Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Comparison

The difference in specific breed characteristics are summarised in the table below:

	Alaskan Malamute	Siberian Husky
Purpose	To pill a sled with a fairly heavy load over a relatively short distance	To pull a sled with a light load some distance at a moderate speed
Coat	Double-coated with dense undercoat covered by thick coarse guard hairs forming the outer coat.	The double coat is of medium length standing off from the body but is not so long it obscures the outline of the dog. The undercoat is soft and dense while the outer coat is never harsh to touch.
Colour	Light grey through shadings to black, sable and red which can extend over the body. Solid white is also acceptable. Dogs should never be penalised for their facial markings or for uneven white splashes on the legs and feet, forehead or face markings.	All colours from black to pure white. A variety of markings on the head is common, including many striking patterns not found in other breeds.
Body Proportions	Powerful, substantially built, heavier in bone than the Siberian, structured for strength and endurance.	Body proportions reflect power, strength and endurance.
Size	The ideal height is dogs: 63.5 cms (25 ins) and  58.5 cm (23 ins) for bitches. The weight is 38.5 kg (85 lbs) for dogs and 34 kg (75 lbs) for bitches.	The ideal height is 53.5-60 cm (21 - 23.5 ins) for dogs and 51-56 cm (20-22 ins) for bitches. The weight is 20-27 kg (45-60 lbs) for dogs and 16-20.5 kg (35-45 lbs) for bitches
	Alaskan Malamute	Siberian Husky
Head	The skull should be broad and moderately rounded and the cheeks should be moderately flat. There is a slight stop between the eyes. The width of the large muzzle should be proportion to the skull but should diminish as it approaches the nose.	The skull should be medium sized and rounded at the top and tapering towards the well-defined stop.The bridge of the straight nose is same medium length as the skull and both are of medium width.
Ears	The thick, triangular shaped erect ears are medium sized in proportion to the size of the head. They are set wide apart on the skull.	The thick well furred ears are of medium size, triangular in shape with rounded tips. The ears are set high on the skull and point straight up.
Eyes	The medium sized eyes dark are almond shaped and set obliquely. They must never be blue.	The eyes are almond shaped are set obliquely but never too close together. They may be blue or brown in colour or one of each colour.
Mouth	Normal scissors bite with tight fitting lips	Normal scissors bite with tight fitting lips
	Alaskan Malamute	Siberian Husky
Feet	The large feet are tight with well arched and well cushioned pads, protected by protective hair between the thick, tough pads with their short, strong toenails.	The medium sized feet are oval in shape but not long with tough pads. The pads are tough and  well cushioned with thick fur between the toes.
Body	The Malamute is structured for strength and endurance. The back is straight but slopes gently from the withers to the hips.	The body proportions reflect the basic balance of power, speed and endurance.The back is straight and strong, with a level topline from withers to croup
Gait	The gait must be steady, balanced, tireless and totally efficient.	His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless.