Appearance differences between the Alaskan Malamute and the Husky
1. Body size: The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed, while the Husky is medium-sized. On average, the Malamute stands about 10 cm taller at the shoulder and weighs around 10 kg more.
2. Eyes: Blue eyes are not accepted in the Alaskan Malamute according to breed standards, while Huskies may have one blue eye or both eyes blue.
3. Ears: Malamute ears are set wider apart and angle slightly outward and backward. Husky ears are set closer together and higher on the head. Oversized or overly high-set ears are considered faults in both breeds, though the exact standard differs.
4. Tail: In most situations, the Malamute's tail curls upward over the back, especially while working. Breed standards often describe it as a waving plume. The Husky's tail usually does not curl over the back; it is more often straight and brush-like, and when the dog wags it, the tail rises upward rather than rolling tightly over the back.
Key differences between Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies
1. Eyes: Huskies may have brown or blue eyes, while Malamutes should have brown eyes only.
2. Coat color: Huskies are commonly gray and white, black and white, or brown and white. Malamutes are usually black and white or red and white.
3. Coat texture: Huskies have relatively shorter and harsher coats, while Malamutes have longer and softer coats.
4. Ears: Huskies have a narrower distance between the ears and a sharper triangular shape. Malamutes have ears set farther apart, with rounder tips and a more semi-circular look.
5. Forehead markings: Huskies may show patterns often described as one flame, two flames, three flames, or a peach face. Malamutes are more commonly described as having a peach face or one- to two-flame style markings.
6. Tail: A relaxed Husky's tail hangs down naturally, more like a wolf's. When excited or running, it lifts, but the tail tip generally remains level. The Malamute's tail is thick at the base, heavily coated, and usually curls toward the back.
7. Size: Huskies are medium-sized, while Malamutes are large.
8. Temperament: Huskies are often described as more wolf-like, intelligent, alert, lively, and changeable. Malamutes are considered steadier, brave, loyal, and very patient.
9. Price: Pet-quality Huskies are often listed around 5,000 to 6,000 RMB, while pet-quality Alaskan Malamutes are often listed around 8,000 to 10,000 RMB.
10. Intelligence: Some rankings place Huskies above Malamutes in obedience and intelligence tests.
11. City adaptability: Huskies are described as moderately adaptable to city life, while Malamutes are generally considered less adaptable and somewhat harder to raise in urban settings.
Additional notes on distinguishing Malamutes from Siberian Huskies
People who have watched films featuring sled dogs may have noticed one of the clearest differences: the Husky's tail is usually straight rather than curled, while the Malamute's tail is often carried in a loose curl over the back. Temperament is another difference often mentioned by owners. Huskies are energetic, curious, destructive when bored, and highly active. Malamutes are usually calmer, gentler, and less restless. In terms of build, Malamutes are noticeably larger. Huskies are also commonly described as having more wolf-like ancestry and may howl when lonely, while Malamutes are generally quieter in that regard. Huskies can have blue, brown, or dark eyes, while Malamutes should have brown eyes.