Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute

A side-by-side breed comparison to help you decide which fits your lifestyle.

At a Glance

Attribute	Siberian Husky	Alaskan Malamute
Origin	Siberia	United States (Alaska)
Breed Group	Working	Working
Life Span	12–14 yrs	10–14 yrs
Weight	16–27 kg	34–39 kg
Height	50–60 cm	58.4–63.5 cm
Temperament	Outgoing, mischievous, and loyal	Affectionate, Loyal, Playful
Exercise Needs	Very High (90+ min/day)	High (60-90 min/day)
Grooming	—	moderate
Shedding	high	high
Good with Children	Yes	Yes
Apartment Friendly	No	No

Temperament Comparison

The Siberian Husky is known for being outgoing, mischievous, and loyal, while the Alaskan Malamute tends to be affectionate, loyal, playful.

Siberian Husky

Outgoingmischievousand loyal

Alaskan Malamute

AffectionateLoyalPlayfulDignifiedStubbornFriendly

Family Suitability

Siberian Husky

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

Alaskan Malamute

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

Training & Exercise

When it comes to daily activity, the Siberian Husky requires very high (90+ min/day) exercise, compared to the Alaskan Malamute which needs high (60-90 min/day).

Siberian Husky

Exercise: very high
Grooming: —
Shedding: high

Alaskan Malamute

Exercise: high
Grooming: moderate
Shedding: high

Cost Comparison

Understanding the financial commitment of each breed helps you plan for a lifetime of care.

Cost	Siberian Husky	Alaskan Malamute
Purchase Price	$800 – $2,500	$1,000 – $3,000
Monthly Cost	~$130/mo	~$150/mo
Est. Lifetime Cost	~$18,720+	~$18,000+

Full Siberian Husky cost guide Full Alaskan Malamute cost guide

Health Considerations

Both breeds have breed-specific health considerations. Being aware of these helps you plan for preventive care and vet visits.

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.

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.

Which Breed is Right for You?

Choose the Siberian Husky if you want a breed that's outgoing and mischievous, especially with a family.

Choose the Alaskan Malamute if you prefer a breed that's affectionate and loyal, great with kids.

Full Siberian Husky Profile Full Alaskan Malamute Profile

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At a Glance

Attribute	Siberian Husky	Alaskan Malamute
Origin	Siberia	United States (Alaska)
Breed Group	Working	Working
Life Span	12–14 yrs	10–14 yrs
Weight	16–27 kg	34–39 kg
Height	50–60 cm	58.4–63.5 cm
Temperament	Outgoing, mischievous, and loyal	Affectionate, Loyal, Playful
Exercise Needs	Very High (90+ min/day)	High (60-90 min/day)
Grooming	—	moderate
Shedding	high	high
Good with Children	Yes	Yes
Apartment Friendly	No	No

Cost

Siberian Husky

Alaskan Malamute

Purchase Price

$800 – $2,500

$1,000 – $3,000

Monthly Cost

~$130/mo

~$150/mo

Est. Lifetime Cost

~$18,720+

~$18,000+

Health Considerations

Both breeds have breed-specific health considerations. Being aware of these helps you plan for preventive care and vet visits.

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.

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.