By DogLovely Team
Which breed is the best for me? Should I choose the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute? What makes them so similar? Which are the differences between the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky?
Why are huskies so different? Join me to find out which are the main differences in terms of health, nutrition and more!
I know that it is difficult to choose your puppy and I want to save you hours of searching, so below you will find a complete comparison for both dog breeds. I hope that you will find it useful and you will select the breed which is most relevant for you.
We often make a comparison between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky, because these two breeds have a similar appearance, but also origins and characters. Both dog breeds have been used traditionally in colder areas as dogs for dog sleds to carry items and people on the snow.
However, there are important differences between these two Nordic dog breeds.
The lovely Alaskan malamute has its origins from Alaska while the playful Husky originates from the northeastern part of the region, Siberia (Russia) which gives its name.
Malamutes are bigger than the Siberian Husky and not that fast. Moreover, the two breeds have a different character: Huskies are more active and restless while the Alaskan Malamutes are more relaxed and more affectionate with their owners.
Dog Shedding
The Alaskan Malamute is shedding much more than the Siberian Husky. It is a normal process to naturally lose some old or damaged fur. Many dog owners do not like it when the dog changes its fur, because this creates discomfort at home or in the car.
Best Guard Dog
The Siberian Husky is definitely a better guard dog which will control the access to your home. To have a friend that you can rely on for this important task could result in having more tranquility. This playful dog will protect your house and family.
Children & Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is the better choice if the dog will share a flat with your children. It could grow with them and become the beloved pet in the family.
Temperament
The Siberian Husky is friendly, but it will also protect your home. Moreover, it rarely barks and it could be easily trained.
The Alaskan Malamute is exceptionally friendly with people, but if there is something characteristic of this dog breed is that it does not get along with other dogs. In spite of being a big dog, the Alaskan Malamute is not a recommended choice if you are looking for a dog guard.
Nutrition and Exercises
The nutrition of the Siberian Husky requires that you should feed it only in small portions. It requires many exercises which are necessary in order to calm down its restlessness and make sure that it will not escape from home due to its hunting, pursuit instincts.
Feed your Siberian Husky only in small portions
The Alaskan Malamute also requires frequent exercises, but the difference is that it will be happier doing stronger exercises. These dogs would need space and, hence, it is not recommended for them to live in closed or too small spaces.
In relation to their nutrition, it is important to oversee what and how much the Alaskan Malamute eats. Take into consideration that this dog breed tends to swallow everything that is within its reach.
Grooming – Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute
The main care of Siberian Husky includes brushing its fur two times per week. Make sure that you provide special care when it is the time of most dog shedding. On the other hand, the nails should be cut regularly and taking a bath is not as necessary as you may think. It is sufficient to apply a dry shampoo to maintain the fur clean.
The thick and rough fur of the Alaskan Malamute make it also necessary to brush it twice per week. However, this lovely puppy usually has a seasonal fur loss. This dog also does not require a bath frequently, but it is recommended to use a dry dog shampoo from time to time, especially if you live in a location with dry and hot climate.
Health Care
The health of the Siberian Husky is quite good, but it may have a hip dysplasia and issues with the eyesight such as cataracts. This dog is a suitable choice for locations with a too hot climate. Respectively, this dog should not do many exercises when the weather is too hot.
Among the most common diseases which Alaska Malamute suffer from are hip dysplasia, different eye diseases and disorders with the blood coagulation. Additionally, it is prone to obesity if you let it eat too much. Do not forget that it is important to take care of its proper nutrition to keep happy and healthy.
Both Alaskan Malamute and Husky may suffer from hip dysplasia.