Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky

The biggest differences

• Affection with family: the Siberian Husky scores 5 out of 5, the Alaskan Malamute 3.
• Good with young children: the Siberian Husky scores 5 out of 5, the Alaskan Malamute 3.
• Good with other dogs: the Siberian Husky scores 5 out of 5, the Alaskan Malamute 3.
• Openness to strangers: the Siberian Husky scores 5 out of 5, the Alaskan Malamute 3.
• Playfulness: the Siberian Husky scores 5 out of 5, the Alaskan Malamute 3.
• Trainability: the Alaskan Malamute scores 5 out of 5, the Siberian Husky 3.
• Watchdog / protective: the Alaskan Malamute scores 4 out of 5, the Siberian Husky 1.
• Barking: the Siberian Husky scores 5 out of 5, the Alaskan Malamute 3.

They score the same on drooling.

Which one should you choose?

Pick the Alaskan Malamute if you prefer a calmer dog, you want less dog hair, you want a dog that is easier to train. Pick the Siberian Husky if you have young children, you want an energetic exercise partner, you live in a smaller home or move often.

Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.

Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.