The Siberian Husky (Russian: Сибирский хаски, tr. Sibirskiy khaski) is a medium-sized working dog breed. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings, and is smaller than a very similar-looking dog, the Alaskan Malamute. Show-quality dogs are preferred to have neither pointed nor square noses. The nose is black in gray dogs, tan in black dogs, liver in copper-colored dogs, and may be light tan in white dogs. In some instances, Siberian Huskies can exhibit what is called 'snow nose' or 'winter nose.' This condition is called hypopigmentation in animals. 'Snow nose' is acceptable in the show ring.