Is the Alaskan Malamute or the Siberian Husky better for families with children?

The Siberian Husky tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Siberian Husky?

The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Alaskan Malamute or the Siberian Husky?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky bigger?

Alaskan Malamute is the larger breed; Siberian Husky is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky?

Alaskan Malamute tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Siberian Husky is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky?

For apartment or apartment living, Siberian Husky has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky: Which Is Quieter?

Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky: full comparison

Trait	Alaskan Malamute	Siberian Husky
Size	Large	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Very Low
Adaptability	Low	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Alaskan Malamute is a larger dog than the Siberian Husky, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Siberian Husky is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Alaskan Malamute is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Siberian Husky is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Alaskan Malamute requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. The Siberian Husky requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Alaskan Malamute takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Siberian Husky takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Alaskan Malamute is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Siberian Husky has little guarding instinct and greets strangers as friends.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Siberian Husky has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Siberian Husky has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Siberian Husky has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Siberian Husky has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Alaskan Malamute if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Siberian Husky if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Alaskan Malamute or the Siberian Husky better for families with children?: The Siberian Husky tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Alaskan Malamute or the Siberian Husky?: The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Alaskan Malamute or the Siberian Husky?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky bigger?: Alaskan Malamute is the larger breed; Siberian Husky is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky?: Alaskan Malamute tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Siberian Husky is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky?: For apartment or apartment living, Siberian Husky has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky