If you're a fan of Arctic working dogs, you've probably heard of the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. While they both belong to the Spitz family and share a history as sled dogs, they are actually different breeds with unique origins and working abilities.
Is a Malamute a Husky?
The short answer is no. Despite their similarities, the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are distinct breeds. Let's explore their differences and delve into their fascinating histories.
Difference between the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky history
The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, was bred by the Mahlemut tribe to transport heavy loads across long distances at a slow and steady pace. These majestic dogs are thought to descend from wolves that were used to pull sleds filled with travellers from the Bering Strait into North America.
Similar to the Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were accustomed to working in harsh conditions with limited food. They were considered part of the family and were allowed to hunt, carry packs, and pull sleds. However, during Alaska's gold rush, the breed faced a significant decline. To meet the growing demand for working dogs, people started breeding them with other dogs from outside of Alaska. Luckily, some purebred Alaskan Malamutes remained in remote areas with the Mahlemut tribe, preserving the breed's lineage.
On the other hand, the Siberian Husky hails from Northern Asia. These charming dogs were bred for speed, known for their ability to run as fast as possible while carrying lighter loads than the Alaskan Malamute. In fact, they gained fame for their victories in sled races at the beginning of the 20th century and are currently ranked as the 14th most popular pet by the American Kennel Club.
True to their name, Siberian Huskies were originally bred in Northern Asia to thrive on minimal food. The travelers who worked with them faced scarcity of food sources and sought alternative means of sustenance for themselves and their furry companions. Over the years, these dogs became exceptionally efficient at extracting and storing energy, enabling them to withstand the harshest conditions and survive.
Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky are well-adapted to working in severe cold with minimal food intake. However, the key distinction lies in their sledding abilities. The Alaskan Malamute excels at hauling heavy loads over long periods at a slower pace, while the Siberian Husky was bred to carry lighter loads at a faster speed.
howpetcare will dig into this article further and explore more intriguing aspects of these magnificent breeds. But before we conclude, let's recap the key takeaways:
Keys to take away
- The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are different breeds.
- The Alaskan Malamute originated from the Mahlemut tribe in North America, while the Siberian Husky comes from Northern Asia.
- Alaskan Malamutes were bred to haul heavy loads at a slow pace, whereas Siberian Huskies were bred for speed.
- Both breeds can endure harsh conditions and thrive on minimal food.
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