huskylynz Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Was just wondering about the differences between malamutes and huskies? I no their a lot bigger but do the same rules go such as not to be trusted off lead? I had a little look up of the breed on google. Reason for asking is because my other half wants us to get one in a couple of years. Just wondered how different they are? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuramaxDiesel Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 I honestly have no clue... I heard somewhere that they have retractable claws like cats... but again, I HEARD it, I don't know if it is true or not... but if they did, that's pretty darn cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julieanne Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Malamutes were bred to pull a heavy weight a shorter distance, while Huskies were bred to pull a lighter load a longer distance. Kind of like comparing a weight lifter to a marathon runner perhaps?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Hiya!! We have a huge Mal pup called Kodiak. He's nearly a year old and weighs in at around 56kgs. It's correct that they do have retractable claws. To be honest, looks is the only real difference between Huskies and Mals. Their personality and temperament are completely different. Mals don't take no for an answer. I could go on for ages about Mals!!! The main difference, which is good in a way, is that they hate conflict. Any dog or human who fight or shout, a Mals instinct will be to stop it. If dogs are fighting, a Mal will jump in the middle of it and stop it, regardless of which dog started. If humans shout, they will howl until you stop. Mals are renowned for their temperament towards children, they simply love them. The only downside is that with their size, they have to be watched, in case they knock a child over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskylynz Posted April 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Wow he is a big pup! lol I would like to get one in a few years Got my hands full at the moment, Shadow's only 8 months and Suki's 2 months lol Hiya!! We have a huge Mal pup called Kodiak. He's nearly a year old and weighs in at around 56kgs. It's correct that they do have retractable claws. To be honest, looks is the only real difference between Huskies and Mals. Their personality and temperament are completely different. Mals don't take no for an answer. I could go on for ages about Mals!!! The main difference, which is good in a way, is that they hate conflict. Any dog or human who fight or shout, a Mals instinct will be to stop it. If dogs are fighting, a Mal will jump in the middle of it and stop it, regardless of which dog started. If humans shout, they will howl until you stop. Mals are renowned for their temperament towards children, they simply love them. The only downside is that with their size, they have to be watched, in case they knock a child over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CARRINGTON Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Also looks wise Andy said a malamute has shorter ears that are farther to the side then a husky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_tinmois Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 How about their same sex aggression. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_tinmois Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 I'm intrigued Robert (RJS) where the notion comes from that a Mal will 'wade in to stop a fight' It is more likely to wade in to thoroughly enjoy a fight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormy Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Rob also wants a mal i have said no for now. I have been around quite a few mals over time I met one who was extremely dominant (christies spirit) and she also has to be kept seperate from some of the others. Met another female mal at one point she was only a pup around 9 months old she was extremely playful but she came into season and the male husky she lived with tried it on a bit to much and she floored him and really hurt his leg the guy who owned them could not pull her off him for a good 5 minutes due to her sheer strength. Met two giant mals in a park they were lovely and friendly to people but we could nto take the dogs up to them. They can have same sex aggression but with any dog if brought up correctly and socialised they can be fine I have said no purely to the fact they are extremely strong and i would have no chance at the moment with three dogs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 How about their same sex aggression. You can get that in any breed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 I'm intrigued Robert (RJS) where the notion comes from that a Mal will 'wade in to stop a fight' It is more likely to wade in to thoroughly enjoy a fight When I was doing research on Mals before we got Kodiak, I read this in numerous places.... Mals are peacekeepers, and usually only fight if they really have to... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Rob also wants a mal i have said no for now. I have been around quite a few mals over time I met one who was extremely dominant (christies spirit) and she also has to be kept seperate from some of the others. Met another female mal at one point she was only a pup around 9 months old she was extremely playful but she came into season and the male husky she lived with tried it on a bit to much and she floored him and really hurt his leg the guy who owned them could not pull her off him for a good 5 minutes due to her sheer strength. Met two giant mals in a park they were lovely and friendly to people but we could nto take the dogs up to them. They can have same sex aggression but with any dog if brought up correctly and socialised they can be fine I have said no purely to the fact they are extremely strong and i would have no chance at the moment with three dogs! I agree, they are EXTREMELY strong. Kodiak is BIG for the breed. When we walk with other huskies it can take two if us sometimes to keep hold of him, but on his own, he will walk to heel. As he is still a pup, he has all the puppy traits!!! He is a gentle giant with anyone. He's fine with other dogs, but there are a couple that he will just no want to be around!! Plus he acts differently with puppies and children, than when with adults... It is amazing to watch!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Thanks for the insight on Mals, RJS! As I've said before, I think Suka's a SibexMal (chest is deeper than it should be, weight is heavier, though he may just have came from a BYB...), so I find it really interesting to learn more about Mals. And WOW - I really didn't know that about the retractible claws. Like, REALLY!? (Suka's sort of a peacekeeper too, but he really only does this with dogs, he hates conflict involving other dogs and will quickly run in to calm everybody down....though that may just be his dominance kicking in.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpups Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 I would say mals are more temperamental then sibes and are known for there same sex aggression and are more food aggressive. I have 2 mals and they are brillant with people but my female is a cow when she wants to be and a gobby git too lol. There more lazy then sibes and will sleep the day away lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuskyMom09 Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Either breed can have food aggression as well as dog aggression proper socialization and training are highly recommended for either breed. Neither breed is known for strong recall, so neither is suggested for off lead outside of secure areas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Applebear Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 I've had a small idea what the differences were, but this really draws them out. Cool thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskylynz Posted April 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Rob also wants a mal i have said no for now. I have been around quite a few mals over time I met one who was extremely dominant (christies spirit) and she also has to be kept seperate from some of the others. Met another female mal at one point she was only a pup around 9 months old she was extremely playful but she came into season and the male husky she lived with tried it on a bit to much and she floored him and really hurt his leg the guy who owned them could not pull her off him for a good 5 minutes due to her sheer strength. Met two giant mals in a park they were lovely and friendly to people but we could nto take the dogs up to them. They can have same sex aggression but with any dog if brought up correctly and socialised they can be fine I have said no purely to the fact they are extremely strong and i would have no chance at the moment with three dogs! Maybe it's a manly thing to crave a malamute haha... We'd be the ones getting dragged along by them though! Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormy Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Maybe it's a manly thing to crave a malamute haha... We'd be the ones getting dragged along by them though! Lol Yes exactly!!! This is why i have said no for now lol when i am in the position (somewhere with more land) i may consider it as i can take different ones out at different times lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJS Posted April 11, 2013 Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 Thanks for the insight on Mals, RJS! As I've said before, I think Suka's a SibexMal (chest is deeper than it should be, weight is heavier, though he may just have came from a BYB...), so I find it really interesting to learn more about Mals. And WOW - I really didn't know that about the retractible claws. Like, REALLY!? (Suka's sort of a peacekeeper too, but he really only does this with dogs, he hates conflict involving other dogs and will quickly run in to calm everybody down....though that may just be his dominance kicking in.) Must admit I was quite shocked when they first "appeared" whe we brought him home for the first time!!! It was like being scratched by a cat!!! I love Mals, they are big cuddly bears!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markquinton Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 I have a mally puppy called jazz who is 5 months old... A good few weeks ago.. now... I love her to bits but she is certainly hard work and extremely stubborn. She did tend to take items and food that she knew were precious and would guard them but this is getting much better with training. I was concerned when getting a mally about the same sex aggression but i have to say she shows no signs whatsoever and loves all dogs and people that we meet. The key to these dogs is training, training, training and be consistant. She loves my son who is 5 years old but like someone said her size sometimes makes it daunting for him when she runs at him etc. All in all I wouldn't change her for the world!! Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mydiamond Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 there's another point that I *think* hasn't been pointed out yet: blue eyes are counted as a fault in malamutes. So Mals are rarely blue-eyed. Instead, they have this beautiful dark brown eyes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 I am thinking that Kodiak is either all Malamute or Husky/Mal mix. For one, his build is much bigger that my other two, his muzzle is shorter and thicker, and his head is huge! Plus, his ears are more to the side and shorter, not as bat-like as Nikko's. And he is the biggest cuddler! A big teddy bear lol. I heard somewhere that Mals will not have blue eyes, if they do then it is a mix. Does anyone know if that is true, or just that brown eyes are more common? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mydiamond Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 I think there's no facial feature on Kodi that reminds me of a Mal... he might just be a huge husky btw I heard that it's not impossible for a Mal to have blue eyes. It's just that it's a fault so breeders breed out the blue eyes gene, which makes blue-eyed purebred mals very rare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 I wasn't sure, and it is not really possible for me to really know since he was a rescue and I don't have any papers for him. I knew about the retractable claws too, but I don't see that on Kodi. Whatever he is it doesn't matter because I love him just the same! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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