Question:
I really love these dogs and I am looking into getting one or the other. It will not be anytime very soon most likely about 2 years from now after I graduate college, (actually it will be my grad present most likely).
I have done some researching on them and plan to do much more. My bf has a husky mix and he is such a great dog. And he has had several other husky mixes before.
My bf kind of likes the malamute better cuz they are bigger.
What are the main differences between the husky and the mal other than size? Also the pros and cons maybe of each breed? I would really like to hear from people who have had some experience with them.
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Con of both:
Shedding: TONS of it for both the Malamute and husky! They blow their coat twice a year, but shed all year round. Blowing their coat is when there are big tuffs of fur litterly hanging off of them. You need to brush them at LEAST once a day.
Running away: Both breeds like to roam and are not trustworthy off leash. They also like to dig to get out of a fenced yard.
Independence/stubborness: Both are independent and strong willed. Training will be a bit more difficult.
Prey drive: Also you need to be prepared that your dog might have a prey drive. This is when they get the urge to chase after (and possibly kill) small animals running away from them. This may include racoons, small dogs, squierrels, oppossums, and if it's strong enough young children.
Husky: I've heard they can be very destructive and vocal dogs if not given enough excercise and they need a lot of excercise!
Malamutes: I've never had Lucas (My malamute) chewing or destroying anything, but he's just one. He could be the exception. These dogs are bigger, and stronger than the husky. Less vocal than huskies.
The malamute also has a stronger tendency for dog-aggression if not socialized. This doesn't mean they will be dog-aggressive it just means it's more likley a malamute will then a husky will.
Both are very people friendly! Mine just LOVES people!
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I see everyone saying they shouldnt be off-leash. My bf lets his husky mix off to run around always and he doesnt have any problems getting him to come back or him running away.
Although my Beagle really isnt ever allowed off her leash, so I dont think that is really a big deal. And my Beagle LOVES to dig.
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I see everyone saying they shouldnt be off-leash. My bf lets his husky mix off to run around always and he doesnt have any problems getting him to come back or him running away.
Although my Beagle really isnt ever allowed off her leash, so I dont think that is really a big deal. And my Beagle LOVES to dig.
It's not that they are never realiable it's just that husky's and Malamutes like to think for themselve and being known for having prey drives it's really not a responsible thing to do. Husky's and Mal's think for themselves so you may let them off leash the first ten times and they listen to your every word, but that 11th time they may see something they want. So they just go for it no matter what you say. And since Mal's and Husky's are known for prey drives it's better to keep them on leash for the safety of any small animal.
Personally I just don't think it's worth having my dog put down over. The slight chance of him going after someones pet isn't worth it to me. But there is a possibility of them not even having a prey drive. :)
But I know Lucas has a prey drive that's why I'm cautious about those things. Although he hasn't even tried for a small dog he has gone for wildlife such as oppossums and racoons.
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Well for the most part like I said, Zoe is always on a leash, I am sure my other dog will be too. The only time she is out without one is walking to the dumpster and back from the back gate.
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Well for the most part like I said, Zoe is always on a leash, I am sure my other dog will be too. The only time she is out without one is walking to the dumpster and back from the back gate.
Sounds good :) Maybe moe or Oc will jump in here and tell you a little more. Moe has Malamutes and OC has husky's lol :p
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Thanks for the info!! btw...your dog is really pretty!!
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Heres my 2 cents worth on huskies. I have a female husky who is a yr old. They are very independant creatures. As far as off leash, I would not recommend it as they do have a desire to roam. They are also natural hunters. They will hunt and kill what they come in contact with (small creatures) Vocal is an understatement. Hehehehe when Izzy isnt getting what she wants she will howl and howl at me. They are very destructive animals if left alone or they feel bored. Now Izzy being my first husky I didnt know what I was in for and wouldnt trade it for anything. Do alot of research. They do shed alot as I have to brush her daily and when she blows her coat I am brushing her several times a day. The pro on these animals they are probably one of the most loving ones I have seen or owned. Izzy is indeed my lover. I have not had any problems with her and other animals and agression. She seems to really enjoy all animals (esp the ones she is hunting) I have found that mine is great with my kids and grand kids and I also know she wont be a watch dog she is to loving. Good luck with your searching
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Huskies are great, friendliest dogs I've ever met honestly.
Never had a problem with any of them.
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my dog is a mix, but the shedding is truly TONS. she doesn't look it in the pic in my signature because that was taken in summer, but I get bags of fur off her when she loses her winter coat. she digs for pleasure...lol...not a big deal for some, huge problem for others. and yes, even as a mix if she is off leash and gets wind of a chipmunk.........she will take off and dig to get it like she is obsessed. she does just LOVE people, tho....she really thinks everyone is out there to love her back. :) :)
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Here's a wonderful site that can help you as it goes into detail regarding the differences between Mals and Huskys. I'd suggest you read it very carefully and give both some sincere consideration before making an informed decision. Though many people mix the two, they are definately 2 seperate breed, in temperament, conformation, training etc. Good luck, hope this helps!
http://www.wayeh.com/aboutsleddogs/description.htm
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Where do you live? I ask because both are snow dogs. We have 100+ degree summers here. I know someone with a malamute and that poor guy seems absolutely miserable in the summer time. :(
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I have done some researching on them and plan to do much more. My bf has a husky mix and he is such a great dog. And he has had several other husky mixes before. My bf kind of likes the malamute better cuz they are bigger. What are the main differences between the husky and the mal other than size? Also the pros and cons maybe of each breed? I would really like to hear from people who have had some experience with them.
My last dog was a husky/terrier mix, and I wanted to caution you that a purebred is going to be more intense than a mixed-breed since there's no other breed or type to temper the personality. So there will be a difference between the mixes you've known and a purebred dog. Take a look at what you and your bf like about the husky mixes you've known, and try to find out if these traits are from the husky side and, if so, whether they might be too much in a purebred dog - for example, I loved the brave, stubborn heart that my girl got from her terrier side, but I find a purebred terrier's constant bravado tiresome.
Also, the Malamutes are a *lot* larger than Siberian Huskies, and less common. You could probably find a beautiful, very adoptable Siberian Husky in any shelter on any given day. If you haven't already discovered them, there's a mystery series by Susan Conant, in which the heroine is a writer who owns and shows Alaskan Malamutes. The writing quality is a bit mediocre, but they're very doggy and she is very clear about the drawbacks and benefits of her breed. I think "Bloodlines" is the best of the series.
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I live in the texas panhandle, Justin's dog used to live in huston and never had a problem. There is a malamute breeder just a little over an hour away from here, and I am thinking we might could talk to them.
Thanks for the info everyone, and thanks for the link Kenzie I will deffinately read it!!!
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My aunt had a huge 150+ pound mal, and he was so sweet! Very layed back. He got along with dogs, but he killed the family kitten by stepping on it. He was the sweetest dog I have ever met.
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If you like the larger husky type dogs, have you considered an Akita - my friend had on, hismate had two - they are really amazing creatures - if I had the space for a dog that large it would deffinatley be my choice
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If you like the larger husky type dogs, have you considered an Akita - my friend had on, hismate had two - they are really amazing creatures - if I had the space for a dog that large it would deffinatley be my choice
Akitas are way more hard headed than a mal. They are known to be dog aggressive, dominant, very protective of the family, and have a high drive. The Akita is NOT the dog for the faint of heart or the gentle owner who desires a totally placid lap side companion.
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agreed, but I thought that if someone was considering a malumute or a husky they must have a very expericened background with the large winter bred dogs otherwise why would they even consider sometnhing along thooose lines?
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Comparing akita to husky is silly.
Even comparing a mal to akita is silly.
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agreed, but I thought that if someone was considering a malumute or a husky they must have a very expericened background with the large winter bred dogs otherwise why would they even consider sometnhing along thooose lines?
my boyfriend does have experience with them. he has had many husky mixes, but this will personally be my first big dog, but my boyfriend will help me.
I havent looked into an akita much, but I will read up on it, although I prefer the grey/white colorings you can get on the husky and malamute, I didnt think you could get that coloring on an akita.
I will read up on them but from the info from rottiegirl it doesnt really sound like what I am looking for.
Another breed which is really not even similar at all to the above, but one that I really like is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver, I would like to know if anyone has any experience with them or know of any breeders cuz they seem kind of rare to me. I have only known one, and her breeder was in Boston.
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I thought there was a post about this already somewhere but I can''t seem to find it...
Siberian Huskies are as alike as they are different LOL They were bred for very different purposes, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull heavy loads over short distances at a slower speed making them incredibly strong and able to cover a lot of ground but not too quickly (a moderate trot usually). Siberian Huskies were bred to pull light loads over long distances at a quicker pace. This means they''re also very strong (but not as strong as a mal) and they have high endurance so they can go far fast OR they can go a short distances even faster (they travel long distances at a quick trot or a slow lope).
Both were bred to work closely with humans and other dogs. Both breeds are fantastic with humans especially children, but Mals tend to be dog-aggressive to any dog outside of it''s pack whereas Siberian Huskies are pretty accepting of everyone. Part of the Siberian HUsky''s job was to keep the women and children warm during cold nights by lying down under the skins with them so they were bred to be very calm, quiet, and friendly when indoors. I see this daily with OC and Ronan. Outside they can be quite the crazy maniacs but when they come in, they''re instantly very content to just lie around and watch the world go by. However if an owner lacks in proper excercise for their Siberian Husky, this NEVER applies.
Both breeds require a very high amount of excercise for both mental and physical contentment. If their excercise needs aren''t met they can become ridiculously destructive. I''ve seen some pretty insane indoor renovations, thankfully not in my own home! A walk around the block once a day will not suffice for either breeds. They both need a minimum of 1hr every day at a quick pace (speed walk). If walking''s not your thing there are many other ways to excercise both breeds which satisfy their love of pulling.
Training is a must for both breeds. Both are stubborn, independent, dominant, and easily bored so it is essential that the trainer keep things fun and interesting to hold the dog''s attention. You''ll benefit a lot more from short, frequent training times than long daily ones. Niether breed reacts well to improper corrections. If they feel that the handler doesn''t know what they''re doing and is correcting at the wrong times (EX. when you ask for a sit but the dog doesn''t reply because you asked incorrectly without knowing so you correct the dog) they will shut down and ignore you. It doesn''t matter what you do if the dog has decided it''s not going to listen to you, he simply won''t. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Trust me! I was working with Juneau one day and I asked him to stand and he just stared at me blankly so all I did was say a sterner "Hey! Juneau, stand!" and right away I saw it in his eyes that he had shut down from me. What had I done wrong? The command is "stack" not "stand"! Oy! Usually they''re not this extreme but just giving you an idea. I had to work to get Juneau motivated again so he would listen to me by engaging in fool-proof commands.
Both breeds LOVE to hunt and are incredibly prey-driven. Depending on how much socialization is done and training, prey can be anything from a small mouse, to the family cat, to the neighbour''s pomeranian, to a horse (more likely to be brought down if they''re in a pack though but this isn''t to say they wouldn''t at leats try if they''re on their own!).
A big difference would be that a Mal would be a lot more likely to protect/defend than a Sibe. Not to say a Sibe wouldn''t step up in the call of duty but if someone were to break into my home I would put my faith in Smokey the Malamute to alert and protect the home before I would in Oceano. Sibes are just too friendly.
Hmmm I think I''ve covered the main bits...if you have any other questions feel free to ask!
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In regards to the heat thing, Siberian Huskies are incredibly adaptable. So long as they have access to a cool ACed house (or at least one with fans that is cooler than outside) and tons of shade and fresh water they can adapt with a thinner coat then the Sibes of the north. I would recommend though that you get a pup from a breeder with the same climate as you. Don''t be getting a pup from say, North Wapiti Kennels in Northern MAnitoba because though the pup would eventually adapt, it would have a harder time than a pup born in a warm state. One thing though, Sibes and Mals that live in warmer climates have considerably shorter lives than those in cold climates, about 2-3 years shorter.