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Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky vs Malamute: A Complete Comparison

Alright, let’s just dive in—sled dogs. They're way cooler than your average fetch-obsessed golden retriever, and there’s a whole vibe around Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes. People love to lump ‘em together, but honestly?

They’re kinda like cousins who went down totally different paths in life. Sure, they’ve all rocked sleds across icy wastelands, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a bunch of differences.

Thinking about living with one? Or maybe you just wanna geek out on their history? Either way, here’s the lowdown.

The Backstory

Alaskan Husky? Yeah, not even a “real” breed if you wanna get all purist about it. These guys are custom-built, Frankensteined together in Alaska purely for their skill on the sled. Looks? Meh. Performance? Chef’s kiss.

Siberian Huskies are basically Arctic royalty. They hail from Russia, raised by the Chukchi people for marathon-like sled journeys. Thanks to their killer looks and stamina, humans everywhere fell for them.

Malamutes, now those are the OGs. The Mahlemut Inuit crew bred ‘em for brute muscle and heavy lifting—not high-speed races. Think more powerlifter than sprinter.

So, What Do They Look Like?

Alaskan Husky: They’re all over the place—anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds, built for speed and endless running, not some dog show.

Siberian Husky: Pretty athletic, sorta medium-sized, topped out around 60 pounds. They got that classic “wolfy but approachable” energy.

Malamute: Thanks. Straight up. Most tip the scale at 75 to 100 pounds—some even larger. They look like they’d survive the next Ice Age, honestly.

Fur Game

Alaskan Huskies: Short coats, pretty unpredictable colors. Genetics roulette.

Siberian Huskies: Fluffy double coats. Picture the classic black, gray, red, and white palette. Sometimes they straight-up look airbrushed.

Malamutes: Extra-thick, super plush, usually rocking gray, sable, black, red, and always with those “just came home from a snowstorm” white markings.

Eye Contact

Most Huskies (Alaskan or Siberian) bring the house down with blue or even two-tone eyes. Malamutes? Nope—brown-eyed babies with major wolf-face vibes.

How Do They Actually Act?

Alaskan Huskies: All go, all the time. They’re wired for work. Not exactly couch potatoes—if you let ‘em get bored, they’ll find new ways to redecorate (read: destroy) your place.

Siberian Huskies: Friendly. Playful. Total escape artists with a dash of mischief. Seriously, these dogs can pick a lock if it gets them outside.

Malamutes: Loyal as heck, but stubborn. They’re not gonna do tricks to impress your friends, but they’ll ride or die for their family.

Exercise Needs, aka How Tired Can You Make Them?

Alaskan Huskies: Need hours of hardcore workouts. Every. Single. Day.

Siberian Huskies: Down for anything wild—runs, hikes, endless games.

Malamutes: Not quite as hyper as the other two, but you’ll still need to put in a shift if you want them happy.

Who Should Actually Get One?

Alaskan Husky: Hardcore runners, mushers, or people with more energy than sense.

Siberian Husky: Outdoorsy families who never sit still.

Malamute: Folks who know dogs, have space, and can handle a big independent beast.

Smart or Just Stubborn?

Alaskan Huskies: Super smart, but if you aren’t consistent, they’ll outwit you.

Siberian Huskies: Tricksters—clever but stubborn overload. Training’s a trip.

Malamutes: Straight-up dominant personalities. You'd better know how to be “the boss” or this relationship ain’t gonna end well.

Health Stuff

Alaskan Huskies: Watch out for hip stuff and eye issues.

Siberian Huskies: Eyes too—cataracts and retina problems.

Malamute: Hip dysplasia, bloat, thyroid headaches… oh joy.

How Long Do They Stick Around?

- Alaskan Husky: Expect 10 to 15 adventurous years.

- Siberian Husky: 12 to 14 years—good innings!

- Malamute: 10 to 12 years; big dogs, shorter lifespans.

Grooming Reality

Get used to fur everywhere. They shed, like, all the time—especially when the seasons flip. Regular brushing is non-negotiable, and Malamutes? You might wanna invest in a vacuum that doesn’t suck (but, you know, actually does).

Feeding the Machine

These pups burn calories like Olympic athletes. Feed them protein-rich food, especially if they’re working dogs. If yours is just a Netflix-and-chill house pet, don’t overfeed—husky chub is real.

Money Talk

Alaskan Huskies: Adoption’s usually cheaper, but you’ll seriously pay in exercise hours.

Siberian Huskies: $800 to $1,500—if you’re getting one from a legit breeder.

Malamute: $1,200 to $2,000 easy, plus they eat like linebackers.

The Verdict

- Got kids and want a friendly fluffball? Siberian Husky’s your MVP.

- Love running and want a fur missile? Grab an Alaskan Husky.

- Wanna be owned by your dog? Malamute’s ready for you.

FAQs:

Q1. So, which of these goofballs is the friendliest?

You’re gonna wanna look at the Siberian Husky if you want a social butterfly. They’re basically the golden retrievers of the wolfy dog world—always up for meeting new people, never met a stranger.

Q2. How do they vibe with other pets?

Uhh, the Malamute can get a little “I’m the boss” around other dogs. Huskies though? They’ll probably try to start a club with your cats, your neighbor’s rabbit, and your grandma’s chihuahua. Super social. Sometimes too much.

Q3. Can you keep any of these in an apartment?

Pfft. I mean, you "could", but good luck. Unless you live in a penthouse that’s also a dog park, these pups are built for roaming. They’ll wreck your couch out of sheer boredom.

Q4. Which one’s the biggest fur tornado?

They all leave tumbleweeds of hair, sorry to say. But Malamutes… wow. Just brush ‘em and accept your fashion statement will always be “dog glitter.”

Q5. Who’s easier to train?

Alaskan Huskies are like, “What’s the job? Count me in.” Super into working. Siberians and Malamutes? Sometimes they’re just like, “Nah, I do what I want.”

Q6. Who sticks around the longest?
Alaskan Huskies usually top the charts, sometimes hitting 15 years if you keep them healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Honestly? It comes down to your vibe. Need a marathon runner? Grab an Alaskan Husky. Want a friendly floof for movie nights and chaos with kids? Siberian is your dude. Looking for a beast of a dog who’ll be loyal for life but needs someone who Knows What They’re doing? That’s the Malamute. Choose your adventure (and invest in a good vacuum).