Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky Mix
the Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix — size, temperament, coat types, health risks, cost, and whether this Arctic crossbreed fits your lifestyle.
What Two Breeds Make Up This Arctic Designer Mix?
The Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix — sometimes called an Alusky or Alaskan Husky — is a deliberate cross between two of the most iconic cold-weather working breeds in North America. Both parents belong to the spitz family and share wolf-like appearances, but they were built for fundamentally different jobs. Understanding each parent breed is the only reliable way to anticipate what you might get in a mixed puppy.
| Trait | Alaskan Malamute (AKC Working Group) | Siberian Husky (AKC Working Group) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Range | 75–100 lb / 34–45 kg (males); 65–85 lb / 29–39 kg (females) | 45–60 lb / 20–27 kg (males); 35–50 lb / 16–23 kg (females) |
| Height at Shoulder | 23–25 in / 58–64 cm | 20–23.5 in / 51–60 cm |
| Original Purpose | Heavy freight hauling — pulling large loads slowly over long distances | Light-load sled racing — pulling moderate loads at speed |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, dignified, somewhat independent | Outgoing, mischievous, highly social, pack-oriented |
| Coat | Dense double coat, coarse guard hairs up to 2 in long | Medium-length double coat, smoother guard hairs |
| Exercise Need | 60–90 min/day | 60–120 min/day |
| Vocalization | Talkative — howls, "talks," rarely barks | Extremely vocal — howls, screams, "talks" constantly |
| Prey Drive | Moderate to high | Very high |
| AKC Recognition | Recognized since 1935 | Recognized since 1930 |
The Alaskan Malamute is the larger, stockier of the two — a powerhouse bred by the Mahlemut Inuit people of Alaska's Kotzebue Sound region to haul heavy sledges through extreme Arctic conditions. They are built like weightlifters: broad-chested, heavy-boned, with a commanding presence.
The Siberian Husky, by contrast, is a lean endurance athlete. Originating from the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia, they were designed for speed over distance. The famous 1925 Serum Run to Nome — where sled dogs including Balto and Togo delivered diphtheria antitoxin across 674 miles of Alaskan wilderness — cemented the Husky's reputation in American culture.
When you cross these two, you get a dog that can inherit any combination of freight-hauling power and racing-bred endurance. The result is never a carbon copy of either parent.
How Big Will an Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky Mix Get?
Size is one of the more predictable traits in this cross because both parents are large working breeds — but there is still meaningful variation depending on which parent's genes dominate and the sex of the individual dog.
| Category | Weight | Height at Shoulder |
| Small Female (Husky-dominant) | 45–60 lb / 20–27 kg | 20–22 in / 51–56 cm |
| Average Female | 55–75 lb / 25–34 kg | 21–24 in / 53–61 cm |
| Average Male | 65–90 lb / 29–41 kg | 22–25 in / 56–64 cm |
| Large Male (Malamute-dominant) | 80–100+ lb / 36–45+ kg | 24–26 in / 61–66 cm |
Most Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mixes land in the 60–85 lb / 27–39 kg range as adults. Males skew toward the Malamute end of the spectrum, while females tend to stay closer to Husky sizing. Growth typically slows significantly after 12 months, but these dogs may not reach their full skeletal frame until 18–24 months, especially the larger, Malamute-leaning individuals.
If you are adopting a puppy and want to estimate adult size, look at the parents. A responsible breeder should provide the exact weight and height of both sire and dam. As a rough guideline: average the parents' weights, then expect the puppy to land within ±15% of that midpoint.
Understanding Generations: F1, F2, and Backcross Puppies
Generation terminology matters for this mix because it directly affects trait predictability. Here is how the common generation labels apply:
- F1 (First Generation): One purebred Alaskan Malamute parent × one purebred Siberian Husky parent. These puppies have the widest trait variation — you might get a 50-lb dog or an 85-lb dog from the same litter. Coat texture, color, and temperament are least predictable at this generation.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Alusky parents bred together. Trait variation remains wide. Some puppies may strongly favor one grandparent breed over the other. This is the least common generation because most breeders do not maintain dedicated Alusky breeding lines.
- F1B (Backcross): An F1 Alusky bred back to one of the pure parent breeds — either a Malamute or a Husky. This narrows the trait range. An F1B backcrossed to a Malamute will be larger and stockier; an F1B backcrossed to a Husky will be leaner and more agile.
- Multigen: Multiple generations of Alusky-to-Alusky breeding. This is extremely rare for this particular mix. Unlike Goldendoodles or Labradoodles, there is no established multigenerational breeding program for Malamute-Husky crosses. Most puppies you encounter will be F1.
Because there is no breed club or registry maintaining Alusky breeding standards, nearly all Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mixes available are F1 crosses. This means you should expect significant puppy-to-puppy variation even within a single litter. One puppy may inherit the Malamute's broad head and calm demeanor, while a littermate may have the Husky's narrow build and high-strung energy.
Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming Requirements
Both parent breeds carry double coats — a dense, woolly undercoat beneath a longer layer of guard hairs. Your Alusky will almost certainly inherit a double coat, but the specifics vary.
| Coat Characteristic | Malamute-Influenced | Husky-Influenced | Blended (Most Common) |
| Guard Hair Length | 1.5–2+ inches, coarse texture | 1–1.5 inches, smoother texture | 1–2 inches, medium coarseness |
| Undercoat Density | Extremely dense, almost felted | Dense but softer | Dense, plush |
| Color Range | Gray, black, sable, red; often with face mask | Black, gray, red, sable, white, agouti, piebald | Any combination of both parents' colors |
| Eye Color | Brown only (per AKC standard) | Blue, brown, amber, or parti-colored (one of each) | Brown or blue; heterochromia possible |
| Shedding Level | Heavy — "blows" coat 1–2× yearly | Heavy — blows coat 1–2× yearly | Heavy year-round with seasonal blowouts |
Is the Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix hypoallergenic? No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic, and this cross is a prolific shedder. During seasonal coat blows — typically in spring and fall — you can expect tufts of undercoat to release in large quantities. Daily brushing during these 2–4 week periods is not optional; it is a necessity to prevent painful matting against the skin.
Grooming schedule for this mix:
- Regular weeks: Brush 3–4 times per week using an undercoat rake (such as the FURminator deShedding tool or a Chris Christensen large slicker brush) followed by a wide-tooth comb
- Coat blow periods: Daily brushing for 15–20 minutes; use a high-velocity dryer (like the B-Air dog dryer, ~$120–$180) to blast out loose undercoat — this is the single most effective grooming tool for double-coated breeds
- Bathing: Every 8–12 weeks unless visibly dirty. Over-bathing strips natural oils from the undercoat and can cause dry skin. Use a dog-specific oatmeal or deshedding shampoo
- Never shave a double-coated dog: Shaving disrupts the coat's thermal regulation. The undercoat insulates against both cold and heat. A shaved double coat may grow back patchy, softer, and less weather-resistant — a condition sometimes called post-clipping alopecia
Nails should be trimmed every 3–4 weeks. Teeth should be brushed 3+ times weekly using a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste (such as Virbac CET). Ears should be checked weekly for debris and signs of infection, especially in dogs with the Husky's erect, fur-lined ear shape.
Temperament Range: What to Expect (and What to Prepare For)
Temperament is where the Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix shows its widest variability. Both parent breeds are intelligent, independent, and stubborn — but they express these traits differently.
Best-case temperament scenario: Your mix inherits the Malamute's calm loyalty and the Husky's social friendliness. The result is a dog that is affectionate with family, polite with strangers, playful without being hyperactive, and responsive to training when motivated. This dog thrives in an active household where it gets structured exercise and mental enrichment daily.
Challenging temperament scenario: Your mix inherits the Malamute's dominance tendencies combined with the Husky's prey drive and escape artistry. This dog may pull relentlessly on leash, chase cats and small dogs, dig under fences, howl for hours when left alone, and show selective hearing during recall training. Without sufficient exercise (minimum 90 minutes of vigorous activity daily), this dog will find its own entertainment — usually by destroying furniture, escaping the yard, or developing nuisance behaviors.
Key temperament traits to prepare for regardless of where your individual dog falls on the spectrum:
- High prey drive: Both breeds were developed in environments where chasing small animals was survival. Expect your mix to chase squirrels, rabbits, cats, and possibly small dogs. A secure 6-foot fence (with the bottom secured against digging) is mandatory — invisible/electric fences are ineffective for these breeds, as their pain tolerance and drive override the shock
- Pack mentality: These dogs want to be with their people. They do poorly as outdoor-only dogs or in homes where they are isolated for 10+ hours daily. Separation anxiety is common in under-stimulated individuals
- Stubborn independence: Both breeds were bred to make decisions independently while pulling sleds. This translates to a dog that asks "why should I do that?" rather than obeying blindly. Positive reinforcement training — using high-value treats, play rewards, and clicker methods — is the only approach that works long-term. Aversive methods (shock collars, prong collars, alpha rolls) damage trust and increase reactivity in spitz breeds
- Vocalization: Expect howling, "talking" (woo-woo vocalizations), and occasional screaming. This is not a quiet breed mix. If you live in an apartment with noise restrictions or close neighbors, this is a serious consideration
- Cold tolerance / heat sensitivity: Built for Arctic conditions, this mix is happiest in cool-to-cold climates. In temperatures above 75°F / 24°C, exercise must be limited to early morning and evening, and access to shade, water, and air conditioning is non-negotiable. Heatstroke is a real risk for double-coated Arctic breeds in warm climates
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
One of the most persistent myths in the designer dog world is that mixed breeds are automatically healthier than purebreds due to "hybrid vigor." The reality is more nuanced.
Hybrid vigor (heterosis) refers to the reduced likelihood of expressing recessive genetic disorders when two unrelated gene pools combine. This is real — but it only applies to conditions caused by recessive genes that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool. It does not protect against conditions that both parent breeds share.
Because the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are genetically related spitz breeds, they share several health vulnerabilities. Your mix can inherit any of the following:
| Condition | Prevalence | Description | Screening Method |
| Hip Dysplasia | Common in both breeds; estimated 10–15% of Malamutes and 5–10% of Huskies affected | Malformation of the hip joint causing pain, lameness, and eventual arthritis | OFA or PennHIP radiographic evaluation of parents |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Less common but present in Malamutes | Abnormal elbow joint development leading to front-leg lameness | OFA elbow radiographs |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Present in both breeds; Malamutes carry a specific form (CDPA — cone degeneration) | Gradual retinal deterioration leading to blindness | Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) exam; DNA test for prcd-PRA |
| Cataracts | Hereditary cataracts well-documented in Huskies; also occur in Malamutes | Clouding of the eye lens; can impair vision at any age | Annual CERF ophthalmologic exam |
| Hypothyroidism | Both breeds predisposed | Underactive thyroid gland causing weight gain, lethargy, coat thinning, skin issues | Full thyroid panel (T4, free T4, TSH, T3 autoantibodies) |
| Chondrodysplasia (Dwarfism) | Documented in Malamutes; carriers may appear normal | Shortened forelimbs; genetic carrier status can be passed silently | DNA test available through University of Pennsylvania (PennGen) |
| Polyneuropathy | Identified in Malamutes | Degenerative nerve disorder causing weakness, exercise intolerance, and gait abnormalities | DNA test available; neurological exam |
| Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis | Both Arctic breeds predisposed | Inability to absorb adequate zinc from diet, causing crusting, scaling, and hair loss around face and pressure points | Veterinary dermatology evaluation; skin biopsy; dietary zinc assessment |
What this means practically: A responsible breeder should provide health clearances for both parent dogs — at minimum, OFA hip evaluations and CERF eye exams. If a breeder cannot or will not provide these, walk away. The cost of treating hip dysplasia alone can reach $3,500–$7,000 per hip for total hip replacement surgery, according to data referenced by the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Always consult your veterinarian about breed-appropriate screening for your individual dog, especially as they age. Annual wellness exams should include thyroid monitoring starting at age 4–5, and baseline eye exams are recommended at 1 year of age and repeated annually.
Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price, First-Year Expenses, and Ongoing Budget
The Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix is not as widely bred as popular doodle mixes, which affects both pricing and availability.
| Expense Category | Low End | Mid Range | High End |
| Puppy Purchase (from breeder) | $600 | $1,200–$2,000 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Rescue/Adoption Fee | $150 | $300–$450 | $500 |
| Initial Vet Visit + Vaccines (puppy series) | $200 | $400–$600 | $800 |
| Spay/Neuter | $250 | $400–$600 | $900 |
| Microchip | $25 | $45–$50 | $60 |
| Crate (XL, 42–48 inch) | $60 | $100–$150 | $250 |
| High-Quality Kibble (annual, large breed) | $480 | $720–$960 | $1,200+ |
| Grooming Supplies (brushes, dryer, shampoo) | $80 | $150–$250 | $400 |
| Pet Insurance (annual premium) | $480 | $720–$960 | $1,440 |
| Training Classes (group obedience) | $150 | $300–$500 | $800+ |
Estimated first-year total: $2,400–$5,000+ depending on whether you purchase from a breeder or adopt, and your choices for food, insurance, and training.
Ongoing annual cost after year one: $1,800–$3,500 for food, insurance, routine veterinary care, grooming supplies, and preventive medications (heartworm, flea/tick).
Breeder vs. rescue availability: Dedicated Alusky breeders are uncommon. Most litters result from intentional pairings by small-scale hobby breeders or accidental breedings. Check breed-specific rescues — Siberian Husky Rescue organizations and Alaskan Malamute Assistance League (AMAL) regularly take in mixes. Because these breeds are challenging for first-time owners, surrender rates are meaningful. You may find an adolescent or adult Alusky through rescue for $200–$450, which typically includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip.
Who Is This Mix Best Suited For?
The Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix is not a beginner-friendly dog. Both parent breeds consistently rank among the most challenging breeds for first-time owners due to their independence, exercise demands, prey drive, and vocalization.
This mix is best suited for:
- Experienced dog owners who have previously managed strong-willed, high-energy breeds
- Active individuals or families who can commit to 60–120 minutes of structured daily exercise (hiking, running, bikejoring, sledding/carting, agility)
- Homes with secure, 6-foot fenced yards in cooler climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 3–7 are ideal; Zones 8+ require serious heat management)
- Households without cats, rabbits, or small dogs — unless the puppy is raised with them from a very young age and prey drive is carefully managed
- People who work from home or can arrange mid-day exercise and companionship; these dogs do not tolerate 8–10 hour isolation well
- Families with older children (8+) who understand how to interact respectfully with a large, powerful dog
This mix is poorly suited for:
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers (noise complaints are likely; space is limited for a 60–90 lb active dog)
- Warm-climate homes without air conditioning
- Households seeking an off-leash reliable dog — recall in the presence of prey is unreliable for most individuals of this cross
- Anyone expecting a low-maintenance, low-shedding companion
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix?
This mix is a cross between a purebred Alaskan Malamute and a purebred Siberian Husky. Both are AKC-recognized working breeds from the spitz family, originally developed for sled pulling in Arctic environments. The Malamute is the larger, heavier freight-hauling breed; the Husky is the leaner, faster endurance racer.
How big will my Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix get?
Most adults weigh between 60–85 lb (27–39 kg) and stand 21–25 inches (53–64 cm) at the shoulder. Males trend larger, and individuals leaning toward the Malamute parent can exceed 90 lb (41 kg). Full physical maturity is typically reached between 18–24 months.
What will the temperament be like?
Expect an intelligent, independent, vocal, and high-energy dog. Temperament ranges from the Malamute's calmer loyalty to the Husky's more exuberant mischief. Early socialization (between 8–16 weeks) and consistent positive reinforcement training are critical. Both parent breeds are prone to stubbornness and high prey drive, so patience and realistic expectations are essential.
Is the Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. This mix inherits a double coat from both parent breeds and sheds heavily year-round, with intense seasonal "blows" in spring and fall. This is not a suitable breed mix for people with dog allergies or those unwilling to manage significant fur in the home.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
Shared breed vulnerabilities include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hereditary cataracts, hypothyroidism, and zinc-responsive dermatosis. Request health clearances (OFA hips, CERF eyes) for both parent dogs from any breeder. Annual veterinary wellness exams are important for early detection.
How much does an Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky mix cost?
Puppy prices from breeders typically range from $600 to $3,500 depending on breeder reputation, health testing, and location. Rescue adoption fees are generally $150–$500. Budget an additional $2,000–$4,000 for first-year expenses including veterinary care, supplies, food, and training.
Can this mix live in warm climates?
It is possible but requires significant management. Double-coated Arctic breeds are at elevated risk of heatstroke in temperatures above 75°F (24°C). Air conditioning, limited outdoor activity during peak heat, cooling mats, and constant access to fresh water are mandatory. Never shave the coat — the undercoat provides insulation against heat as well as cold. Consult your veterinarian about heat safety protocols for your specific dog.
Are Alusky dogs good with children?
Generally yes, with supervision. Both parent breeds are typically gentle and tolerant with children they are raised alongside. However, their large size (60–90+ lb) means they can accidentally knock over toddlers during play. Always supervise interactions between any dog and children under 10, and teach children to respect the dog's resting and eating spaces to prevent resource guarding incidents.
Disclaimer: This article provides general breed information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health decisions specific to your dog. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Robin Maitland
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
