Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute: cost, health and care compared
The Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Siberian Husky | Alaskan Malamute | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Working Group [2] | Working Group [3] |
| Weight | 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female) [2] | 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female) [2] | 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [2] | 10–14+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 30 [4] | No. 81 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Cancer, Weight gain and obesity See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Hypothyroidism… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$19,000 | $8,800–$21,200 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Siberian Husky health problems and costs and Alaskan Malamute health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute?
Expect to spend a bit more each year on the Alaskan Malamute ($880–$1,500 vs $880–$1,400), mostly because bigger dogs have bigger vet bills.
Which lives longer, the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute?
The AKC gives the Siberian Husky a life expectancy of 12–14+ years and the Alaskan Malamute 10–14+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute have?
Siberian Husky: Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Cancer and Weight gain and obesity. Alaskan Malamute: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Inherited eye disease and Hypothyroidism.
Which is better with kids, the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute?
The AKC rates the Siberian Husky 5 of 5 and the Alaskan Malamute 3 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.