Q&A for How to Identify an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky

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.

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.

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.

Based on the curled tail, it is possible that your dog is a malamute mix. Consider other features as well - how long is the fur? What color are the eyes? Longer fur suggests that they may be part malamute, while blue eyes are a trait of Siberian huskies.

Genetically, it is not possible for a purebred Alaskan malamute to have blue eyes. However, your dog could possibly be an Alaskan malamute/Siberian husky mix. If you want to know for sure, look into DNA testing .

Typically, Alaskan malamute puppies are born with naturally curled tails. This is a key characteristic of the breed. The curl may be more noticeable as they grow into their adolescent and adult years, however.

If you've had the dog's DNA tested, trust those results, especially if the testing company is one that is known to be accurate. Additionally, if those papers are from a kennel club and state the dog's lineage, he is certainly a purebred Siberian husky if both of his parents were registered Siberians. It's possible for one to not have all of the typical traits associated with the breed; for example, their temperament may vary based on their amount of exercise, or their physical appearance may be more pronounced if that of their parents was also.

If trained with positive reinforcement and treated as a loving family pet, Siberian huskies are highly trainable, though be aware that some may act more stubbornly than others. They can excel in obedience classes.

Alaskan malamutes do not have the proper genes to have blue eyes, and a malamute with blue eyes is most likely a mixed breed or has a medical condition. However, your dog's long coat and curled tail suggest that she is a malamute. It is possible that the blue spot in her eye is the result of a medical condition, especially if the base color of both eyes is brown.

Neither breed is known for having a black tongue; however, as these are both breeds of spitz descent, it is possible for either to have one - this is just not incredibly common. A black tongue is arguably seen more frequently in Siberian huskies than Alaskan malamutes, however.

Though not too common, it is possible for an Alaskan malamute to have a solid black face or body, especially when young. This usually fades to a grey or agouti coat when they grow older, which is much more common in Siberian huskies but nevertheless possible in a malamute. The dog would just be unable to compete in any dog shows as show malamutes require white facial markings.

Alaskan malamutes are not a type of husky, but both Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies are spitz breeds, known for sled-pulling, and part of the working group. The Alaskan malamute is not to be confused with the Alaskan husky, which is an entirely separate husky breed.

Your dog is a bit large for a Siberian husky, but the two differently colored eyes, the tail, and the abundance of energy suggest that he is indeed a purebred. It's possible that he may be a Siberian husky/Alaskan malamute mix, but based on his features, it seems that he is just a bit larger than most huskies but is still a purebred.

Female huskies like to be more independent. The other dog maybe penetrating her privacy. This may also occur if your dog is guarding food or other possessions.

Your dog's size seems to fit the standard for a Siberian husky. A Siberian's coat is typically a medium length, and one may be seen sporting a coat of any color. Thus, she is more likely a Siberian husky than an Alaskan malamute, but some other features to consider are whether her tail hangs down or curves over the back, as well as what color her eyes are.

Siberian huskies are friendly and outgoing to the point that they would be awful guard dogs. You could attempt to train one to guard, but understand that it may be incredibly difficult. Malamutes are much better suited for guarding.

Black spots on a dog's tongue are typical and usually nothing to worry about unless they are a color other than bluish black, have a foul odor, or are differently textured than the rest of the dog's tongue. Black tongue spots are actually fairly common in dogs, especially in ones with black points, and do not mean your dog is not a purebred. If you have any concerns about the spot, consult a veterinarian.

Not every individual of a breed will have the same traits. Though Siberian Huskies are known for their high energy levels, it isn't impossible to come across a Siberian that is laid-back. Similarly, Alaskan Malamutes have a less energetic reputation, but it isn't impossible to come across a hyper Malamute. Age may also be a factor; many dogs are more energetic as puppies and in their early ages and start to become more laid-back as they grow into their senior years.

The blue eyes, white coat, and non-curled tail suggest that your dog is a Siberian Husky, though Siberians are typically not that large. The size more closely resembles that of an Alaskan Malamute. It's possible that your dog may be a Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute mix or a mix of some different breeds. Consider DNA testing if you'd like to confirm his breed.

If your dog vastly resembles an Alaskan Malamute but has blue eyes, she may be an Alusky. It's also possible that she is a Siberian Husky with a Malamute-like appearance, or she may even be a different sled dog breed. If you'd like her breed confirmed, consider DNA testing to do this.

The two different colored eyes suggest that your dog is likely a Siberian Husky. Many dogs enjoy digging, despite it being more prevalent in Malamutes. Your dog may have a sickle tail, which resembles a curled tail. Siberian Huskies are very playful dogs, and though they are known for having high energy levels, it is possible for one to seem calm at times.

If your dog has a downward-lying tail and blue eyes, it's much more likely that they are a Siberian Husky than an Alaskan Malamute regardless of temperament. Though Siberians are known for being friendly, it's always possible that not every individual of the breed will have this trait. If you believe your dog resembles a shepherd otherwise in appearance, they may be a husky/shepherd mix. Consider DNA testing if you'd like to confirm their breed.

A common name for the Alaskan Malamute/Siberian Husky mix is the Alusky, though it may be referred to as other names as well.

If she has blue eyes, it's much more likely that she is a Siberian husky. Some Siberian huskies have sickle tails that may give the appearance of a curled tail but aren't truly curled. It's also possible that your dog may be another type of husky or a mixed breed due to her mixed traits and coat color.

Age doesn't really matter. The features are usually the same, though the fur may show some grey or white atop any darker colors. Sometimes, the age may affect how active the dog can be, also.