How to Identify an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky

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Have you ever wondered if your sled dog is an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky ? Yes, the two dogs do have a lot in common, such as their cold-climate living characteristics and low guard dog qualities. However, there are a lot of tell-tale differences. Read this guide to learn how to easily tell an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Checking the Dog’s Physical Features

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  1. Size is an easy way to tell if your dog is an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky. See if the dog is large or medium-sized.
    • Alaskan Malamutes are larger than Siberian Huskies. They are usually about 22–27.5 inches (56–70 cm) and are considered large. [1]
    • Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are considered to be medium-sized. [2] They are usually about 20–23.5 inches (51–60 cm). [3]
  2. The malamute is heavier than the husky. This is an easy way to identify the two species since there is a huge difference in weight.
    • The Alaskan Malamute usually weighs 65–85 pounds (29–39 kg).
    • The Siberian husky, which is lighter than the malamute, usually weighs 35–60 pounds (16–27 kg). [4]
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  3. Eye color is often useful in telling these two breeds apart.
    • Purebred Alaskan Malamutes always have brown eyes. They don't carry the genes for blue eyes. [5]
    • Siberian Huskies have either light blue or brown eyes. [6] When their eyes are brown, check the shade of the hue. If it is a light shade, it’s likely a husky, not a malamute.

    Did you know? A husky can have two different colored eyes. This is called heterochromia.

  4. The tail is often said to be the easiest way to identify the species from each other.
    • If the tail curls over the dog’s back, rather than dropping down directly, it’s an Alaskan Malamute. [7]
    • If the tail hangs down, with no upwards curl, it’s a Siberian Husky. [8]
  5. Both species have double coats and shed a lot, but the length of their coats is different.
    • Alaskan Malamutes have longer coats than the Siberian Huskies. They are considered long. [9]
    • Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, have shorter coats. The husky’s coats are considered to be medium length. [10]
  6. Though huskies and malamutes share some coat colors, there are some colors that only huskies are typically seen with.
    • Alaskan Malamutes have coats that range in color from black and light grey to red. [11]
    • Siberian Huskies can also be black, grey, or red, but may also be seen with sable, agouti, or pure white coats. [12]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Checking the Dog’s Personality and Actions

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  1. The energy levels of Alaskan Malamutes differ significantly from that of a Siberian Husky's. Malamutes are significantly less energetic than huskies.
    • Alaskan Malamutes are calm dogs. They're less likely to run around or jump. [13]
    • Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are very hyper, energetic dogs. [14] Unlike malamutes, huskies like to run and jump, and don't rest a lot.
    EXPERT TIP

    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC

    Canine Behavior Consultant
    Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.
    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
    Canine Behavior Consultant

    Malamutes and Huskies share many physical and behavioral traits, but have some notable differences. Malamutes are typically less active than Huskies. Huskies are more prone to escape attempts, often trying to open gates or dig under fences.

  2. Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies are quite similar, but prefer different types of movement.
    • Alaskan Malamutes prefer pulling over running. [15] Give it a rope! See if it will play tug-of-war with you.
    • Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, like running over pulling. [16] Run around! See if it will chase you happily.
  3. When bored, dogs may either jump or dig around fences and other blockages.
    • Alaskan Malamutes will dig instead of jumping over fences. [17] They will dig holes with their paws and keep digging until stopped by something more interesting.
    • Unlike Malamutes, Siberian Huskies like to jump over fences rather than dig under them. [18] Because of their energetic behavior and personality, jumping is their preferred way of getting past blockages. They also do this when they’re bored. [19]
  4. The two species act differently in some situations, such as when meeting other dogs (especially if the dogs are of the same sex).
    • Alaskan Malamutes tend to be more aggressive. [20] They are usually not tolerant of other dogs.
    • Siberian Huskies are much friendlier. They are outgoing and very tolerant compared to other dogs. [21]

    Did you know? Siberian Huskies are so kind and tolerant that it makes them terrible guard dogs. [22]

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Does a dog's breed solely determine its personality traits?
    Elisabeth Weiss
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
    Elisabeth Weiss
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    A dog's personality depends on the individual dog and what type of environment they are in rather than what type of breed they are.
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  • Question
    My dog is 70 pounds and has blue eyes, a curled tail, and long fur that is brown and white. She has high energy, likes to play, loves other animals, and digs when bored or trying to escape. What breed could she be?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Your dog has both Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute traits. The size, curled tail, and digging behaviors fit a malamute, while the blue eyes, energy level, and love of playing and being with other dogs fit a husky. Your dog seems to possibly be an Alaskan malamute/Siberian husky mix or some other sled dog breed. Consider DNA testing if you'd like a definitive answer.
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  • Question
    What breed is a dog with long, pure white fur and a curled tail?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Depending on their size and other distinct traits, some possible breeds for this include a samoyed, Pomeranian, American Eskimo, Japanese Spitz, Alaskan Malamute, and several other spitz breeds. Some other breeds outside of the spitz family that could possibly fit this description are a bichon frise, Chihuahua, or poodle, though their tails aren’t quite as curly.
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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for dogs, check out our in-depth interview with Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC .


      References

      1. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      2. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
      5. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      6. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      7. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      8. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      9. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      1. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      2. ↑ https://huskyadvisor.com/malamute-vs-husky/
      3. ↑ https://huskyadvisor.com/malamute-vs-husky/
      4. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      5. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      6. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      7. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      8. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      9. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      10. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/
      11. ↑ https://thehappypuppysite.com/alaskan-malamute-vs-siberian-husky/
      12. ↑ https://thehappypuppysite.com/alaskan-malamute-vs-siberian-husky/
      13. ↑ https://animalso.com/breeds/malamute-vs-husky/

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