Why don't people differentiate my Alaskan Malamute from Husky breed?

Not many people know about them. I myself know the difference. Probably only because I grew up in AK. lol

Not everyone is as sophisticated as you are. Why is it so painful to educate them?

I wouldn’t know the difference between those two dogs hahaha, sorry :[ I’m no dog expert. I mean, maybe I would if I would compare and contrast photos, but not off the top of my head

Don’t take it personally. The average person knows very few dog breeds and isn’t paying a whole lot of attention to your dog’s undercoat or eye color anyway. The differences in the breeds are fairly subtle. Use it as an opportunity to educate them if you really care so much.

Is it a small malamute? Because the ones I’ve seen are huge! There’s no way you can confuse them with a husky! Maybe a giant husky. Lol!

Huskies are normally the bigger dog i believe, or atleast thats what ive noticed. Malamutes are generally quieter as well and have a very curly tail.

Malamute <> Husky

very nice my friend

Give the average Joe a break. Not everyone has done their research on the breed, nor should it be a requirement.
If someone says “nice Husky” just be gracious and say thanks. No need to nitpick.

i get mad when people call my all back german shepherd a lab…. (yes i know its a little different a case, but the point is all the same)

@Axemusica: Thanks for the link!
@seven: I didn’t know the difference until today, and those dogs still look pretty much the same to me. Kind of like how you might mistake a viola for a violin.

Probably because the distinction is not revelant to most of us.

They both share common ancestry way back and both are used as sled dogs.

It’s not as if folks are confusing a Daschund and a German Shepherd. The two breeds have distinct differences in tail shapes, eye color, etc. but they are far more alike than all that different.

I can’t understand why it’s so upsetting as Huskies as well as Malamutes have a great history and reputation for courage and loyalty.

Just look at it as an opportunit to educate folks a little and make new friends. Who knows, it may even enable you to start up a conversation with someone you would like to ask out on a date.

I don’t see the downside here.

It frequently happens to me as well, I have an akita. I always laugh and tell them not to let the dog hear them say that, he would be highly insulted and might bite!

@rooeytoo People can mistake an akita for a husky?! Dang…

Life must be pretty good if something like that gets you annoyed. The people are being nice. They might even be a little scared – I mean look at the muscles on that thing.
It’s a chance for you to say “Thanks! Why yes, he is well trained. Actually he is a Malamute. I can understand your confusion.”
I’m sure they are not trying to insult you or your dog. They just never heard of Malomars or Marmadukes or…... What was it called again?.... :-)

@Saturated_Brain I think their basic shape (big, furry) is similar enough to get them confused.

Akita
Husky

An Alaskan Malamute comes from the wolf pack so therefore it is the same breed as a huski.

and then my wolf pack grew by one, so.. there were two in the wolf pack. At first it was only me, and i was alone, now there was doug, so there were two.

I have a husky and i JUST found out the difference between the two breeds but thas ONLY because i have a husky. The average person just wouldnt know that. relax it’s not an insult. I now know Malamutes don’t have light eyes and are much larger also their ears tend to be set farther apart atop their heads than do huskies. However if i had seen you walking your malamute two years ago , I too would have said nice husky!!!

I can’t help asking… why do you care? Certainly your dog doesn’t.

In shape, the Paleolithic dogs most resemble the Siberian husky, but in size, however, they were somewhat larger, probably comparable to large shepherd dogs,” stated Germonpré, a paleontologist at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. This description of recently-found dog remains (30,000 years old) fits the Alaskan Malamute very closely. Though not scientifically confirmed, the Alaskan Malamute may be the closest living relative to the “First Dog”. Undoubtedly, Siberians were bred down from Malamute ancestors.

There are 3 types of Malamutes, M’loot, the traditional Kotzebue and the combined Hinman strain.

Mals NEVER have blue eyes…....and I’ve never seen a Siberian as big as my Mal, either. (His lines are from Hudson Kennels Tennessee)