In this article I\u2019ll describe the similarities and differences between the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you\u2019ll be able to determine whether either breed would be an appropriate fit for your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Husky](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/malmutes-v-huskies-700x525.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMalamute vs Husky: The Showdown!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Both are double-coated, handsome Nordic breeds who excel in cold weather. They don\u2019t love warmer climates and aren\u2019t suited for tropical climes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neither breed is suitable for city life because they need to be outdoors in nature and need room for outdoor activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, both breeds can be noisy and may howl and aren\u2019t generally suited for apartment life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies<\/a> were bred to work and seem to have a never-ending supply of energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their strong work ethic and energy, neither breed is meant for first-time dog owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And both need early and ongoing socialization<\/a> and training<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on to learn more about the Malamute and Husky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A strong working breed, the Alaskan Malamute has ancient roots. They are large, handsome dogs who require an active owner who loves outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alaskan Malamutes are an ancient breed bred by the Mahlemiut Intuit tribe to carry heavy loads on their nomadic quests across the Kotzebue Sound, which is now part of Northwest Alaska. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mals were crucial to the tribe\u2019s survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Multi-talented, the dogs were also used to hunt seals and defend against polar bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the 19th Century Klondike Gold Rush, their numbers dwindled and the breed almost became extinct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the large demand for sled dogs, Alaskan Malamues were interbred with other dogs, producing mixed-breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the isolation and remote location of the Mahlemiut Intuit tribe, however, the Alaskan Malamute breed survived and their lines remained relatively pure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These dogs served as the foundation for the dogs we now know as Alaskan Malamutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During World War I and II, they helped transport supplies and worked as search and rescue dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sturdy, strong Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull sleds with heavy loads over shorter distances in the arctic region than the Husky was. Slower and steady wins the race is the Mal\u2019s motto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they are large and may appear to be good guard dogs, they are not. They are too friendly to serve as protectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alaskan Malamutes are larger than Huskies are and have a bulkier, sturdier, heavier appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a broad chest, powerful shoulders, and a full white underbelly from chest to the tip of their tail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their plumed tail is carried in a dignified fashion over their back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a beautiful, thick, medium-length double coat that\u2019s waterproof in a full range of tones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mals can be pure white or the following tones with white: agouti, black, blue, gray, red, sable, seal, or silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a broad, deep skull and a soft expression indicating their affectionate temperament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Malamute has slightly offset erect ears and a downward peak on his forehead with a black or gray mask. His almond-shaped eyes are brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Alaskan Malamute\u2019s overall appearance is one of a sturdy working dog who is prepared to perform the task at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Male Malamutes stand 25 inches at the shoulder and 85 pounds. And females are 23 inches at the shoulder and 75 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mal is a working dog and needs regular exercise. If his needs aren\u2019t met, he will become bored\u2013and destructive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re strong and athletic and, although not bred for racing, will require long walks and romps in a safely enclosed yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A short, around-the-block walk is only an appetizer for a Malamute. Instead, he requires the equivalent of a four-mile brisk daily walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They love to be with their families and people-oriented activities would meet their social and exercise needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These can include: hiking, swimming, backpacking, skijoring (pulling a person who is on skis), recreational or competitive sledding, weight pulling, carting, biking, agility and obedience competitions, and running with their owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training should begin from puppyhood and continue throughout the dog\u2019s life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Malamutes are an intelligent breed, they have an independent streak and can become dominant and pushy if not given guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re pack animals and need to see you as their leader or they make take over a household. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Training all basic commands<\/a> such as come, sit, down, and stay is needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a prey drive to small animals so a \u201cleave it\u201d command is crucial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And without a solid recall, a Malamute is likely to take off and become lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s therefore advisable not to let them off-lead if they\u2019re not on a secure longline or a securely fenced area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, they should also be taught to walk on a loose leash and not pull, because their natural instinct is to pull, the task for which they were bred. Teaching them to heel would help in this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to formal obedience training, don\u2019t forget to provide other mental stimulation that can be provided through puzzle toys<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alaskan Malamutes should be exposed to all that they\u2019ll face from puppyhood on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their inclination not to be dog friendly (especially male to male), socializing them to friendly dogs from a young age can help them more readily accept them later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-run puppy kindergarten<\/a> can help the Mal in your quest to have a well-rounded adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alaskan Malamutes love their families and need to be a part of the family. But they don\u2019t discriminate against strangers either and welcome newcomers too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People-oriented, they love belly rubs. Unlike Huskies, they don\u2019t generally love other canines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If trained and socialized properly, Alaskan Malamutes are gentle, friendly, playful, and friendly with children. But, because of their large size and strength, caution must be taken with babies, toddlers, and young children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their dedication to their families and need for human contact, Malamutes are more likely to develop separation anxiety than Huskies are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though they are a high-energy breed, unlike Huskies, they can have an \u201coff switch\u201d and settle down if their exercise and socialization needs are met. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, if their needs to be with people or to get a sufficient amount of exercise aren\u2019t met, you\u2019ll see a destructive dog who will loudly yelp and howl their displeasure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They don\u2019t bark, but emit a loud \u201cWOO-WOO\u201d sound that will be heard throughout your home\u2013and neighborhood if outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I currently have a Mal in my puppy kindergarten class. And he speaks his excitement when he enters by a loud \u201cWOO-WOO.\u201d It\u2019s cute but would interrupt class if it continued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, while he\u2019s participating in the events in the class, he settles down and focuses on the work at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both breeds have a high prey drive towards small animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicated diggers, Mals\u2013like Huskies\u2013shouldn\u2019t be left in a yard alone. They can easily escape if not supervised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So it\u2019s important for any fencing to also be placed deep in the ground to stop this Houdini dog from escaping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can also jump high, so anything less than a six-foot high fence might not contain a Mal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just in case, make sure that your Mal has identification and is microchipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alaskan Malamutes are not nearly as popular as Huskies. Their American Kennel Club ranking is 68th, whereas Huskies are 19th in popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally they are a healthy breed if bred by a conscientious breeder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Breeders should perform the following health tests of their breeding stock: hip evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation, and polyneuropathy DNA test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Huskies are energetic working dogs who excel in cooler climates. Pack animals, they love being with the humans and canines in their group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Siberian Husky was developed by the Chukchi people of Northeast Siberia as a sled dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Chukchi were an indigenous people of Russia who wanted to develop a cold-resistant dog who could haul sleds as well as be great family companions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The people and dogs later migrated to Alaska. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1925, the breed became famous when mushers led dog relay teams over 650 miles in less than six days to deliver diphtheria recovery serum to Nome, Alaska, known as \u201cThe Great Race of Mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Siberian Husky was bred to pull lighter loads over longer distances than the Mal was. They move faster and are leaner than Mals and have a smooth and effortless gait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although not as friendly to strangers as the Alaskan Malamute, they are generally a friendly breed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Huskies are usually dog friendly and enjoy being part of a pack. So they don\u2019t make good guard dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Huskies are smaller and leaner than Alaskan Malamutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their lean and lithe build serves them well in covering long distances of light loads at moderate speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are still powerfully built and muscular but noticeably smaller and leaner than Huskies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a keen but friendly expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their medium-sized skull is in proportion to their body. And the Husky\u2019s medium-length neck is held high and slightly forward when trotting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their ears are erect and set high on the top of their skull. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have almond-shaped eyes which are blue or brown or sometimes one of each color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The solid stripe down their forehead distinguishes them from the Mal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They come in the following colors: agouti and white, black, black and white, black tan and white, brown and white, gray and white, red and white, sable and white, and white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Male Huskies are between 21 and 23 \u00bd inches at the shoulder and females between 20 and 22 inches at the shoulder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And male huskies weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and females between 35 and 50 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Siberian Huskies are very energetic working dogs. Like the Mal, they need regular, daily physical exercise to be content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If a Husky\u2019s physical and mental needs aren\u2019t met, he can become very destructive and can easily destroy household possessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If bored, he will also howl and chew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, like the Mal, they love to dig too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If not contained, their exuberance can also lead to escaping a yard. They can jump even over six-foot fences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I have worked on training Huskies with a local rescue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Husky rescuers will even advise people to not leave them in the yard unattended. And to put coyote-type poles that roll at the top of a fence so that the dog can\u2019t escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the Mal, they require long, daily walks\u2013and even runs\u2013and are generally more energetic than the Mal and don\u2019t settle down as readily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Running in an enclosed yard provides great exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, because, unlike the Mal, they are usually dog-friendly, a doggie playgroup can help expend some of a Husky\u2019s energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are more adaptable than the Mal and, if his needs are met, a Husky can sometimes live in an urban setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Play, engaging in activities together, and training can help further your bond and tire out your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Huskies can enjoy competitive obedience, rally, and agility. A friend of mine successfully showed her Huskies in obedience competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course training should begin in puppyhood and continue throughout the dog\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n Extremely intelligent, Huskies are biddable and eager to learn but also have an independent streak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to be a pack leader, you need to earn the dog\u2019s respect and trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Positive reinforcement training should be used for both breeds\u2013praise, treats, and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRO-TRAINER TIP: Have a supply of great, <\/em><\/strong>yummy treats<\/em><\/strong><\/a> that your puppy can\u2019t resist ready as a reward.<\/em><\/strong> They should be small, no larger than a pea. Always have your reward treats ready before giving your obedience cue.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training all basic commands, such as sit\/down\/stay and attention work are required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of a Husky\u2019s independent nature and propensity to run, a solid recall is crucial and must be constantly reinforced and generalized to various settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should use a special treat for a recall for either breed, such as small pieces of boiled, deboned chicken or a purchased treat such a Happy Howie’s Beef Roll<\/a> cut into small pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He shouldn\u2019t be let loose in an unfenced area or off a secure longline or he will probably take off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the Mal, Huskies have a high prey drive to small animals and need to learn a reliable \u201cleave it\u201d command. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Alaskan Malamute Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Origins and History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Working Ability and Purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise and Training Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Socialization Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Temperament and Personality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Popularity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Siberian Husky Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Origins and History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Working Ability and Purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Size <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise and Training Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Working](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/working-puppy.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/malmute-vs-husky-700x1050.jpg\")
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