Before I understood dog breeds, I thought Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies (details introduction) looked very handsome and almost identical, with only very subtle differences. I always assumed Alaskan Malamutes were Huskies and Huskies were Alaskan Malamutes. It wasn’t until I saw Wang Sicong often angrily replying to netizens on Weibo, saying Wang Keke is an Alaskan Malamute, not a Husky, that I realized they might be two different dog breeds.

Are Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies the Same Breed?

      I will first mention several points that are relatively easy to distinguish. First, the body sizes of Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies are different. Alaskan Malamutes belong to large breeds, while Huskies are medium-sized dogs, so Alaskan Malamutes appear somewhat bigger than Huskies. Additionally, the color distribution on their foreheads differs. Although both have a peach face, Alaskan Malamutes generally have one or two flame-shaped markings between the eyebrows, whereas Huskies have one, two, or even three flames, making the Husky’s appearance a bit funnier.

Are Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies the Same Breed?

      Also, the eye colors of Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes differ. Huskies generally have blue eyes, while Alaskan Malamutes typically have brown eyes, with other colors being very rare. Their coat colors are also easy to distinguish. Huskies’ fur mainly comes in gray-white, black-white, and coffee-white, generally darker shades. Alaskan Malamutes differ and come in black-white and red-white variations.

Are Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies the Same Breed?

      Lastly, their temperaments differ. Huskies, due to their habits and looks which lean more towards wolves, tend to be clever, lively, and have variable personalities. Compared to that, Alaskan Malamutes are more gentle, loyal, and patient.