If you’ve ever looked at an Alaskan Malamute and thought, That is one very large Husky, you definitely wouldn’t be the first.
Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are often confused with each other. Both are beautiful northern breeds with thick coats, upright ears, fluffy tails and a history of working in seriously cold climates.
But they’re definitely not the same dog in two different sizes.
They were bred for different jobs, they’re built differently, and once you know what to look for, the differences become much easier to spot.
Since I share my life with two Siberian Huskies, Miley and Koda, this is one comparison I’ve always found interesting.
Husky vs. Malamute at a Glance
| Siberian Husky | Alaskan Malamute | |
| Build | Medium, lighter and athletic | Larger, heavier and powerful |
| Weight | About 35-60 lbs | Often around 75-85 lbs |
| Original job | Pull lighter loads over long distances | Pull heavier loads |
| Eyes | Blue, brown, mixed or parti-coloured | Brown |
| Energy | High | High |
| Shedding | Lots | Also lots |
They were Bred for Different Jobs
One of the biggest differences between the two breeds comes down to what they were originally bred to do.
Siberian Huskies were developed for endurance. They were meant to pull lighter loads over long distances.
Alaskan Malamutes were bred more for strength and hauling heavier loads.
The easiest way I remember it is:
The Husky is the distance runner.
The Malamute is the weightlifter.
That difference explains a lot about their size and build.
Malamutes are Much Bigger
Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs, usually somewhere around 35-60 pounds.
Malamutes are much heavier and more powerful, commonly around 75-85 pounds, with a broader chest, heavier bone structure and a much more substantial build.
So, if you’re looking at a dog thinking, Wow, that is a really big Husky, there’s a decent chance you might actually be looking at a Malamute.
Although somehow even a medium-sized Husky can still manage to take up almost an entire bed.
The Eyes Are a Big Clue
This is probably one of the easiest differences to remember.
Siberian Huskies can have blue eyes, brown eyes, one of each or even parti-coloured eyes.
Purebred Alaskan Malamutes should have brown eyes according to the breed standard, while blue eyes are not an accepted breed trait.
So those beautiful icy-blue eyes people often associate with northern dogs?
Very Husky.
Not Malamute.
Their Faces Are Different Too
Malamutes tend to have a broader head, heavier muzzle and overall more powerful appearance.
Huskies usually look lighter and more athletic through the face and body.
Their ears can also give you a clue. Husky ears tend to sit high and stand very upright, while Malamute ears often look smaller in comparison to their much broader head.
Once you start noticing the differences, it becomes much easier to tell them apart.
Personality: Similar But Not Identical
Both breeds are intelligent, active and independent.
If there is one thing I have learned from living with Huskies, it is that intelligent does not necessarily mean obedient.
There is a difference between a dog understanding exactly what you’re asking and a dog deciding whether or not they agree with you.
Huskies are generally very social, energetic and curious. They also have a strong instinct to run, which is why secure fencing and leashes are so important.
If you’ve already read Miley and Koda’s stories, you know exactly why I say that.
Malamutes can also be affectionate, playful and intelligent, but their greater size and strength are something potential owners really need to consider.
With either breed, consistent training matters.
Let’s Talk About the Hair
Both breeds have thick double coats.
Which means both shed.
A lot!
If you want one of these beautiful fluffy northern breeds but don’t want dog hair on your clothes, furniture, floors and possibly places dog hair should never logically be…
I have some unfortunate news for you.
Regular brushing helps, but shedding is simply part of life with both Huskies and Malamutes.
Which One Needs More Exercise?
Neither breed was created to be a decorative couch cushion.
Huskies were bred for endurance and need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Malamutes need plenty of activity too. They were bred for strength and hard work, and they also do best when they have an outlet for their energy.
A bored intelligent working dog will usually find something to do.
You just may not appreciate their choice.
What About Families and Other Pets?
Siberian Huskies are generally social dogs and often enjoy being around both people and other dogs.
They can, however, have a strong prey drive, which is something families with smaller animals need to consider.
Malamutes can also be affectionate family dogs, but because of their size, strength and sometimes more assertive nature around other dogs, proper socialization and training are very important.
Of course, every dog is an individual. Breed tendencies can give you an idea of what to expect, but personality, training and life experience matter too.
So Which Is Better?
Honestly, neither.
The better question is:
Which Breed Fits Your Life?
If you like the idea of a somewhat smaller, lighter, highly social endurance dog, the Siberian Husky may appeal to you.
If you love the northern-breed look but want a larger, heavier and more powerful dog, the Alaskan Malamute might catch your eye.
But neither breed should be chosen simply because they’re beautiful.
Because they are beautiful.
Ridiculously beautiful.
It’s very easy to fall in love with the fluffy coat and striking face without thinking about the exercise, training, shedding and commitment that come with them.
From a Husky Household…
Obviously, I’m a little biased.
Miley and Koda have made me fall completely in love with SIberian Huskies.
They’re funny, expressive, smart, stubborn and full of personality.
And after living with them, I can definitely understand why someone could look at a giant fluffy Malamute and think, Maybe I need one of those too.
Would I trade my Huskies for Malamutes?
Nope.
Would I add a Malamute someday to create even more chaos?
I’m not answering that question in writing.
My family doesn’t need evidence.
