cloud-like coat is irresistible and everyone will want to touch it! Much to their surprise, they will realize this fur is not as soft as it looks. It has a much coarser texture to it than a Huskies. The Siberian Husky has a medium length coat. They are fluffy, but not quite as fluffy.

However, their fur is very soft and is pleasant to pet. Despite the difference in coats both dogs will be heavy shedders! They are not a hypoallergenic breed and their fur will completely cover your home. This extreme shedding will require lots of grooming and patience. Malamutes will need daily brushing because their long, voluminous fur has a tendency to tangle. An owner will need to carefully, and gently, comb through these knots each day to avoid mats.

You will also need to look out for hot spots. Hot spots are areas of skin irritation that are caused by itching, biting, and scratching of the skin. Some owners prefer to take their Malamute to a groomer every few months to have any stubborn tangles removed. These dogs only require weekly brushing, rather than daily.

Also their fur does not mat and tangle, so they will not need to visit a groomer. Because of this, they only need a bath every four months or so. Malamutes will need a bath every six weeks. Their long fur can accumulate dirt quickly and you will want to keep them clean to avoid hot spots. Huskies have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, while Malamutes have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The Siberian Husky is generally considered a healthier dog breed and this is reflected in their average lifespan.

The reason for this difference in lifespan is that Siberian Huskies are prone to less health issues. Huskies are known for developing eye related issues including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy. These conditions often lead to partial or complete blindness, but the dog can still live a very long, fulfilling life.

Like Huskies, they can develop hip and elbow dysplasia because of their highly active lifestyle. They can also suffer from eye issues such as day blindness. This is a unique condition in which dogs lose their ability to see during the day but can see at night. There are many physical differences between the malamute vs husky that can help you tell them apart.

The best way to think of their ears is that the ears of a Siberian Husky are like that of a rabbit. They are on the top of their head and point straight up. The ears of a Malamute are more like a human. They are closer to the side of their head and stick out, rather than up.

Another physical difference is Malamutes normally have brown eyes. It is very unlikely you will ever see one that does not have brown eyes.

The eye color of both dogs is often brown. However, many Huskies have blue eyes or even have one blue eye and one brown eye. This condition of two different eye colors is known as heterochromia. Having blue eyes for a Malamute would be considered a fault. Both dogs were bred to pull sleds and are energetic.

They need plenty of exercise throughout the day to keep them out of trouble. They both also have dense, double coats of fluff and a stubborn will. Despite these similarities, there are differences between the Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky. Owners who bring a Malamute into a home with other dogs or children may discover that their Malamute acts aggressively. Likewise, owners bringing home a Husky may not realize that they have a strong desire to escape!

Malamutes owners will need to spend more time grooming and Husky owners need to spend more time training out excessive vocalization.

Otherwise a Husky will fill your home with constant noise! Whatever dog breed you decide to bring into your home, you will be gaining a loyal, energetic new best friend. But, how certain are you that these dogs are Huskies? A husky's face is narrow, too, with ears perched more atop his head, compared to a mal's ears that angle slightly more alongside her head, especially when she's feeling mellow.

Now here's a big hint: while both look like they have perpetually-raised eyebrows in response to the cue, "Wanna go for a run? This might be an extension of muzzle color, usually bright white, as a thick or thin stripe in the middle of their foreheads. Alaskan malamutes, on the other hand, have forehead color, frequently black, moving down toward their white snouts to form a peak.

One more thing! Siberian huskies are also more likely to have various shades of eye color, including amber, blue, and brown, while mals tend to have brown eyes. Huskies might also have bi-eyes, which means one brown eye and one blue; or they're parti-eyed, defined as half-blue and half-brown. Speaking of color, both the Alaskan malamute and Siberian husky are drop dead gorgeous sashaying about in their thick double fur coats—all the better to withstand Arctic winds and cold.

There's only a slight difference in the long lifespan of an Alaskan malamute vs. Siberian husky. They boisterously enjoy themselves for 10—14 and 12—15 years, respectively, and stay rather healthy as long as pet parents only offer treats for special training accomplishments and good dog deeds.

As working breeds, they're frequently at risk for hip dysplasia , a developmental condition. O'Connor says Siberian huskies can have hereditary defects of the eye, such as cataracts. Other potential health concerns for Alaskan malamutes are polyneuropathy PN and epilepsy "There is a test that identifies whether a dog is a carrier or non-carrier of PN, which breeders are required to complete or clear by parentage to attain CHIC certification," Berquist and Smith say.

Both of these pups absolutely love their humans and expect a lot of personal attention, especially from active people who want to explore outdoors as much as they do.

Because of this, neither dog should be left home alone for long periods of time. Adorable and cheerful rascals when they're happy, they tend to become rather destructive when unhappy.

Malamutes and huskies inherit unique endurance abilities, so prospective pet parents must be able keep up with all the running , carting, skijoring skiing with dogs , hiking , snowshoeing, and biking these active pups are eager to do! Fortunately, they can often carry their own water bottles and other excursion necessities. However, Berquist and Smith say mals do have an off-switch not as easily flipped on a husky. Huskies might initially appear to be a tad more aloof, but O'Connor says they're wonderful companions and usually accept dogs of both genders into the family equally.

Malamutes, Berquist and Smith say, are typically more people-oriented and ready to flop on their back for never-ending belly rubs. So they might take issue with dogs of the same sex competing for lap time. Without the benefit of learning in a puppy kindergarten environment, both dogs can also get a little excited in the moment, and could have a tendency to jump on people.

While malamutes and huskies bond well with kids , both have a high prey drive. This means smaller animals such as cats, bunnies, and squirrels are easily noticed, and not always in a good way. Remember they are working dogs, meaning they have a huge amount of energy and are used to living in packs.

This instinct means that it can be challenging to house train them. Because of their huge energy levels, they require lots of mental and physical stimulation; without this, they can become destructive.

Forms of destruction most often occur through digging, jumping, and chewing. If you get a matured or rescue Husky the price will be significantly less. On average, your Siberian Husky should live to around 12, with the vast majority of them living between 10 years. Without a doubt, the Malamute is the larger dog.

Whilst the Husky is around 22 inches tall, the Malamute is 25 inches. In terms of weight, a Malamute is pounds, with a Husky being lighter at around 50 pounds. Whilst they have a similar temperament, there are a few key differences. Whilst Malamutes needs human affection, a Husky is more than happy to spend time without humans.

Also, Huskies have a much more independent mindset. They are both loveable fluffy giants, but each breed has its own unique traits making them more or less suited to you depending on your requirements for a pet.

One thing is for sure, they are demanding dogs and require a responsible owner who has the time needed to train and exercise them. Without this high level of exercise, both breeds can turn destructive due to boredom. The American Alsatian, also known as the North American Shepalute, is a purebred dog first introduced in It was bred to look identical to the now extinct dire wolf.

They have been bred to be companion dogs that are extremely calm, intelligent and friendly — these are not working [Keep reading …]. With the adorable face of a Cavalier, and often the hypoallergenic fur of a Poodle, the Cavapoo is an amazing companion for any family. They [Keep reading …]. Did you ever want a dog that you could carry around with you almost anywhere you could go? Teacup Chihuahuas have feisty personalities and adorable looks that capture the hearts of everyone who sees them.

They are loving dogs with their owners and always have enough personality to keep you [Keep reading …]. I have a husky malamute mix. You are spot on with traits. The malamute in Sawyer makes him larger than husky, smaller than Mal. He weighs 74 pounds.

Blue eyes of husky, but body built like Mal. I socialized him very well, but some male dogs freak him out. With people he is a love. Lots and lots and lots of exercise is key above all else. Never chewed, dug or separation issues. I have a Siberian Husky and he is amazing. Lovable,loyal and protective. He is decently well behaved and full of love and life. Wouldnt trade him for anything. I have my 5th Husky who was my first puppy. She is very loyal but also loves playing with other dogs.

She does prefer Siberian male huskies. She is very smart and was very easy to train. She stays in the front yard if I am with her but would leave if I was not there.

I fenced the back yard for her and installed a dog door. Love her and would never have any other breed.