Malamute vs Husky – Ultimate Breed Showdown & Comparison

Malamutes are bigger than Huskies. They have heavier bones and more muscles. This makes them strong pullers, good for heavy loads over long distances. Huskies are lighter and faster. They can run fast with light loads for miles.

People who live in hot places should think hard about getting a Malamute or Husky because of their thick coats meant for cold weather.

Visual Differences – Malamute vs Husky

Malamutes and Huskies may look similar, but they have key differences. Size is a big one. Malamutes are larger than Huskies. They can weigh as much as 85 pounds or more! That’s pretty heavy compared to Huskies.

Their faces also look different. Huskies often have what looks like a mask on their face. This means they have special markings that stand out around their eyes and nose, kind of like a superhero mask!

These two dog breeds don’t match either. Malamutes usually have ears that are set wider apart and are shaped differently from those of the Husky.

These visual clues will help you tell which is which next time you see them.

A Quick Overview – Malamute vs Husky

Breed History

The Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky are breeds with rich histories. The Malamutes come from Alaska where they were bred by the Mahlemut Inuit tribe. They used these dogs for heavy sled pulling and hunting large animals like seals and polar bears. Their strength made them vital for survival in harsh conditions.

Huskies, on the other hand, have their origins in Siberia. The Chukchi people developed this breed to pull lighter loads over long distances quickly. These dogs also served as family companions, often sleeping with children to provide warmth.

Both breeds played a crucial role during historic events. For example, Siberian Huskies were part of the 1925 serum run to Nome, which was a relay across Alaska to deliver diphtheria antitoxin.

Kennel clubs later recognized both breeds’ unique qualities:

• The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first Siberian Husky in 1930.
• The Alaskan Malamute was recognized by the AKC about eight years later in 1938.

These recognitions helped standardize breeding practices and increased their popularity as household pets beyond their working roles.

Appearance

Malamutes and Huskies are both stunning dogs with some key differences in their looks. When you see them, you might notice that Malamutes are usually heavier and taller. They can weigh between 75 to 85 pounds or more, and they stand about 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. On the other hand, Huskies are lighter on their feet, weighing around 35 to 60 pounds, with a height of about 20 to 23.5 inches.

The body structure also sets these two breeds apart. A Malamute has a strong, bulky build made for pulling heavy loads over long distances. In contrast, a Husky’s body is more slender and sleek, built for speed and endurance.

Their tails tell another part of the story too! A Malamute’s tail is plume-like and carried over its back when it’s excited or moving around. But a Husky’s tail is different—it hangs down when the dog is resting but curls gently onto its back in excitement or motion.

Now let’s talk about their faces—the windows into their souls! Both breeds often have striking blue eyes, but not always.

Coat & Colors

Malamutes and Huskies have beautiful coats that keep them warm. Both breeds show off a range of colors. Malamutes often come in shades of gray and white, sable, or red. Huskies might be black, gray, red, or even pure white.

Both dogs have double coats for cold weather. They shed their undercoats twice a year. This is known as “blowing coat.” It means they need lots of brushing during those times.

The fur on a Malamute is thicker than on a Husky. Their coat can also be longer. This helps Malamutes live in colder places like Alaska.

Temperament

Malamutes and Huskies differ in their personalities. Malamutes show an independent nature. They like to make their own decisions. This can be a challenge when training them. Huskies, on the other hand, are more sociable. They enjoy being with people and other dogs.

Both breeds have a strong prey drive. This means they may chase small animals like squirrels or cats. It’s important for owners to know this about their pets.

Malamutes and Huskies were bred to work in packs pulling sleds. Because of this, they understand pack hierarchy well. They look for leadership from their owner or another dog.

Owners should give these dogs lots of exercise because of their high energy levels.

Trainability

Malamutes and Huskies are both smart dogs, but they learn in different ways. Malamutes can be stubborn. This means they might not always listen to you the first time you tell them something. They like to think for themselves and may not always do what you ask right away. Huskies, on the other hand, really want to make their owners happy. They often listen better because they like it when their owner is pleased with them.

To train these dogs well, it’s important to start when they’re very young. This is called early socialization. It helps them get used to people and other animals quickly. When you teach them how to behave around others early on, they grow up knowing how to act nicely at home or outside.

Both breeds are quite clever and good at solving problems that come their way. For example, a Malamute might figure out how to open a gate that’s keeping him in the yard! Meanwhile, a Husky could learn tricks faster because he likes getting treats or praise from his owner.

Remember that every dog has its own personality too! Some might learn quicker than others even within the same breed.

Exercise

Malamutes and huskies need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A malamute often requires more physical activity than a husky. They should get at least one hour of exercise every day. Huskies also need plenty of exercises, but they can usually manage with slightly less intensity.

Both breeds enjoy activities like sledding and hiking. These activities use their natural strengths. For example, pulling sleds is perfect for a malamute’s power. Huskies excel in endurance-based tasks because they are fast runners.

Not enough exercise can lead to problems. Without it, these dogs may become bored or stressed. This could cause them to act out by chewing or digging.

To keep your dog under control, make sure you give them lots of chances to move around and play outside.

Remember that both malamutes and huskies were bred for hard work in cold climates. So they really do need a lot of movement throughout the day.

Grooming

Malamutes and huskies are known for their thick, beautiful coats. But these coats need care to stay healthy. Brushing is key. Malamutes often need brushing twice a week. Huskies might get by with less frequent brushes. Both breeds shed year-round but shed more in spring and fall.

During shedding seasons, or coat blowouts, they may need daily brushing. This helps remove loose fur and keeps your home cleaner.

Grooming isn’t just about brushing though. It’s important to keep their nails trimmed too. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim! Clean ears help prevent infections as well.

Feeding

Malamutes and Huskies are both working dogs with high energy levels. They need the right food to stay healthy and active. The amount you feed them depends on their size and how much they move each day.

For Malamutes, which are larger, a grown dog might eat between 3 to 5 cups of dry dog food daily. But for Huskies, which are smaller, about 2 to 3 cups can be enough. Both breeds love to eat, so it’s important not to give them too much.

These dogs do best with meals made for working breeds. Their food should have lots of protein and fat for energy. This helps them run and play as much as they like without getting tired too fast.

But even if a dog is very busy, eating too much can make it overweight. Heavy dogs can get sick easily with problems like sore joints or diabetes.

So always watch how your Malamute or Husky looks and acts when deciding how much food they need each day.

Puppy Prices

When you decide between a malamute and a husky, price is important. A malamute puppy often costs more than a husky. For a malamute, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500. Huskies can be less pricey. They range from $600 to $1,300.

The price depends on several things. The dog’s family tree matters. Dogs with champion parents cost more. Where you live affects the price too. Also, well-known breeders charge higher prices for their puppies.

Remember there are other costs after buying your puppy.

• First vet visits
• Dog supplies like beds and toys
• Training classes

These extra expenses add up quickly.

Health Conditions and Concerns

Malamutes and huskies are strong dogs, but they have health issues to watch for. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in both breeds. It can cause pain and trouble walking. Malamutes often get it, and so do huskies.

Regular vet visits help find health problems early. This is very important for these dogs. Catching an issue early can make treatment easier.

Breeding plays a big role in a dog’s health too. Good breeders test their dogs for genetic diseases before breeding them. They give buyers health clearances for the puppies’ parents.

Owners should learn about these conditions to keep their pets healthy.

Choosing the right breeder is also key to getting a healthy puppy, as discussed earlier with puppy prices.

Final Thoughts

Before choosing between a malamute and a husky, it’s key to know what each dog needs. These breeds are not just pets; they’re commitments that need your time, energy, and resources. Both dogs come from Arctic regions and have thick coats that require regular grooming. They also need lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy.

It is vital to learn about these dogs before bringing one into your home. This will help you provide the best care possible.