Husky Vs Alaska – Differences Between Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute

Are you unsure of the differences between a Husky and a Malamute? These two Nordic breeds share a lot of similarities and are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. However, not everyone knows how to recognize the differences between them. Many even believe they are one and the same breed of dog.

In this new video from AnimalWised we will help you differentiate between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky in different ways. These will be in terms of history of the breed, physical characteristics and character. If you’re ready to discover how to tell the difference between these two breeds, then don’t miss out on this video.

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[CharlieMorningstar]

The struggles of owning a malamute: everyone is like "OMG A HUSKY!"

[mqbitsko]

Malamute huge. Husky not.

Imagine a Husky on steroids. That's a Malamute.

[idonthaveaname]

I own a malamute and when everyone comes up to me and says "Awww is that a husky?!" I go and find the nearest husky owner and say "Aww thats such a cute Malamute!"

[ghillieghost]

Have you ever been told off by a dog? Have you ever been blocked from leaving because you weren't going to take your pooch fishing? Have you ever had a more intelligent conversation with your dog than your drunk friends? If so, you probably had a Malamute. They are incredible. Intelligent, friendly and hysterical. They were just smart enough to get into trouble. Master of picking locks and opening doors. My girl never ran away, never ate out of garbage and never drank from the toilet. However, she would flip the lid of the toilet and leave it open which as some of you know it will get you yelled at by your significant other for leaving the lid up. She would open doors just to open them and pick the lock on the cabinet with the garbage inside. All just because she could. She stayed with me for 15 years until she passed. I have not made any attempts to get another because sometimes there is just no replacing that which have lost.

[MrClickity]

I love how huskies have such intensely expressive faces. Also, lol'd at "quiet at home." Both breeds are very vocal. They might not bark a lot but they "talk" all the time.

[phillipdavis]

PS, you don't walk a Malamute, they walk you

[HakunaMatata-lrts]

The husky have a killer look., "fierce eye".

[gzrgldr]

We have a Malamute and she is extremely intelligent, but like others said, can also be stubborn. They know the commands, but pick and choose when they are willing to obey them. One of the most loving dogs I have ever known and wants to be around you ALL THE TIME. They have wonderful character and expressions. If you don't give them plenty of attention and exercise, they can be rather destructive. Just ask our $2000 couch that is now basically duct tape.

[wolfshade]

Having had a Siberian Husky, I can say from experience that hot climates are definitely, absolutely NOT for Siberians! They are very friendly dogs, but are loyal to one person for the most part. They make terrible guard dogs and would likely try to befriend a burglar rather than chase him away. They are loyal and true friends and make a great pet if you are the right type of person for a Husky. They need lots of exercise, and if you don't have a large fenced in yard, they must be walked frequently. The must be kept on lead when walking them. They are very curious dogs and always want to see what's around the next corner. They will literally run until they don't know their way back. They are very social pack oriented dogs and don't like being alone. If left alone inside the house, they can be destructive, and also tend to howl. They can be more difficult to housebreak than most breeds. If you are willing and able to work with these traits, a Siberian Husky can prove one of the friendliest, most affectionate dogs you can have. They truly make great pets and family members. My Siberian Husky Lupi was the best friend and companion I have ever had, and I miss him dearly.

[jereneal]

I had an Alaskan Malamute for several years. When my husband's sister passed away, we adopted her malamute, Lady. She was one of the largest of her breed most people have seen. She was beautiful. She was so loving and sweet, but her huge appearance frightened many people at first sight. Standing on all 4's she was about waist high! She didn't bark much at all but howled at loud, piercing noises. She was very afraid of loud banging noises like firecrackers and thunder! She would try to get in the smallest place she could to hide. We had to almost dismantle the deck once to get her out after a scare!! We had fairly large rooms in the house, but she could turn around in the room and knock almost everything off the tables, she was so huge! When she passed away, we missed her very much.

[upnorth]

I have a malamute, wolf mix. She is the best canine I have ever had. She was easy to train, and seems to understand most of what I say to her. She's my companion, my protector and my hiking buddy. I always feel safe with her. I have never experienced a more intelligent animal then her. 💖🐺

[revolvermaster]

I recently dog sat for a 115 lb. Alaskan Malamute and it was completely delightful. All the neighbors asked if it was a husky. Amazing dogs all around. Great video. Thank you.

[Bri-kplh]

My brother brought home a baby Siberian Husky. Mom named her Angel because she had beautiful blue eyes and perfect markings on her black and white fur that shined and looked and felt like mink. I spent a fortune getting her healed of heart worms because my brother didn't research the breed or properly take care of her. My Mom never believed animals should be in the house but she adored Angel. That little lady grew up on a farm and actually built a beautiful dog house that had a real front porch. She even made flower beds and planted flowers like a real human home. I wasn't living at home any longer and my brother refused to let me take the dog. I told my Mom and brother she could get out of the fenced in yard and I wouldn't speak to them if anything happened to her. She had already clearly mastered jumping an 8 ft high fence and started digging. Everyone who met her thought she was the prettiest dog they'd seen. I went home to visit my Mom and Angel and my Mom broke the news that Angel hopped the fence and went on the next street and was hit by a truck. Mom heard the rukus and drove around the corner and put Angel's body in her car. Mom's about 5'1". She buried Angel next to her beautiful home. I cried like a baby and did not speak to them for over a month. I love dogs and cats but cannot bring myself to ever have a pet because I was too devasted. I am crying while writing this. Mom's 85 now and it's been over 30 years ago. She still remembers. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO. ANYONE THINKING OF GETTING A PET, PLEASE RESEARCH THE BREED. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE THEM PROPER SHELTER, FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, AND LOVE, THEN DON'T GET A PET.

[Toyahals]

I am a malamute owner, either breed is adaptable to hot climates, and malamutes and huskies are highly stubborn breeds, both affectionate, with strong personalities.

[Neeko-nktz]

I have an Alaskan Malamute. She's very mental XD and has high energy. Go Malamutes!

[brettperry]

Please don't tell people that Malamutes are known for their obedience. Nothing could be further from the truth, and there's a very good reason that most breeders practically interrogate prospective owners before they'll ever hand over one of their puppies. Hell, some of em won't even sell you a puppy unless you already have experience with one of the smaller northern breeds.

It's true that they're extremely intelligent and learn new commands within a couple tries, but don't mistake that for obedience, because it's for that same reason that they bore easily, are constantly pushing boundaries, and only listen when they feel like it.

You have to realize that Mals have been around for thousands of years, and they've only been kept as pets (in the way we think of pets) for just over a century. Before the klondike gold rush they were isolated with Inuit communities that used them exclusively as working dogs for so long that in many ways living with a Malamute is more like living with a wild animal, than living with your average dog. They have a nasty prey drive that can rear its head around anything smaller than they are (including children they haven't been raised with), they're notorious for attacking other dogs without warning, they need several hours of daily exercise or they become destructive, most are lifelong diggers, and thanks to being bred to thrive in some of the harshest weather on earth you won't find a more stubborn hardheaded dog. It's true that they typically love people and are very affectionate, but that alone doesn't make them a good choice for most households, and sugarcoating things isn't fair to the animal, because they're very pack oriented and don't do well being re-homed.

To put it in perspective; I also have experience with mid - high content wolfdogs, and I've always found the wolfdogs to be more manageable than the Mals. Because where wolves tend to be shy, skittish, and submissive; Mals are absolutely fearless, and all too happy to assert themselves to get what they want.



On a lighter note; I shake my head every time I see the breed standard for Malamutes. I don't know where they find these dogs that weigh less than 100 lbs. Because in 20 years around the breed, I've encountered 2 or 3 (all females) that actually fit the standard. The rest dwarf the malamutes you see in dog shows. And it's weird that they set it so low because the original malamutes that crossed the land bridge during the last ice age, were massive, with skeletal remains suggesting that 200 lb dogs were not uncommon. This is a breed designed to haul large amounts of weight over great distances, and back home they were responsible for keeping bears and wolf packs away from camps where fresh meat was present. The breed standard just doesn't fit with the tasks they were expected to perform.

My 14 month old male is already over 130 lbs and is noticeably taller than the 3 year old Saint Bernard he plays with at the park. And he's smaller than my last Mal was.

[bluevictory]

Both are adorable fluffy teddy bears! 😊

[tonkathemalamute]

Hello How are you? Yes you the one scrolling 😊❣ I hope you have a Blessed day 😊❣

[robertlundbohm]

I grew up in Northern Montana and had both breeds throughout the years. Both are extremely intelligent and devoted. If you decide on the Malamute expect to give it a lot of attention. They love to get hands on attention and need your time more than the Husky.
If you are a busy person and only want a dog for occasional playtime then take the Husky. They don't need as much attention and can go a couple of days without a lot of play time.
I've had some Malamutes that taught me what they need from you. One example is I had one particlular Malamute come to me, put his whole mouth on my hand then very gently tug me toward the door. He was telling me he had to GO. The other dogs I had at that same time learned that from him. Soon all had learned they could get me to let them outside for their duty. It was funny to try and ignore their tugs and soon they would very softly whimper but never be rougher. They are keenly aware of their grip on a human and I never had one bite down and cause any pain whatsoever. The Husky is also as gently and can learn like nobodies business.
Both Breeds are adaptive to their surroundings but I would not keep one in a warm climate. They claim they can learn to live in warm climate but they just don't seem to have much energy and wear out quicker in the warm weather. They definitely do better in the higher elevations and cooler climates.
All love to play in the snow and usually do a dive burying their heads and then roll their body. It is hilarious to watch. Please just love which ever breed you decide on. They both deserve to be loved back as they will love you with all they have.

[colinduffany]

My mally that died a few weeks ago loved the hot weather he loved everyone he howls every night I miss him