Differences between a Malamute and a Husky - what is the difference, how to tell the difference, who is better to choose

Inexperienced dog lovers, seeing a husky or a malamute on the street, often confuse them with each other. And animal owners have to condescendingly explain that these are different breeds.

If a beginner wants to get a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Malamute, he should know how they differ. There is a huge difference between breeds in appearance, character and behavior.

In addition, unscrupulous breeders can sell mixed breeds, passing them off as purebred sled dogs.

Origin of the Siberian Husky and Malamute

Husky is not a separate breed, but a whole group of dogs whose ancestors were sled dogs. When people talk about huskies, they most often mean the Siberian variety of the breed. But this is only one representative of a huge family. The breed includes not only the huge Malamute, but also the polar bear-like Samoyed, the “apartment” Klee Kai, the prototype of the famous Hachiko Akita Inu, the Japanese Spitz, the Eskimo and Yakut Laika, the Greenland dog and several other similar subspecies.

All these dogs have a common origin. The most distant ancestor of the husky was the wolf, from which the Siberian sled huskies originated. During the “gold rush,” smooth-haired Siberian dogs began to be imported en masse to Alaska, where they were crossed with local native breeds. The result was so successful that they decided to formalize it as an official breed standard.

Training

For dogs of both breeds, training is very important, and the sooner it starts, the better. There are a number of features that need to be taken into account when training your Husky and Malamute.

  • Malamatas are harder and more difficult to train than Huskies, as they are more stubborn and independent.
  • Huskies pick up commands faster, but are often in no hurry to carry them out due to playfulness and measuring human patience.
  • The Malamute, more than the Husky, needs to be taught respect for its owner, otherwise the dog will be completely uncontrollable.
  • Huskies are trained mainly for speed and reaction, while Malamutes are trained for strength and endurance.
  • Puppies of both breeds are very playful, so you need to learn commands with them in the form of a game. Never let your pet go too far in games. Set rules that cannot be broken.

  • Neither one nor the other breed is suitable for guarding, so training in this direction may not even be carried out. Dogs are too friendly.
  • Dogs of both breeds must undergo socialization both within the family and among other animals.
  • If you want your Malamute to carry loads, train him from childhood, the same goes for huskies. But do not teach the puppy something for which it is not intended, otherwise there will be mutual offense.
  • You cannot use aggression towards both breeds, otherwise the result may be completely opposite to what you want to achieve.

Why was the Malamute bred?

Malamute is one of the varieties of husky. The Alaskan strongman was bred to handle heavy loads in the harsh conditions of the North. The species belongs to the oldest dog breeds. This is the official definition of 14 varieties, in the genotype of which there are very few differences from the wolf. consists of the Shar Pei, the Japanese subspecies of the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu, the Afghan Hound, the Siberian Husky and several other species.

The Malamute received its name from one of the Eskimo tribes (“Malamutes”) that once lived in Alaska. The dogs of this tribe were famous for their exceptional health and endurance; they calmly withstood the most extreme weather conditions, had a good-natured character and remained faithful to their owner. Their distant descendants also have these same advantages. And since 2010, the Malamute is the official symbol of the state of Alaska.

Adviсe

The character of the husky cannot be called simple; dogs often end up in shelters, kennels or on the street. It is better to abandon a breed with a harsh temperament right away rather than doom your pet to depression.

As a result of a detailed comparison of breeds, even the most ignorant person in dogs will be able to distinguish representatives of the sled dog species from Siberia or Alaska. Dogs are suitable both for participation in competitions and as pets.

What is the difference between a husky and a malamute: the main differences

In appearance, the expression of the Malamute's wide muzzle seems more good-natured than that of its Siberian relative. The open and direct gaze of the Alaskan strongman is noticeably different from the cunning roguish eyes of the “Siberian”. For "Alaskans" only a dark color of the iris is allowed, while for "Siberians" it can be any shade. The Malamute's long, fluffy tail rarely stays still. In a calm stance, the “Alaskan” lowers his plume onto his back, but does not twist it, unlike the husky, but keeps it straight. The “Sibiryak” lowers its straightened tail slightly when standing.

Comparison of dog parameters, reproductive characteristics and life expectancy of Malamute and Husky.

OptionsAlaskanSiberian Husky
Height (cm)boy63,553,5-60
girl58,550,5-56
Weight, kg)boy3820,5-28
girl3415,5-23
Number of puppies in the litter4-107-9
Lifespan10-14 years12-15 years

Appearance

The Malamute is a strongly built dog with rather dense and long coarse hair. Huskies also have a strong body and limbs, but the coat is shorter, softer and looks more “smooth.” “Alaskans” must have a light bottom, and the top can be all shades of gray or beige. Outwardly, the “Alaskan” seems more massive and clumsy.

Sizes: who is bigger than a Malamute or a Husky?

Although Malamute and Husky are closely related, they are not the same thing. According to the breed standard, the Malamute is larger than even the largest husky. The difference in height is only a few centimeters, but the weight differs significantly, about 10 kg. The stocky, slightly boxy “Alaskan” even looks heavier than the lean, agile husky.

Head, eyes, ears, nose

The Malamute has a wide and powerful clumsy head. “Sibiryak” has a “drier” narrow muzzle. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth, the color of the nose, lips and eye rims is mostly black. The jaws have a characteristic scissor bite: the upper teeth fit tightly to the outside of the lower row. The triangular ears of Alaskans are slightly rounded at the tip, while those of Siberians are more pointed. When the dog is working, the ears are usually laid back; when alert, they stand upright. The almond-shaped eyes are set slightly obliquely and are similar in both subspecies.

Paws, tail

The Alaskan's tail continues the line of the back. When at rest, it is raised, but does not curl and does not touch the back with the tip. Externally, the tail resembles a waving plume due to its long fluffy fur. “Siberians” cannot boast of such decoration; their tail is more modest. The limbs are strong with strong bones and well-developed muscles. The hind legs are wider than the front legs.

Wool

Alaskans have thick, short and coarse hair. The fur is longest around the shoulders and neck, along the back and on the “pants”. The standard allows colors of all shades of gray, from light to almost black, sable with reddish transitions. The only standard solid color is white, unlike the “Siberians”, where completely black or beige is allowed. The Husky's coat is shorter and less bristling. The color of “Siberians” can be monochromatic, with a transition of color, and a contrasting undercoat.

Character

Both species are individuals with a strong character. High intelligence involuntarily inspires respect for the pet, and good nature allows him to easily get along with people. Husky is an agile, nimble rogue. He is curious and active, gets along well with children.

Malamute is a born leader. If there are several dogs of different breeds in the house, he can easily become the recognized leader of the pack. This is the difference from the huskies: “Siberian” boys are still able to get along, but girls will constantly share power. Dogs need to be raised from early childhood, and orders can be ignored, while pets will certainly fulfill a friendly request.

Who is more expensive - a husky or a malamute?

The Alaskan Malamute is a rare breed. It is difficult to keep him in an urban environment, and in the suburbs there is a lot of hassle with a dog. This may be why Alaskan strongmen are not as common as huskies. This also affects the price: the more popular the breed, the more breeders raise it, which affects the cost of the puppies. The price for a purebred puppy can reach up to 3-10 thousand dollars. The Siberian Khasenysh is much more modest in this regard - a maximum of 1 thousand dollars. However, most often the cost of puppies is not much different: 15 thousand rubles. for huskies versus 20 thousand rubles. for a malamute.

Who is more picky about food?

Pets can eat anything, from a chocolate bar to a bone found in the trash heap. The question is: what to feed your dog to keep it healthy. And there are no differences in this; both types will require time, effort and money. Dogs need to be fed once a day. It is advisable to give your pets natural food rather than ready-made mixtures. Both varieties should receive a lot of meat (up to 70% of the diet), fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals and offal.

Dogs should not overeat. Excess weight and lack of activity are the first causes of illness.

Lifespan and health

Both species are characterized by good health. Problems most often arise from lack of activity or obesity. Statistically, a Siberian Husky can live a little longer than a Malamute, but the difference is insignificant. The lifespan of a pet depends more on the conditions of detention than on genetic predisposition.

Differences in appearance between adult dogs

If you put representatives of these breeds side by side, the differences between them will be visible at first glance. The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog (the height at the withers of a male does not exceed 60 cm) with light bones and thin but strong legs. The tail is fluffy and beautiful, either curled into a ring or dropped down. The husky's coat is thick, dense, with a soft undercoat. Any color is allowed, both plain and with markings. Husky eyes are their calling card. A dog with wonderful blue eyes will never be forgotten by anyone who sees her at least once. An animal can also have yellow and brown eyes; often a dog has multi-colored eyes.

The Alaskan Malamute was developed by crossing dogs and wolves. From its formidable ancestor, the Malamute inherited a strong, wide bone structure and powerful paws. The size of an adult cable significantly exceeds that of a husky – the dog’s height reaches 70 cm, weight over 40 kg. The difference in the size of the animals is clearly visible. The coat is coarse and dense, harder to the touch than that of a husky. The color is most often light gray, white, black or red. There is a dark mask on the muzzle. The Malamute's eye color is brown, with a beautiful black edging.

There are no Malamutes with blue eyes!

Similarities between Malamute and Husky

Dogs are sledding breeds. They have good health, similar habits and tastes. They are not suitable for the role of watchman, security guard or service dog, but they can become excellent athletes and reliable companions. The lack of aggression is fixed at the genetic level in sled dogs, and for service dog breeding or security work, the ability to attack or intimidate a person is important. Sled dogs are not capable of this. Attempts to break the barrier and cultivate aggressiveness seriously affect the psyche of pets. And a huge, strong and intelligent dog with a mental disorder is dangerous to everyone around him.

They are not picky about food, tolerate cold easily, and rarely get sick. Usually well-bred dogs do not cause any problems if the owner gives them proper attention. Independent dogs love freedom. When walking, it is advisable to keep your pet on a leash at all times. As soon as the compassionate owner unhooks the carbine, the dog will rush to explore the unfamiliar territory. At best, he will limit himself to the immediate surroundings, at worst, he will go to see what is beyond the horizon.

Another common trait is vindictiveness. Both are a natural disaster for an apartment. If you leave your pet alone for a long time or offend him, a strong and intelligent “avenger” is capable of smashing everything not even “down the log,” but into small pieces. And an offended pet will howl to the “joy” of everyone around him.

Crossbreeds and mestizos

External resemblance does not indicate mating; such offspring are not desirable. The cross may be from other representatives, but as practice shows, they have the same health and behavior problems. We do not recommend taking dogs without documents.

There is a list of external features by which you can distinguish a husky puppy from a mixed breed:

  • A husky puppy's ears are quite dense, erect, with slightly pointed tips.
  • The tail is carried down and never rises above the line of the back.
  • The bones are strong and strong, and should not be light, nor too massive and rough.
  • The bite should already be correct at an early age, in the form of scissors.
  • Little huskies have a lively, moderately inquisitive character, they are energetic and have nothing against communicating with people.

It should be remembered that only the puppy's mark and brand are guarantees of the purebred of the puppy, therefore, it is not recommended to buy a husky without documents.

This trait is often inherited by mixed-breed puppies, including those with unrelated breeds, even such as a German shepherd or pit bull.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Husky in an apartment: how to turn a hurricane into a fluffy sleeping ball

Despite all the similarities in appearance and character, as well as in the historical purpose of the dog, these breeds are very different from each other. The Malamute was originally bred to transport heavy loads over long distances. And they do this even today, not too fast, but confidently, without a hint of fatigue, covering hundreds of kilometers.

Huskies have the endurance and tenacity of a Malamute, but due to their lighter weight, they are not able to carry very heavy loads. Their main trump card is speed. Alaskan dogs are well oriented in space, move fairly quickly and have a powerful build. This allows them to travel long distances without hindrance.

External signs

To people unfamiliar with dog breeds, they may seem almost identical. But still there are differences in them, and quite a lot:

  • size (the Malamute has a powerful athletic build, it is more powerful and taller than the Husky);
  • weight (malamutes are about 10 kg heavier than their relatives, commensurate with their height and volume, but huskies are prone to being overweight and obese, which cannot be said about their brothers from Alaska);
  • wool (Siberian dogs, unlike larger Alaskan dogs, have a soft double coat; Alaskans have a coarse, long and hard coat);
  • color (all malamutes have a characteristic mask on their face; unlike huskies, they are presented in a limited number of colors);
  • eyes (like pieces of ice, bottomless, blue, it’s more about huskies; malamutes usually have wise brown eyes);
  • tail (representatives of both breeds have a tail that is not too curled, slightly raised up; in Siberians it is more often curled into a crescent shape).

Other signs

In addition to external differences and similarities, dogs also have similar manners and behavior. Among the main characteristics are:

  • hunter's instinct (representatives of both breeds survive well in the forest, hunting and getting their own food, but neither of them will bring their prey to humans, for them this is a method of survival, but not entertainment or work);
  • riding qualities (both breeds belong to the category of northern sled dogs, which were created to run in a sled, the only difference is their heaviness, the malamute is sluggish, but carries large loads, and the husky is fast, but will not be able to take a large amount of things);
  • character (the temperament of dogs varies radically, malamutes are calm, friendly and thorough, they will think several times before doing something, huskies are more temperamental, cunning and naturally curious, they do everything from a running start, thinking after).

Who is better to choose - a Malamute or a Siberian Husky?

Depends on the purpose for which the dog is purchased. If for breeding and subsequent sale, then the Malamute is more profitable. But maintaining it is not easy; it requires certain conditions, knowledge and skills. In contrast, the Siberian Husky is more of a companion than a sporting dog. It is smaller in size and better adapted to life in urban conditions, but hasyats are not valued so highly.

If a puppy is not purchased as a show specimen or a potential sports “star,” then we are only talking about the availability of suitable conditions for the pet and the funds for its purchase and maintenance. Both breeds are friendly and intelligent, know how to get along with children and pets, are able to protect their owner and always return love for love. Both need training with a dog handler, long walks and a balanced diet.

Khasenysh is more suitable for a family with children. A curious and active pet cheerfully joins in children's games, patiently endures pranks and the intense “care” of its little owners. A good-natured “Alaskan” will also never offend a child, but he will not frolic along with the kids.

Where to buy puppies, how much do they cost?


Alaskan Malamute puppies For purebred dogs, you should contact trusted kennels, where the future owner will be provided with documents for the animals.
Another advantage of such an establishment is that they monitor the health of the dogs and give them the necessary vaccinations. The cost of dogs depends on their class. The minimum cost of huskies that can participate in procreation is 30 thousand rubles. A Malamute costs about the same. If the dog is not planned to be used as a participant in exhibitions and for mating, you can take a closer look at mixed breeds. You can distinguish mestizos from ordinary mongrels by the characteristic features of both breeds - they combine the external characteristics and temperament of Alaskan and Siberian dogs.

Which type is easier to maintain and care for?

Both species are quite unpretentious in nutrition. Theoretically, they can be fed with ready-made food intended for large breeds, but natural food is healthier for pets. Unfortunately, it is impossible to combine both types of feeding: the dog’s body gets used to certain foods and does not adapt well in the event of any changes.

Malamute needs frequent and long walks. Not only physical, but also mental activity is important for a pet. It is simply hot for a dog in a city apartment; it is not able to withstand high temperatures for a long time. As a result, overheating, skin diseases and year-round molting are possible (with profuse hairiness of the pet, this is a permanent nightmare for the owner).

Huskies also need physical activity and new experiences. For them, keeping them in an enclosure is also preferable, but they can also live in an apartment. Both pets are very fond of “excavation work”; in a matter of minutes they are able to dig a hole of quite decent size. In natural conditions, such a skill is necessary for digging out prey from under the ground and snow, but the integrity of the enclosure will always be under threat. And smart kids sometimes manage to overcome the latch on the door and break free.

The main difference, perhaps, is not in care, but in education. “Alaskan” only recognizes a “steady hand”; he needs an owner with a strong character. If this is your first pet, then it is better to entrust the upbringing to a dog handler. Khasenys are easier to train, but they also need lessons from a specialist.

Conditions of detention

Siberian dogs are so playful and active that they need daily exercise, long runs, and games in the fresh air. An apartment is not the best option for them. They need an enclosure that does not restrict freedom of movement and a balanced diet. Thick coat requires regular brushing. They are very clean and do not have an unpleasant odor. It is recommended to bathe them no more than once a year, and preferably less often. The coat of northern dogs is capable of self-cleaning.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Such dogs must be treated and given medications against worms and other parasites, and vaccinated according to the calendar.

The diet should include foods:

  • meat;
  • fish;
  • dairy;
  • eggs;
  • fats;
  • vegetables;
  • fruits.

They can also be fed special foods that contain vitamins and minerals necessary for health.

If you need a problem-free dog that can be trained and is distinguished by intelligence, then it is better to choose a husky. Malamutes are stubborn, although they are friendly.

Which breed is more suitable for urban conditions?

Both species are quite large. They need at least some living space. It’s impossible to fit powerful dogs into a shoebox. Optimal conditions of detention are an aviary. And while the Siberian Husky is still able to live in urban conditions, the Malamute is always cramped and hot in the apartment.

The increased hairiness of both pets causes serious problems with cleaning the house. The difference is that the Siberian Husky will cover everything with hair only during the molting period, while the Malamute does not tolerate the “greenhouse” conditions of a city apartment and sheds all year round without stopping.

Brief information about Husky

Photo and description

The dog is of medium height (approximately from 50 to 60 cm at the withers, weight is about 15-28 kg), compact, but at the same time harmonious build.

The body is slightly stretched and exceeds the height at the withers by no more than 2-3 cm; the shape of the head from above resembles a triangle, slightly tapering towards the muzzle. The stop is well defined, but not sharp.

The length of the muzzle is approximately equal to the length of the cranial part of the head.

The ears are erect, triangular, of medium size, set quite close to each other.

The eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanted. Their color can be blue, brown, amber, olive. In addition, different eye colors are allowed.

IMPORTANT!

The nose, as well as the pigmentation of the lips and rims of the eyelids, depending on the color, can be black or brownish.

The neck is of medium length, the chest is deep and powerful, but not too voluminous. The forelimbs are moderately wide, even and parallel. The hind legs are muscular, with well-defined angulations of the hock joints. The tail is similar to a fox's, in a calm state it is lowered downwards, but when alert, it is carried in the form of a sickle over the back.

The coat is not too long, two-layered, while the undercoat is thick and soft, and the coarser hair is quite smooth and adjacent to the body. The color can be almost any, although the most typical colors for huskies are grey-white, black-and-white, brown-white and reddish-white.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

  • Intelligence and intelligence.
  • Ability to make decisions independently when necessary.
  • Lack of aggression towards humans.
  • Love for children and playful disposition.
  • Loyalty to the owner.
  • Endurance and unpretentiousness.
  • Easy hair care.
  • They make excellent sled or sport dogs.

Minuses:

  • Not suitable as guard dogs.
  • Tendency to dig up the earth.
  • Sometimes they are headstrong and stubborn.
  • They often howl.
  • They can be aggressive towards smaller animals.
  • They need a lot of physical activity and long walks.
  • Out of boredom, they can start to damage things in the house.

Character

Lively and friendly towards people. Huskies, unless serious mistakes were made during their upbringing, are never aggressive towards humans and are not inclined to bite.

Friendliness towards strangers and lack of territorial instinct make these dogs poor guards and this must be taken into account by people thinking about purchasing such a pet.

Huskies have an innate hunting instinct, but they will not make hunters either. These dogs hunt for game only for their own food and will never give it up to their owner of their own free will.

These are independent, independent, and sometimes stubborn and willful animals, prone to running away and wandering.

In addition, huskies love to dig up the ground and, out of boredom, can chew furniture, tear off wallpaper, or howl like wolves.

However, when keeping these dogs in the house, you need to take into account that most of the bad habits of a husky are easy to remove or simply prevent them from appearing in your pet. This is achieved through early socialization and proper education and training.

In addition, as noted above, huskies act out mainly from boredom and idleness, and therefore, if you provide the dog with sufficient mental and physical stress, it simply will not have time for mischief.

How to distinguish a husky puppy from a malamute?

Usually "Alaskan" is more expensive, but this is not the main indicator. Unscrupulous sellers can deceive an inexperienced buyer. There are external differences that will help determine the type of dog. Khasenysh have a light mark in the form of a trefoil on their forehead, and the brighter it is, the purer the breed. Malamutes have a mark that looks more like a heart. These differences persist in adult dogs. Otherwise, the dogs are very similar, and only an expert can tell them apart.

From husky and samoyed

Huskies, Malamutes, Laikas and Samoyeds - what is the difference between these dogs and how to distinguish them is quite easy to understand if you look at these photos:

How to quickly understand the difference between huskies and huskies: 12 photo comparisons

So different and so similar relatives

The descendants of wolves and sled dogs no longer have to work as intended, but people are still attached to these intelligent creatures. Dogs have the makings of excellent athletes and many of them become “stars” of sledding sports. The Malamute is calm, a little clumsy, good-natured, silent, and rarely speaks. Husky is a chatty, active and curious dog. Both pets can cause problems if you do not create certain conditions for them and do not educate them “from a young age.” A Siberian Husky is more suitable for a family, while an Alaskan is more suitable for a single owner.

External differences between Malamute and Husky are noticeable in size, color, mobility and facial expression. One is clumsy, good-natured and straightforward, the other is active, curious and always “on his own.” There are also differences in the manner of holding the tail, eye color and color options, but they are not so noticeable.

Mix of two breeds

Crossbreeding dogs often results in puppies that have the appearance of a husky and the character of a malamute.

Such offspring are considered outbred and are not intended for further breeding.

Although the cubs born from such a marriage are very cute, smart and good-natured.

Malamutes, huskies and their crosses are northern dogs with excellent working qualities and good character. At first glance, they are very similar to each other, but at the same time completely different.

Questions and answers

How to distinguish a malamute from a husky?
A large dog with long, slightly shaggy hair, a good-natured muzzle and an open look - an Alaskan Malamute. A light, hyperactive pet with smooth fur and a sly squint - the Siberian Husky. There are differences in the “conversation”: the “Alaskan” almost never barks, while the “Siberian” is capable of grumbling without stopping and pronounces almost all “human” vowels.

Who is better - Malamute or Husky?

A question like “what tastes better: chocolate or steak?” Both pets have a wonderful character, are devoted to their owner and are able to scare away villains with just their appearance. Both require special conditions of detention, respectful treatment and a lot of free time. The one you like the most is better.

Differences in character

The behavior of dogs differs significantly. Husky by nature is a typical choleric person, fast and passionate, curious, unable to sit in one place, ready to give his all in order to achieve the goal as quickly as possible. These are the dogs that were needed for the quick delivery of light cargo (for example, mail) through the snowy taiga. Today there are competitions - dog sled racing, where huskies are the undisputed leaders.

The Alaskan Malamute, in comparison with its Siberian counterpart, is a leisurely hulk. Calm and unshakable. Very strong and resilient, the Malamute carried heavy loads without caring too much to come first.

Which breed is better to choose?

For those people who decide to get an animal for themselves, this is a joyful event, because the new pet will not only guard the house, but also welcome them home from work. In addition, by walking a dog, a person will also improve his health.

However, for those who live in an apartment, this can be a problem. If the animal is too frisky, then it can playfully destroy the entire apartment. In addition, some of them may simply not carry out the command given to them. The dog must also match the character of its owner. All this must be taken into account when choosing a “friend”.

So, Siberian huskies are very beautiful. However, they are more suitable for private homes, because they need either a large enclosure or a strong leash, since, running freely around the garden, they will quickly dig it up. However, if you raise them from childhood, they will be obedient and obey any command. In addition, they are very good-natured and will be able to make friends not only with small children, but also with other pets in the house.

When purchasing, you need to take into account the subtleties of the animal’s character:

  1. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a good companion, but not suitable for people traveling on business trips. The dog quickly gets bored without its owner; it is characterized by sociability and friendliness. The disadvantages of the breed include constant barking. It is difficult to buy representatives, as well as to guess the length of the coat, since some babies become long-haired by 8 months, others remain short-haired. Average price from 300 thousand rubles.
  2. The Volchak (Sarloos wolf dog) is a good dog for guarding your home and surrounding area. When danger arises, she rushes to her owner’s defense without hesitation. Not only will they be able to perfectly guard the house, but also, if the need arises, they will protect their owner without hesitation.
  3. Siberian Huskies are suitable for houses with a garden plot and an aviary, since a free walk in the garden will end with digging up the entire territory. Properly raised, they follow any command and obey completely. Their good-natured disposition allows them to make friends with small children and other pets.

There are a large number of breeds that resemble huskies in appearance, but they have their own differences. In addition to innate qualities, a dog’s behavior directly depends on its upbringing. Violation of the rules can lead to the appearance of an uncontrollable pet with large dimensions, which is almost impossible to keep on a leash.

How to choose a Siberian Husky puppy

The Siberian Husky breed is very attractive. But so that the dog does not become a burden to you, when choosing a puppy you should pay attention not so much to external characteristics, but to character and typical behavior. It is better for sedentary and overly nervous people, those who are often not at home, to give up the idea of ​​​​owning a husky.

This dog is suitable for active and sporty owners, for a large family with no small children. A cheerful and friendly husky will fit perfectly into such a company, and besides, he will always have someone to walk with.

You need to purchase a puppy from a nursery or from a breeder who is a member of the club and is willing to provide documents. Buying a future pet from unknown people can result in disappointment.

Siberian Husky puppies are ready for a new home at about two months or a little older.

When choosing a pet, pay attention to its health, external compliance with the breed standard and character. The correct kitten is well-fed, cheerful and active, he shows interest in the world around him and new people

He has shiny fur, clean ears and eyes.

Before buying a dog, you need to choose the gender of your future pet. As a rule, bitches are more docile, calmer, and can bear offspring. Males are stronger, more resilient, but too energetic

It is also worth paying attention to the class of the puppy; it not only determines the cost of the animal, but also its future career. There are three classes of dogs:

There are three classes of dogs:

  1. Pet class - the cheapest dogs that have all the necessary documents, but have minor flaws that do not prevent them from being pets;
  2. Breeding class – puppies with ideal external parameters, fully comply with standards, suitable for breeding;
  3. Show class - the offspring of champions, prize-winners of exhibitions, with ideal external parameters, their career is exhibition.

Husky puppies look like cute bear cubs. They will be playful and curious. Healthy pets always look neat and have no obvious defects or deviations from the standard.

Be sure to talk to the owner of the nursery. Find out how and what to feed your puppy, what vaccinations he needs to get, and how to raise him. A conscientious breeder will give you comprehensive information that has been tested in practice.

How are they different?

Huskies are recognized as a separate breed, while huskies are divided into several species.

Thanks to their body's abilities, huskies are incredibly hardy dogs, and huskies have the traits of real hunters: swiftness, sharp intelligence, strength and a sensitive sense of smell. These breeds even differ when they bark. Huskies prefer to howl in a peculiar manner, which is also associated with their “snowy” origin. Loud barking can cause avalanches in their natural habitats.

Laikas are very obedient dogs that require almost no training, but freedom-loving huskies will have to be carefully taught manners. Huskies' curiosity can take them anywhere, so you should carefully monitor your pets on walks.

Active huskies, to justify their origin, need constant exercise, long runs, games and “dog” entertainment. These dogs are ideal as partners for tourism and sports.

Even as a hunting dog, huskies tend to be obedient and calm. They are satisfied with regular walks and do not require constant movement. However, they constantly need to be taught something new.

Externally, these breeds can be distinguished by several princes:

  • Husky. The coat is short, from white to black in different shades. Muzzle with a characteristic wolf-like elongation. The eyes are usually brown or yellow, but can be blue. Huskies have very interesting pupils in the shape of stars, stripes, and strokes. They keep their back straight and tail raised. The figure is very tightly knit. They have wide paw pads. They do not emit a characteristic “dog” aroma.
  • Likes. The coat is longer, depending on the species, it can be plain or piebald (black, red, gray and brown shades predominate). Laikas are quite slender and thin, which allows them to make sharp jumps. The less bushy tail curves in a ring over the back. Laikas have compact paws for quiet running and walking. They have a natural dog smell.

Character and facial expression

Probably the biggest difference between a husky and a malamute lies in their characters. In appearance, many people think that the Malamute is an aggressive dog. But this is an erroneous judgment. Breeding standards prevent this. Realizing that the wild wolf mixture in such a huge dog was dangerous, breeders fought with the Malamute's genetics, trying to remove the aggressive predator gene.

The peculiarity of the dog is the absence of barking as such - this is a wolf heritage. Against its peaceful background, the husky looks completely different. This is an irrepressible dog that is interested in everything that happens around it, it has its own opinion on any matter. That is why, from an early age, you need to pay special attention to training, otherwise you will end up with an indomitable destroyer who does not recognize anyone’s authority. The Malamute's facial expression is soft and friendly, it can demonstrate affection, and shows curiosity. The husky has a sharp face, sometimes it looks angry, cunning and mischievous, interested.

Similar article: How long do huskies live at home and what does it depend on?

Who is better to have

Both of these breeds are absolutely beautiful, but they are not for every dog ​​lover. Due to the fact that they require a lot of time and the right approach, they are not worth getting for novice dog breeders. Experienced dog breeders can choose a breed based on their character and lifestyle.

Huskies are ideal for active people who love sports. They get along well with children, so they are also suitable for families. This is a charismatic dog for charismatic owners. You need to take into account that problems may arise if they are left at home alone; they may start howling and whining because they are bored.

If you need a calmer and more reserved dog, then the Malamute is the ideal option. Due to their nature, these dogs are quite skeptical of children, so they are better suited for adults. It is worth remembering that this breed is also a working breed, and you need to do a lot with it. They can play and have fun, just like Huskies, but they will do it in moderation.

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