KatyPerryVEVOlyrics71

Have you ever wondered if your sled dog is an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky? Yes, the two dogs do have a lot in common, such as their cold-climate living characteristics and low guard dog qualities. However, there are a lot of tell-tale differences. Read this guide to learn how to easily tell an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Checking the Dog's Physical Features

Check the size of the canine. Size is an easy way to tell if your dog is an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky. See if the dog is large or medium-sized.
- Alaskan Malamutes are larger than Siberian Huskies. They are usually about ^[1] and are considered large.^[2]
- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are considered to be medium-sized.^[3] They are usually about .^[4]
Find the weight of the dog. The malamute is heavier than the husky. This is an easy way to identify the two species since there is a huge difference in weight.
- The Alaskan Malamute usually weighs .^[5]
- The Siberian husky, which is lighter than the malamute, usually weighs .^[6]
Look at the dog's eye color. Eye color is often useful in telling these two breeds apart.
- Purebred Alaskan Malamutes always have brown eyes. They don't carry the genes for blue eyes.^[7]
- Siberian Huskies have either light blue or brown eyes.^[8] When their eyes are brown, check the shade of the hue. If it is a light shade, it's likely a husky, not a malamute.
See how the dog's tail hangs. The tail is often said to be the easiest way to identify the species from each other.
- If the tail curls over the dog's back, rather than dropping down directly, it's an Alaskan Malamute.^[9]
- If the tail hangs down, with no upwards curl, it's a Siberian Husky.^[10]
Notice the length of the dog's coat. Both species have double coats and shed a lot, but the length of their coats is different.
- Alaskan Malamutes have longer coats than the Siberian Huskies. They are considered long.^[11]
- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, have shorter coats. The husky's coats are considered to be medium length.^[12]
Take the dog's coat color into account. Though huskies and malamutes share some coat colors, there are some colors that only huskies are typically seen with.
- Alaskan Malamutes have coats that range in color from black and light grey to red.^[13]
- Siberian Huskies can also be black, grey, or red, but may also be seen with sable, agouti, or pure white coats.^[14]

[Edit]Checking the Dog's Personality and Actions

Consider your dog's energy levels. The energy levels of Alaskan Malamutes differ significantly from that of a Siberian Husky's. Malamutes are significantly less energetic than huskies.
- Alaskan Malamutes are calm dogs. They're less likely to run around or jump.^[15]
- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are very hyper, energetic dogs.^[16] Unlike malamutes, huskies like to run and jump, and don't rest a lot.
See if the dog prefers pulling over running as its exercise. Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies are quite similar, but prefer different types of movement.
- Alaskan Malamutes prefer pulling over running. ^[17] Give it a rope! See if it will play tug-of-war with you.
- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, like running over pulling.^[18] Run around! See if it will chase you happily.
See if the dog prefers digging over jumping. When bored, dogs may either jump or dig around fences and other blockages.
- Alaskan Malamutes will dig instead of jumping over fences.^[19] They will dig holes with their paws and keep digging until stopped by something more interesting.
- Unlike Malamutes, Siberian Huskies like to jump over fences rather than dig under them.^[20] Because of their energetic behavior and personality, jumping is their preferred way of getting past blockages. They also do this when they're bored.^[21]
Consider the animal's tolerance for other dogs. The two species act differently in some situations, such as when meeting other dogs (especially if the dogs are of the same sex).
- Alaskan Malamutes tend to be more aggressive.^[22] They are usually not tolerant of other dogs.
- Siberian Huskies are much friendlier. They are outgoing and very tolerant compared to other dogs. ^[23]