How to Identify an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky

Last Updated: December 23, 2021 References

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!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Checking the Dog’s Physical Features

1
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 22–27.5 inches (56–70 cm)^{[1]
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  Research source} and are considered large.^{[2]
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- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are considered to be medium-sized.^{[3]
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  Research source} They are usually about 20–23.5 inches (51–60 cm).^{[4]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
2
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 65–85 pounds (29–39 kg).^{[5]
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- The Siberian husky, which is lighter than the malamute, usually weighs 35–60 pounds (16–27 kg).^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
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3
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]
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- Siberian Huskies have either light blue or brown eyes.^{[8]
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  Research source} 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.
Did you know? A husky can have two different colored eyes. This is called heterochromia.
4
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]
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- If the tail hangs down, with no upwards curl, it’s a Siberian Husky.^{[10]
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5
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]
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- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, have shorter coats. The husky’s coats are considered to be medium length.^{[12]
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6
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]
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- Siberian Huskies can also be black, grey, or red, but may also be seen with sable, agouti, or pure white coats.^{[14]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Checking the Dog’s Personality and Actions

1
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]
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- Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are very hyper, energetic dogs.^{[16]
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  Research source} Unlike malamutes, huskies like to run and jump, and don't rest a lot.
2
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]
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  Research source} 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]
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  Research source} Run around! See if it will chase you happily.
3
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]
  X
  Research source} 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]
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  Research source} 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]
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4
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]
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  Research source} They are usually not tolerant of other dogs.
- Siberian Huskies are much friendlier. They are outgoing and very tolerant compared to other dogs. ^{[23]
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Did you know? Siberian Huskies are so kind and tolerant that it makes them terrible guard dogs.^{[24]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Does a dog's breed solely determine its personality traits?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

A dog's personality depends on the individual dog and what type of environment they are in rather than what type of breed they are.
Question

My dog is 70 pounds and has blue eyes, a curled tail, and long fur that is brown and white. She has high energy, likes to play, loves other animals, and digs when bored or trying to escape. What breed could she be?

Linnie

Top Answerer

Your dog has both Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute traits. The size, curled tail, and digging behaviors fit a malamute, while the blue eyes, energy level, and love of playing and being with other dogs fit a husky. Your dog seems to possibly be an Alaskan malamute/Siberian husky mix or some other sled dog breed. Consider DNA testing if you'd like a definitive answer.
Question

What breed is a dog with long, pure white fur and a curled tail?

Linnie

Top Answerer

Depending on their size and other distinct traits, some possible breeds for this include a samoyed, Pomeranian, American Eskimo, Japanese Spitz, Alaskan Malamute, and several other spitz breeds. Some other breeds outside of the spitz family that could possibly fit this description are a bichon frise, Chihuahua, or poodle, though their tails aren’t quite as curly.