Comparison: Alaskan Malamute and Yakutian Laika

Alaskan Malamute and Yakutian Laika 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
Yakutian Laika
Photo: Pixelapache, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Alaskan MalamuteYakutian Laika
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originUnited StatesRussia
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–71 cm53–59 cm
Weight34–45 kg–
Life span10–14 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
  • Medium-sized spitz with triangular ears and a tail curled over the back
  • Thick coat with a mane, especially in males
  • White with any patching (bi- or tricolour)
CoatCoarse thick double coat; grey, black, sable, red with white.Thick, glossy, straight, coarse coat of medium length with a very dense undercoat and a neck mane; white with any patching.
PurposeA working dog of the Mahlemut people of Alaska bred to haul heavy sleds.Native sledge and hunting dog of north-eastern Russia, also a house guard and reindeer herder.

Breed page: Alaskan Malamute · Breed page: Yakutian Laika

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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.