Dog breed comparison
Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Alaskan Malamute is the bigger breed, about 18 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Siberian Husky | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 35 to 60 pounds | 75 to 100 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Siberian Husky gets on better with other dogs than the Alaskan Malamute.
Easy to train
The Alaskan Malamute is easier to train than the Siberian Husky.
Good with children
The Siberian Husky is better with children than the Alaskan Malamute.
Drooling
The Siberian Husky drools more than the Alaskan Malamute.
Intelligence
The Alaskan Malamute is quicker to learn than the Siberian Husky.
Shedding
The Alaskan Malamute sheds more than the Siberian Husky.
Which to choose
Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute?
Choose the Siberian Husky if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Choose the Alaskan Malamute if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Is the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute bigger, and which lives longer?
The Alaskan Malamute is the bigger breed, about 18 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute?
The Alaskan Malamute is generally easier to train than the Siberian Husky. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute?
The Siberian Husky is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Alaskan Malamute can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Siberian Husky sheds less than the Alaskan Malamute. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
