Huskies are one of the most popular dogs as pets in the entire nation. I have two purebred huskies myself, both of which are 6 months old – they’re brothers, lovingly named Bear and Moose.
Both dogs are fantastic little pups; well, they’re no longer little. They each currently weigh 65 pounds, and hopefully, they’re done growing at this point, more or less.
Whether you’re looking at a husky or at an Alaskan malamute, you probably think is an Alaskan Malamute a Husky?
These two dog breeds are very similar in many ways, including in their appearance. There are, however, some major differences between the two dog breeds that might sway you one way or another when looking at these two dogs as pets.
Though the Alaskan Malamute breed isn’t as popular, these dogs are incredibly stunning and make fantastic pets.
But, is an Alaskan Malamute a Husky? How they might be related is unknown, however, these are two seperate breeds and so it isn’t considered a Husky.
To be honest, when I got my two huskies, I had never even heard of Alaskan malamutes; now, I’m looking to get a third dog and the breed is at the top of my list. The elegance, cuteness, and overall fluffiness has certainly won me over.
Table of Contents
Is An Alaskan Malamute A Husky?
What Is An Alaskan Malamute?
Like a husky, an Alaskan malamute (lovingly referred to as a Mal) is an old arctic sled dog. Mals are incredibly strong, far stronger and bigger than the average purebred husky.
They are affectionate, loving, and playful. They are also quite dignified and somewhat prideful; they have very strong bodies that are carried upright with erect ears.
Mals are very large dogs; male dogs average 85 pounds while female dogs average 75. Both genders have extremely powerful frames, deep chests, and heavy bones; in many cultures, their muscles are hard earned.
These dogs are bred not for racing like huskies but for hauling heavy freight along large patches of land.
What’s The Difference Between Siberian Huskies And Alaskan Malamutes?
Huskies and Mals see their biggest differences in their sizes; a husky generally maxes out around 60 pounds while a Mal can get almost 50% bigger.
As you can see in the image, the Mal appears much larger and stronger, while the husky appears smaller and more agile. For that reason, huskies are used for racing; they can stay agile and go for dozens of miles.
Which Makes The Better Pet?
I’m obviously a little biased because I love my huskies; however, both of these animals make fantastic pets. In my experience, huskies are very calm and make great pets. Even though they don’t look nearly as fluffy, they shed like crazy.
A Mal is going to shed a ton as well; it all just depends on what you’re looking for. Either way, both animals make loving and affectionate pets and both animals are going to shed.
Final Thoughts
Mals are incredibly beautiful dogs; too many people think they’re just huskies. You’ve probably asked yourself: is an Alaskan malamute a husky? No, although they might look very similar and have similar origins these are two separate breeds.
Also, if you are set on getting an Alaskan Malamute, check out our article on how much Alaskan Malamutes cost.
They are very large, much larger than other Alaskan sled dogs. If you’re looking to get a husky, make sure you consider this beautiful dog breed as well.