Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky

Alaskan Malamute

Siberian Husky

Alaskan Malamute

• Good with children: Yes
• Good with other pets: No
• Apartment friendly: No
• Exercise: high

Siberian Husky

• Good with children: Yes
• Good with other pets: No
• Apartment friendly: No
• Exercise: very high

Alaskan Malamute

Exercise

high

Grooming

moderate

Shedding

high

Siberian Husky

Exercise

very high

Grooming

—

Shedding

high

Alaskan Malamute

Life span: 10–14 yrs

• Hip dysplasia — the Malamute has an above-average rate of this inherited hip-joint malformation, worsened by rapid growth and excess weight; screened by OFA/PennHIP radiographs in breeding stock.
• Inherited (Alaskan Malamute) polyneuropathy — a breed-specific, sometimes severe neuromuscular disease (NDRG1 gene mutation) causing hind-limb weakness, a high-stepping or wobbly gait, exercise intolerance, and laryngeal/voice changes; a DNA test now allows breeders to avoid producing affected dogs.
• Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) — an inherited skeletal disorder producing 'dwarfed,' deformed-limbed puppies; both parents must be carriers to produce affected pups, so carrier testing/known status of breeding stock matters.
• Hypothyroidism — an under-active thyroid that is notably common in the breed, causing weight gain, lethargy, and coat and skin changes; managed lifelong with daily thyroid medication.
• Zinc-responsive dermatosis — a Malamute-associated skin disease from a genetic defect in zinc absorption, causing crusting, scaling, and hair loss (often around the face and pressure points) that responds to zinc supplementation.
• Inherited cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy — recognized hereditary eye diseases in the breed; an annual board-certified ophthalmologist exam of breeding dogs is the standard screening.

Siberian Husky

Life span: 12–14 yrs

• Juvenile cataracts — an inherited clouding of the lens that can appear before 2 years of age and progress to vision loss; reputable breeders perform annual ophthalmologist (CER/OFA) eye exams on breeding stock.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited degeneration of the retina leading to night blindness and eventual total blindness; a DNA test exists for the X-linked form and screened lines should be clear.
• Corneal dystrophy — a breed-typical bilateral hazy deposit in the cornea; usually cosmetic and non-painful but occasionally affects vision and is monitored rather than treated.
• Hip dysplasia — abnormal hip joint development causing pain and arthritis; lower incidence than in giant breeds but present, so OFA/PennHIP-screened parents matter and lean body weight is protective.
• Zinc-responsive dermatosis — a breed-associated skin disorder where the dog cannot absorb dietary zinc efficiently, causing crusting and hair loss around the eyes, muzzle, and footpads; managed lifelong with veterinary zinc supplementation.
• Hypothyroidism — under-active thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes; common in the breed, diagnosed by blood panel and managed inexpensively with daily levothyroxine.
• Uveodermatologic syndrome — a rarer immune-mediated condition affecting the eyes and skin pigment; requires prompt veterinary management to preserve vision.