Huskies & Malamutes

[linkhttp://www.minnesotamalamuteclub.com/malvsibe.htm]http://www.minnesotamalamuteclub.com/malvsibe.htm[/link]
[linkhttp://www.amrescueohio.com/MalvsHusky.html]http://www.amrescueohio.com/MalvsHusky.html[/link]
 
[linkhttp://www.alaskanmalamute.org/publiced/malhist.asp]http://www.alaskanmalamute.org/publiced/malhist.asp[/link]
[linkhttp://users.tpg.com.au/users/cnicholl/history.htm]http://users.tpg.com.au/users/cnicholl/history.htm[/link]
 
 
I've been told huskies are higher energy and require more excercise as well as training effort compared to malamutes.  Malamutes are strong diggers and require a buried fence or several feet of fence along the ground to keep them in a yard.  Also I don't know if it was mentioned in the above history link but there are 2 different lines of malamutes.  The M'loots which are larger and also called giant alaskan malamutes and the Kotzebues which are smaller and less agressive but higher energy.

I can't speak to mal's other than mal's are bigger and more laid back (so I've heard) than huskies.
 
Here's what I know about the husky temperment:
Very independent dogs. They really aren't that dependant on humans for survival.
They do bond with their people but really have no sense of loyalty. They love all people equality so make lousy watch dogs.
 
They tend to have high prey drives towards small animals. This includes cats. They can get along with a cat that it lives with but if they catch that cat outdoors, it could mean death to the cat. (my husky is a very patient hunter and has caught rabbits, possums, skunks, etc)
 
They can be difficult to train and motivate. They get bored easily with repetitious training. If they don't see the point in doing something they just won't do it. There has to be something in it for them.
 
They have a *strong* desire to run. Huskies see any barrier, fence, window, door, etc., as an escape challenge. So husky owners need to "husky" proof their house and yard. Even the best, most experienced husky owner will have their husky escape from time to time.
 
They are very high energy and need a lot (tons!) of exercise or they will be destructive. It's nothing for a healthy adult husky to run 10+ miles and still be ready for more.
 
They can never be trusted off leash due to their desire to run. You'll hear all kinds of non-husky people saying "oh, it just takes training". Not true. You can have a champion obediance husky and it'll still take advantage of an off leash situation.
 
Due to their intelligance and energy levels they make excellent pets for the outdoorsy type person. They live to be outside and are willing to follow a trail for as long as you are - and more.
 
They are strong diggers. They like to dig in the winter to get warm and dig in the summer to stay cool.
 
They are pretty hearty dogs - they can handle just about any temp - hot or cold.
 
They shed - a lot
 
They do clean themsleves though - like cats. So they don't need much grooming.
 
Huskies are best in pairs.
 
They tend to be pretty vocal about everything and nothing at all. Barks, whines, howls, and any combination of those sounds.
 
They can be comedians and they will use their cuteness to get what they want (there's nothing like that husky "please" look or glare. You always know what it is they want.
 
They are very fun dogs but think long and hard about getting one. Most people under estimate their desire to escape and their exercise needs.

Let's see, first physical differences. The Malamute is larger, heavier boned and has a slightly longer coat. Siberian ears are more on top of the head, Mal ears are more off to the side.
 
The Siberian is more active and needs more exercise. The Malamute may have a more dominant personality and needs a strong owner. (more likely to challenge for leadership) Both have a very strong prey drive. Both have an instinct to escape and roam, but it is more pronounced in the Siberian. Sibes can be very hard to contain in a yard.
 
Both are independent and may like to please their owner, but only if there is not something better to do. Malamutes are more prone to hip dysplasia than Sibes. Siberians can have some inherited eye problems and sometimes epilepsy.
 
If you like northern breeds, but want one that is more people oriented and somewhat less independent, think about a Samoyed.

Jewlieee I couldn#%92t have said it any better, you know your husky facts.  [sm=bravo.gif]
 
Huskies are great but they#%92re not for the novice dog owner at all.   Owning a Siberian husky takes lots of patients and lots of problem solving abilities.  You also need good neighbors who are willing to put up with loud howls and barks. 
 

Wow, thanks for the info everyone. It has helped a lot and I appreciate the replies, they have definitely helped. I will look into Samoyeds as well, I never thought of those.

Generally speaking, Mals are bigger and stronger, capable of pulling more weight and Sibes are smaller but faster runners.