Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies both belong to the type of sled dog, so they share certain similarities in appearance and temperament. People unfamiliar with them might confuse the two, but if you pay a little attention, the differences between them are quite obvious. You can easily distinguish them just by comparing their looks. Next, we will specifically explain the differences between Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. After reading this, you will never confuse them again.
  Differentiating by Size

What are the differences between Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies?

  Although both Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies are sled dogs and generally large in size, strictly speaking, the Alaskan Malamute is considered a large breed dog, while the Husky, although also relatively large, falls into the medium-sized dog category. Therefore, the Alaskan Malamute is clearly larger than the Husky. Moreover, an adult Alaskan Malamute typically weighs between seventy to eighty pounds, while most Huskies weigh between forty to sixty pounds. If the Alaskan Malamute looks very mighty, the Husky appears more delicate. Standing together, the difference is clearly visible.
  Work Nature

What are the differences between Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies?

  Although both are sled dogs, their working nature when pulling sleds differs somewhat. Due to the Alaskan Malamute's larger size, it has greater strength and endurance, so it is often used to pull heavier sleds. While Huskies also have strong endurance, their physical strength cannot match the Alaskan Malamute’s. Therefore, when working together, Huskies are generally assigned lighter sleds so that both can perform their tasks well.

  Facial Features

If you observe carefully, you can see obvious differences in the faces of the two dogs. Taking the eyes as an example, Huskies can have blue or brown eyes, whereas Alaskan Malamutes’ eyes are mostly brown. Their ear shapes also differ; Huskies have distinctly triangular ears with a smaller curve and narrower spacing between the ears. By contrast, Alaskan Malamutes have rounder ears with a larger curve and wider spacing between their ears.