The battle of the two fan favorites; Siberian vs Malamute! While Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are known for their wolfish appearance and the ability to survive in extremely cold weather, you might wonder how to spot these apart! The good news is you are not alone! We sure know how difficult it is owing to their similarities. Though they have a lot in common, they are still very different in various aspects.
Like many others, you might have difficulty navigating through a pile of articles online, trying to figure out which one best suits your lifestyle. It is certainly not easy to decide between Siberian vs. Malamutes! If so, there is no need to worry! Buckle up your seatbelts and get ready to discover key differences between them!
Presenting a not-so-complicated list of aspects showcasing apparent differences between both dog breeds.
Difference In Personality And Training:
Siberian and Malamutes are often considered aggressive dogs primarily based on appearance. This might make you rethink your decision to get one, especially if you have kids at home. Well, to your surprise, it is quite the opposite! Contrary to their image, both dogs are incredibly affectionate and get along well with people.
As a bonus, Siberian huskies are extremely intelligent dogs. They are very active and love to play, which is perfect if you have kids! Having a Siberian husky will allow you, as a parent, some time to relax, as these dogs will keep your children entertained.
Although they are intelligent, Siberians require extensive training. Training Siberians is best with the help of a trainer or an experienced dog owner, as these dogs often lose interest and get bored.
On the other hand, Malamutes are known for their independent nature, a loner you might call them. Malamutes have higher guarding and barking tendencies and are likely to be less tolerant of other dogs. Being larger dogs with barking and guarding tendencies, Malamutes might work best for you if you are looking for a guarding dog.
If you already own a Malamute, you should incorporate socialization training into your dog’s daily routine to address its antisocial behavior.
To learn more about different ways to train your husky, head on to our article: Husky Puppies Training: Liberating Your Pet’s Best Potential!
Difference In Appearance:
Owing to their thick fur and wolf-like appearance, at first glance, you may find it difficult to pinpoint the difference between the two. Paying a closer look might help you spot the following differences between these two big guys!
1. Size
Malamutes are larger and heavier than Siberians. They are also taller, standing more than two feet tall, while huskies are under two feet.
2. Build
Malamutes tend to have wider chests and ears that angle slightly along the sides of their heads, while huskies have longer legs and narrow faces.
3. Tails
Though both have fluffy tails, malamutes have curled tails, while huskies have brush-shaped tails.
4. Eyes
Malamutes have brown-colored eyes, while Siberian Huskies have eyes ranging on a broad spectrum of colors.
5. Fur coloring
Malamutes have a completely white underbelly, the topcoat has a wide range of tones, and huskies have full coat patterns in various colors.
Despite their minor differences in appearance, both are majestic and considered to be among the most beautiful dog breeds.
Difference In Health
There is not much difference in the lifespans of Siberian and Malamute. You can enjoy 10-15 years of life with your fluffy buddies. Both breeds tend to live healthy lives but are still prone to some health conditions.
Pam O’Connor, president of the Delaware County Siberian Husky Rescue, says Siberian huskies can have hereditary eye defects, such as cataracts. “These can present at 6–12 months of age and may require surgery,” she says.
On the other hand, Julia Berquist, the public education chair for the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, says that Malamutes are at risk for Polyneuropathy and epilepsy.
Now, let’s talk about the serious stuff. Both breeds are at risk for hip dysplasia. “They can begin harness work at an early age but should not pull substantial weights until their joints have matured around two years old,” says Berquist.
When you have a dog, be it any breed, it is very important to visit the vet frequently to ensure your little friend is doing well!
Difference In Nutrition
As mentioned before, Malamutes are larger dogs, so they require more food than huskies. You may need to feed Malamutes four cups of food a day, while Siberians require only three.
In addition, you can alter your dog’s food intake based on their nutritional needs. For example some huskies suffering from iron deficiency require specially formulated food to fulfill their needs.
Though it seems fun to feed your furry friend treats just to see them get excited, keep in mind not to overfeed them, as Siberian and Malamutes tend to put on weight quite quickly.
If you are struggling to find foods that will keep your husky healthy then you might like to read our article on Husky’s Guide to Healthy Diet, for some amazing tips!
Difference In Grooming
Both furry dogs need a lot of attention and time! Siberian and Malamutes have a fluffy outer coat and a dense undercoat; you should groom them at least 2 to 3 times a week. Malamutes require more grooming as they shed a lot.
If you’re busy and don’t have the time to bathe your dog, we’ve got good news! Bathing once a month should be enough for these fluffy dogs. Moreover, more than that can lead to unbalanced natural oils, causing the skin to dry out, which might irritate your buddy. But this might work great for you if you don’t have enough time or just don’t like the whole process of bathing your dog.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve recently got a new dog or are planning to get one, you might have trouble distinguishing between the two furry boys, Siberians, and Malamutes. Though both are wonderful dogs with loads of similarities, there are a bunch of differences that might help you spot them apart.
Siberian huskies and Malamutes are different in various aspects. For example, Siberian huskies are smaller, chattier, and more suitable for a family, while Malamutes are a better option for a guard dog as they are larger and have guarding tendencies.
When choosing between Siberian and Malamute, it is important to consider their differences and decide which breed will best suit your lifestyle. To learn more about huskies, visit our website.
FAQ’s
1. Which dog is a better choice for guarding?
Malamute is a great choice for guarding as larger dogs have braking and guarding tendencies. They are said to be more aggressive.
2. Which dog breed is easier to train?
Siberians are much easier to train than malamutes. Malamutes tend to be more stubborn and independent.
3. Which dog is more prone to health problems, Siberian or malamute?
Malamutes are predisposed to several health conditions like hypothyroidism, day blindness, bleeding disorder, etc. And are more likely to experience health complications than Siberians.
4. Does a Siberian and Malamute mix exist?
Yes, a Siberian-Malamute mix does exist; these are known as Alusky. These dogs are friendly, athletic, and extremely knowledgeable.