Difference Between Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky

Alaskan Malamute Vs Siberian Husky

The first is said to be from Siberia while the other came from Alaska. Although their origins are still not entirely figured out to this date, the Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute look pretty much the same, no wonder they have been confused with each other in many occasions to the point that some people mix up and give odd names like Alaskan Husky and Siberian Malamute.
The two sport different functions. The Siberian husky is meant for carrying lighter loads and travelling at farther distances at moderate pace. Malamutes are best for bringing heavier loads.

The amount of load that these two canine types can carry is a result of their different body sizes. The husky appears shorter and has a lighter body weight compared to malamutes. Male huskies reach about 21 to 23.5 inches and 45-60 lbs in weight while the typical Male malamutes reach 25 inches in height while weighing at 85 lbs average. The same proportion is true for their female counterparts.

Huskies have almond shaped eyes that are usually either brown or blue in color. Malamutes have that same almond shaped eyes but are usually only brown in color.

By simply looking at a typical Siberian husky, you can clearly see that this breed is a balance of endurance, power and speed. The Alaskan malamute looks more overpowering most likely because of its bigger size. Thus, it looks more powerful and heavy boned.

With regard to their facial expressions the husky looks more mischievous and is the keen canine type while the Malamute is endearing, soft and looks very much affectionate. Even if the husky looks like such, it is still naturally friendly.

Huskies have oval shaped feet that are not that long. They appear more compact and the gaps between the pad and toes are evenly furred. Their pads are also tough. Malamutes have larger feet, also tough and compact like a snowshoe.

Huskies have the fox-brush type of tail that sets beneath the topline level and is generally held in a trailing or sickle curve. The malamute’s tail is like a waving plume. It is moderately set and directly continues the spinal line at its tip. It is also not tightly curled.

Aside from the many other differences between the Alaskan malamute and the Siberian husky, the two primarily differs in the following aspects:
1. The Alaskan malamute is meant to carry bigger loads while the Siberian husky is meant for lighter loads.
2. The Alaskan malamute is bigger and taller (both for the males and females) compared to the Siberian husky.
3. The Alaskan malamute usually has brown colored eyes while the other has eyes ranging from brown to blue and sometimes a mix of these two colors.
4. The Alaskan malamute is more affectionate-looking while the Siberian husky is the mischievous type.

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