Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky: Key Differences Ex

How to Distinguish Between Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes:

While Alaskan Malamutes may appear strikingly similar to Huskies, the most distinguishing feature is their abundance of fur. Their resemblance can be attributed to their shared heritage as sled dogs adapted to cold climates.

Alaskan Malamutes share a superficial resemblance with Siberian Huskies, but they can be differentiated from a variety of other breeds. The key differences between the two are: Alaskan Malamutes are generally stockier and taller, with a more robust build and a more wild demeanor, while Siberian Huskies are lighter, more elegant, and tend to have a gentler temperament.

Here are some specific ways to tell the two breeds apart:

Eyes: Huskies have brown or blue eyes, sometimes with a striking bicoloration; Alaskan Malamutes typically have only brown eyes.

Fur Color: Huskies come in black and white, gray and white, or caféaulait and white; Alaskan Malamutes are also black and white or red and white.

Fur Texture: Huskies have shorter, harder fur; Alaskan Malamutes have softer, longer hair.

Ears: Huskies have narrower spaces between their ears, with smaller, more pointed tips forming a triangular shape; Alaskan Malamutes have larger ear tips with wider spacing, creating a semicircular shape.

Forehead: Huskies often have a cross mark, double line, or twopointed brow pattern; Alaskan Malamutes typically have a more pronounced point on the forehead, resembling a "feminine" brow.

Tail: Huskies carry their tails up when relaxed, or when excited or running; Alaskan Malamutes have thick tails with abundant fur, curled upwards, with the tip bending close to the base.

Body Size: Huskies are of medium size; Alaskan Malamutes are large.

Temperament: Huskies are more wolflike in nature, known for their intelligence, liveliness, alertness, moodiness, and tendency to be destructive; Alaskan Malamutes are more sturdy, loyal, patient, and responsible.

Price: Huskies generally cost between 2,000 to 6,000 yuan; Alaskan Malamutes can range from 3,000 to 8,000 yuan.

Intelligence: Huskies are significantly smarter than Alaskan Malamutes. Huskies rank 45th in the world's dog intelligence rankings, while Alaskan Malamutes are at 50th.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For a more comprehensive understanding of the differences between Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, click here to read "The Differences Between Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes."