Malamute and Husky: description and differences of breeds

Malamutes and huskies are devoted good-natured dogs, good friends and helpers of people. Outwardly, only a cursory glance may seem that they are similar.

Both breeds are sled and bred in the north, but on different continents. They have different ancestors, so the breeds have many differences.

Alaskan Malamute is a strong muscular hardy dog ​​with a large square-shaped body. Her height is 56–66 cm, and weight - 32–43 kg, the difference depends on gender. The dog has a coarse, long, dense coat of wool.

There are 2 breed lines: M »Loot with a wolf color and Kotzebue, endowed with wool of any color: gray, black, brown, red or beige.

Malamute has a wide head with pointed ears sticking up, which he raises high while running. Outwardly, the breed is distinguished by a “mask” on its face and a “hat” on its head. The dog has muscular legs with wide pubescent pads that prevent it from falling into the snow.

The back is straight with a flexible lower back, allowing the body to spring while running. The tail is moderately twisted. The look is smart and friendly, full of charm.

The wayward character and mind of a dog from birth. She will use them to her advantage, if not to engage in education from early childhood.

Malamute is a sled dog. He, of course, can be taken on a hunt: he has a great scent.

He will find the shot or caught game quickly, but will not bring it to the owner, he will leave it to himself. For hunting you need completely different animals.

It should not be forgotten that the malamute came from a wolf, and although the dog has a good natured character, leadership qualities and the desire to be the leader of the pack remained with him from his ancestors.If several dogs of different breeds live in the family, there is no doubt that Malamute will become their leader.

A person with a weak character should not start this breed. From childhood, the owner will have to explain to the dog who the owner of the house is. If you give slack, the leader will be Malamute.

In training, he needs a comprehensive approach, it is necessary to equally load the dog with physical and mental exercises. Although he is stubborn, he will be happy to be engaged in it.

The owner, who does not have the skills in raising animals, can turn to dog handlers for help. The main thing is not to miss the time, using the young age of the pet to form the character.

You should not put security or protective tasks in front of the dog: this good-natured merry fellow is always glad to people and is not going to bark at them.

He is generally silent by nature. For riding competitions, the dog is also not suitable. He is ready to spend the whole day on the road tirelessly, but he won’t be the first to finish.

Husky in comparison with Malamute is grace itself, it is light and mobile. Her height reaches 50-60 cm, and weight - 16-28 kg (dimensions depend on gender). Despite the graceful appearance, the breed was developed for active work, carrying heavy loads, and long journeys in the snow.

Today, breeders focus on the beauty of the appearance of the pet and its compactness for the possibility of keeping dogs in an apartment. But a dog that is genetically suitable for hard work is hard to reorient. If you do not give her daily sufficient load, she will smash the house out of idleness.

Husky is a Siberian breed obtained thanks to the small peoples of the North. But they registered her in America. Dogs gained wide popularity among Europeans in the 17th-18th centuries during the development of the North, and among Americans in the 19th century. During the gold rush they were used as sled dogs.

American breeders are engaged in improving the breed. Already in the 30s of the last century, they developed a standard and registered the population. The breed returned to Russia only in the 90s of the last century.

Husky has its own external signs.

• Wool can have a silver tint, as well as brown, white, gray, black and white, brown. Thick warm fur allows the dog to sleep in the snow, even in severe frost. The axial hair is medium length, the undercoat is thick and soft.
• The dog’s body is proportional, compact.
• Paws straight, medium size.
• Beautiful head with a slightly elongated muzzle.
• Strong neck with a good bend.
• Amazingly smart almond-shaped eyes. Most often, husky can be found with blue eyes, but there are also hazel. Representatives of this breed often have heterochromia (irises of different colors).
• High set ears look like 2 triangles.
• The nose is most often found in black, it is brown. In dogs with a light color, you can see a beige nose.
• The strong tail is twisted by a ringlet.

The nature of the animal should be discussed separately. Many people who want to take a husky to the house refuse this idea when they find out about the wayward character of the pet.

The dog is very smart, cunning and quick-witted, and if you add stubbornness and self-will, it becomes clear why it is so difficult to train.

She will not play the “bring the ball” games, for her intellect this is an uninteresting task, she will find herself more important things that the owner will not like. For example, returning from work, you can find cracked furniture, upturned flower pots, torn bedspreads.

Husky is not a sofa dog, she must be in the fresh air up to 8 hours a day, while it should be loaded with physical and mental exercises. The more she spends her indefatigable energy on the street, the more intact the owner’s apartment will be.

But it is worth remembering that during the walk the dog can run away. However, she is able to escape from the yard, making a dig under the fence.In addition, the Husky opens quite simple locks, she is smart enough to find different loopholes to break free.

At the same time, the animal is very friendly. It will not catch a thief or guard the owner: northern dogs are accustomed not to harm people. They love everyone, but most of all are attached to their master.

Husky is considerate, she will not impose her society. But she will not let anyone else command herself; she makes decisions on any issue.

Husky loves to make noise, she "sings", even tries to imitate people with her voice. If the owners are late, the dog can long howl for a long time, which annoys the neighbors. Dogs live up to 15-16 years.

Malamute and Husky are northern breeds of dogs that were bred for hard work, long trips at low temperatures. Performing the same tasks in the same conditions, of course, dogs will have a certain similarity in character, abilities and appearance. At first glance, their appearance seems similar, especially the almond-shaped eyes and smart kind look. Both breeds of dogs have thick warm coat.

Representatives of both breeds are smart, kind and wayward, they are on their minds, it is difficult to train them. These animals do not attack people, but are not particularly obedient to them. Dogs have hunting skills, in the conditions of the north they themselves can take care of themselves, catch game, but only for themselves, they will not bring a person.

Husky and malamutes are loving and faithful animals, they miss loneliness and are always happy to communicate with people.

Husky appeared in Siberia, her ancestors were local northern dogs, which the Chukchi used for teams. The breed was registered in 1930.

The Malamutes, whose ancestors were wolves, were taken out by the Eskimos of Alaska. These dogs became so popular that in 2010 they were made a symbol of Alaska.

Both breeds were intended for trips in a team, they had to be able to overcome a huge path through the snowy expanses.

Husky is very mobile, they are able to quickly travel long distances, but because of their relatively light weight can not carry heavy loads. Malamutes are large strong dogs, they can walk many kilometers with heavily loaded sledges. But the Malamutes are deprived of the indefatigable energy of a husky and they will overcome their path slowly and powerfully. Different opportunities for working with a team were reflected in their appearance, weight and size.

Despite some similarities, both breeds have many differences. Dogs have completely different ancestors.

It is not surprising that the appearance and character of these animals may differ even with the same tasks that they are assigned

. Consider how to distinguish representatives of these species from each other.

• Visually, you can immediately understand that malamute is larger: it is higher than the representative of another breed by about 10 cm and heavier by 10 kg. But husky can eat a lot and gain extra pounds, malamute overeating is not noticed.
• Dogs work differently in a harness; according to their appearance, you can evaluate the working potential. At first glance, you can see the strength and power of malamute, a strong stocky skeleton, well-developed muscles, strong legs. It makes an impression of a handsome athlete with his head held high. He has a lot of energy, without getting tired, he carries heavy loads over long distances. But speed is not his hobby, it refers to the benefits of a husky. The average size of the dogs of this breed, their mobility and lightness allows them to develop tremendous speed in the harness. They travel long distances, but are not able to carry too heavy loads.
• The coat of both breeds is quite warm, the dogs do not freeze even in the most severe frosts, but the difference in fur can be seen visually and tactilely. In malamute, the spinous hair is coarse, stiff, sticking to the sides. The color of the fur coat can be from light gray to black, from beige to brown, but the coat on the stomach remains white.The husky fur is attached to the body, the undercoat is very soft, the spinous hair is also not endowed with special stiffness. To the touch, the wool of the Siberian breed is more pleasant. Allowed any color from white to dark.
• The head of the Malamute is proportional to the body, large, thoroughly planted. The husky has a smaller, sleeker face, more elongated. Outwardly, malamute looks very good-natured, which corresponds to its character. Husky can look different, sometimes the mask pattern and the cool shade of blue irises, framed by a black line around the eyes, makes the expression of the muzzle angry and angry. But this is a misleading impression. Under the mask is hidden a kind, loving, playful beast.
• Malamute, in accordance with the standard, must have brown eyes, blue are rare and are considered marriage. Husky can have any shade, but blue is considered more advantageous.
• The triangular high-sitting ears in Alaskans have roundings, and in Siberians they stick out with the corners up.
• The tails of both dogs are fluffy, raised up with a slight bend. The malamute has longer tail hair; during the stand it is thrown back. Husky during the rack, the tail drops.

Despite the fact that both dogs are sledding, there are many differences in their character and habits. Husky is a fast, light, energetic and "talkative" dog. Malamute is also full of energy and strength, but inferior to the Siberian in speed. He is imposing, sedate, likes to be silent.

Husky is cunning, playful, on your mind. They love to dig the earth, to undermine and other leprosy.

Malamutes are calm, but stubborn and independent, they consider submission to someone below their dignity.

Both breeds get along well with other pets, but have their own complaints about them.

Husky can run after cats, pretending to be hunting, and Malamute will prove to everyone that he is the leader of the pack.

First, decide who should not get dogs of these breeds.

• For those who are weak in nature or take a pet for the first time, such breeds are not suitable. They are brought up and trained very difficult. The beginner, most likely, will not cope, and in the future, instead of a loyal friend, he will get a problem.
• Sled dogs should not be taken lazy, as well as busy or irresponsible people. Pets will have to walk for 8 hours a day, loading with mental and physical training.
• These dogs are not suitable for living in an apartment. Firstly, they will create a mess, and secondly, they need to stay a lot of time in the fresh air.
• You can not take malamutes and huskies for protection or protection. They will be affectionate with everyone and will not harm even thieves.

These breeds are suitable for people living in private homes, where dogs have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the yard. They can be kept in enclosures on condition of walking and training.

Families with children should choose a husky dog: they are smaller, easier to train and love to play with the kids. Malamute is suitable for a single person. He becomes attached to one owner, and although he is friendly with everyone, he will not be a nanny for children.

In choosing a pet, the value of puppies can play a role: Husky is estimated at 15 thousand rubles, and malamute - at 20. If the dogs are taken for their intended purpose: in harness, everyone decides for himself who he needs: a runner or a heavyweight. Dogs of both breeds are beautiful, kind and very fond of people. But their content is associated with certain difficulties, if you are not ready for them, it is better not to take puppies.

The difference in the nature of malamute and husky can be found in the video.