Comparison: Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky

Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Alaskan Malamute
Photo: Carina Wicke Photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Siberian Husky
Photo: Evgenia Deviash, CC BY 3.0, source
Alaskan MalamuteSiberian Husky
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originUnited StatesUnited States
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–71 cm51–60 cm
Weight34–45 kg16–27 kg
Life span10–14 years12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Larger and heavier than a Husky, muscular build
  • Broad head, brown eyes and erect ears
  • Plumed tail over the back, grey to black with white
  • Blue or odd-coloured eyes and a facial mask pattern
  • Double dense coat, erect triangular ears
  • Sickle tail carried over the back
CoatCoarse thick double coat; grey, black, sable, red with white.Dense double coat, medium length, all colours.
PurposeA working dog of the Mahlemut people of Alaska bred to haul heavy sleds.Chukchi people in Siberia bred it for pulling light sleds long distances on little food.

Breed page: Alaskan Malamute · Breed page: Siberian Husky

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.