Is a Malamute a Husky?

The short answer? No. They’re different breeds. While they’re both from the Spitz family and are both Arctic working dogs (i.e sled dogs), they originate from different places, and have slightly different working histories. 

Difference between the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky history

When it comes to their origins, the Alaskan Malamute was bred to haul travellers (the Mahlemut tribe) and their heavy loads across long distances at a slow, steady speed. It’s thought that the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, and that they descend from wolves that spent their days pulling sleds filled with travellers from the Bering Strait and into North America.

Like the Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to work under harsh conditions on very little to eat. These working dogs were ‘part of the family’, as our pets are today, except they were allowed to hunt, carry packs, and of course, pull sleds.

These hardy pooches succeeded in their mission: to haul their Mahlemut tribe families to Northern America. During Alaska’s gold rush, the dogs were almost bred-out. There was a need for working dogs, so people bred dogs from outside of Alaska with the Alaskan Malamute to meet the demand. Fortunately, the breed managed to live on because of the dogs still living in remote areas with the Mahlemut tribe, who hadn’t been bred with other dogs. 

The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, is from Northern Asia. They were bred to run as fast as possible, carrying lighter loads than the Alaskan Malamute. In fact, they were well-known for winning sled races at the start of the 20th century, and according to the American Kennel Club, they’re the 14th most popular pet.

As the name suggests, these cuties were originally bred in Northern Asia to work on little food. One of the core aims of the travellers at the time was to find other food sources, which was scarce for them and their accompanying four-legged friends. These dogs were used to some of the harshest conditions around, and after years of breeding and conditioning, they became super efficient at ingesting and storing the energy they needed for their hard work and of course, to survive.

Both of these pooches are well adapted for working on little food across harsh, seriously cold conditions – ideal for sledding. The difference between their sledding abilities though, is that the Alaskan Malamute is able to haul heavy loads for long periods of time at a slow pace. The Siberian Husky on the other hand, was bred to carry lighter loads, but at a much faster pace.

Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky personalities

Although originally bred for strength and endurance, Alaskan Malamutes are friendly and affectionate pooches. And it’s no surprise that they’re loyal dogs – their working roles required them to have a serious level of dedication to their pack of two and four-legged friends. While some can get on well with other animals, their high prey drive means they can be prone to stalk and sometimes even kill other pets or garden visitors. So, if you’d rather not take the risk, have an Alaskan Malamute as your soul four-legged companion.

The Siberian Husky is equally intelligent, having been bred for similar purposes as their Alaskan cousins. Huskies make for great pets – they’re also affectionate, gentle and friendly. Again, most likely due to their history, these pups are alert and always ready to get moving. While enjoying the company of their four-legged friends, Huskies won’t be pestering you for cuddles, like some other breeds.