what's the difference between alaskan malamutes and siberian huskies?

Question

in terms of size, shedding, and behavior?
which would be a better family dog?
which one could fetch the newspaper?

Answer 1

Here's an excellent chart that can help answer some of your questions:
http://www.minnesotamalamuteclub.com/malvsibe.htm

Siberians are smaller than Malamutes.

Siberians should be 45-65 lbs, Mals can be 85-100 lbs. Anything larger than either of those is poorly bred.

Both have similar, double, arctic coats, and will shed in huge clumps of fur twice a year, especially if not regularly brushed.

Siberians absolutely require a fenced in yard. I'd recommend one for a Mal, as well, but Siberians MUST have one.

Malamutes are mellower, but both breeds are good with well-behaved children.

Neither one would fetch a newspaper. Both would probably shred it for fun, and then smile at you while you picked up the pieces. They were bred to pull sleds, not retrieve things for their people.

Answer 2

Malamute is the larger of the two breeds. Both shed and shed a lot in warmer weather (remember, these are originally sled dogs....cold climate). Both are self-confident breeds and independent thinkers but also well adjusted to working as a team. Training either breed is essential so that you are the alpha and have control over these muscular working dogs. You would do best to have ways of occupying their time and attention for a time period everyday or they will find their own activities to keep busy and their mind alert and it isn't always a 'good thing'.

I could be totally incorrect but just my personal experience of being around both breeds to some extent, I find the Malamute a little more laid back and not quite as tense as the Siberian. You may want to do a search and actually discuss it with some breeders and read up on the breeds at the AKC web site.

Neither one will fetch the paper if you don't train it to.... :o)

Answer 3

Malamutes are Giant Breed dogs, usually between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder between 80 and 120 lbs, they have similar temperaments and both have thick dense coats that need to be taken care of regularly, both are high energy working dogs that listen when they want. Huskies are usually smaller between 45 and 60 lbs. They are both extremely intelligent and need lots of simulation. Huskies are usually black and white but can also be red or brown. Malamutes are usually Grey black red and or white. Both have blue, brown or grey eyes. The biggest difference in them is size. Invest in a furminator or find a good groomer to do shed-less treatments with both breeds in spring and fall to help with shedding and heat. And a good trainer to help you understand the breed of which ever you choose. If you want a dog that isn't so high energy check out Great Pyrenees or Samoyed too. They don't have the markings but they're a little more laid back and are still arctic dogs

Answer 4

Malamutes are bigger. Both shed and both blow coat. Siberians are runners, Malamutes can be very assertive and dog aggressive. Neither are great for first time owners.

When purchased from a REPUTABLE breeder, both can be decent family dogs *IF* you put enough time into training them.

Neither is likely to fetch the paper without a TON of training on your part. There are many breeds that would be much easier to train and MUCH more willing to do so.

Answer 5

Huskies are a LITTLE easier to train. They can both be very stubborn but I've found that Huskies are a little sharper than the mals. They both have great temperaments and are very trustworthy with people and children- not so much with other pets though. Both need a lot of exercise and shed a lot twice a year, as well as regularly throughout the year. They are both extremely ineffective as guard dogs or watch dogs. They don't don't bark at strangers and wouldn't attack. You'd have to rely on their appearance for intimidation.

Answer 6

It depends on your family. Sibes are a bit smaller, but they are both "shedding machines" as GitEmGang described them (it had me in stitches). I suggest you open both windows here and compare for yourself!

http://www.akc.org/breeds/siberian_husky/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/alaskan_malamute/index.cfm

Both are rather stubborn. If you're bent on a newspaper retriever, get a retriever. They're awesome dogs.

Answer 7

Here are a few links: