Origins In 1909, the first Siberian huskies entered the United States for the All Alaska Sweepstakes sled dog race. The starting line was in Nome, where the people called them “Siberian rats” because they were so much smaller than the other sled dogs. These early racing huskies came from the Chukchi people of Northeastern Siberia. The Chukchi did not keep a written history, so little is known about the dogs. But recent DNA studies have shown the Siberian husky to be one of the most ancient dog breeds, with a “genetic fingerprint” more similar to a wolf than most other breeds.

Alaskan malamutes, also an ancient breed, first became popular when prospectors turned to the dogs for help with their work during the 1896 Alaska gold rush. Malamutes originally came from the Mahlemuit tribe of western Alaska. Like the Siberian huskies’ first breeders, the Mahlemuits left no written history, so the breed’s origin is unknown.

Both huskies and malamutes resemble wolves; malamutes are slightly smaller than wolves, and huskies are slightly smaller than malamutes. Both breeds have medium-length, fluffy coats, but huskies are more likely to have the pale blue eyes many associate with these breeds.

Our Expert

Myra Wilson, DVM, is Center Manager for Anchorage, Alaska’s Animal Care and Control. Before starting at the agency five years ago, she spent 19 years as a veterinarian in private practice.

Huskies, Malamutes: What’s the Difference?

Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes were bred for different reasons; this is apparent in their sizes. Malamutes are larger and more powerful, while huskies are known for their endurance. Also, while both breeds can be bouncy, noisy dogs, malamutes tend to be the quieter and calmer of the two.

Anchorage staff see a lot of dogs that Wilson calls “Alaskan huskies.” These “sled dogs” are smaller than typical huskies and can be quite excitable. Most of us won’t see these dogs, however, unless we take a trip up north. Way north.

Sled Dogs, Exercise, and Shelter Boredom

Retrievers were bred to retrieve. Pointers were bred to point. Sled dogs were bred to run—a trait too often exploited by those who work these dogs to exhaustion in events like the Iditarod. Huskies and malamutes are bred as sled dogs, and they can’t deny their impulses. These dogs are canine athletes and “they thrive on extended exercise,” says Wilson. Typically, huskies will be more interested in longer runs than malamutes.

Most shelters won’t see trained sled dogs coming through their doors, but if your facility takes one in, you’ll need to provide extensive running time to keep him happy. Most staff and volunteers will have a hard time trying to replicate the natural lifestyle of a husky or malamute on-site, so your best bet may be to pair up such dogs with volunteers or fosterers who jog every day.

Watch out for bored dogs who lick or chew their front legs; they need more walking and would probably benefit from training or other activities that provide mental stimulation. Wilson has found Kong toys stuffed with food to be very effective.

Grooming

Both huskies and malamutes have heavy shedding seasons, and will shed more in warmer climates. Moisture buildup under their coats can create an ideal environment for dermatitis, and Wilson notes that aggressive brushing is essential to preventing mats, especially during sheddings.

Training

“The ‘return’ command is particularly important for huskies because they’re distance dogs,” Wilson says. “If you lose one, don’t just look in a nearby neighborhood, because they’re runners.” If your shelter has time to train a husky, that time will be better spent on commands like “stay” and “return” (or “heel”), instead of tricks like shaking hands or rolling over.

Readability

“Huskies and malamutes are good at expressions,” Wilson says. “They use their ears a lot.” She notes that their tails are generally up, but says that overall, they’re easy dogs to read.

Surrender and Adoption

Most huskies and malamutes are surrendered because their owners didn’t have enough time for them, says Wilson. Too often, people are taken in by their icy blue eyes and plush coats before they realize how much attention these dogs need.

Neither huskies nor malamutes are ideal for apartment living and would be better off in a household with a large, enclosed yard (and it should be securely enclosed, because both of these breeds tend to be escape artists). But as with all adoptions, it’s best to consider the person who wants the dog: He could be a couch potato with a large yard, or he could be an avid runner who happens to live in an apartment, so it’s best to take it case by case while keeping in mind that these dogs need a lot of daily exercise. They tend to be vocal breeds, and potential adopters need to be aware of that, too.

Texan Malamutes and Hawaiian Huskies

Despite the fact that Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes were developed in two of the coldest habitable places on Earth, these dogs manage to find their ways to more temperate climates. Extra caution should be taken with these dogs in hot areas. They should not spend long periods of time outdoors in hot weather, and strenuous exercise should be limited.