Alaskan Malamute

also known as Mal, Mally

Pros History


The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful breed of dog that is believed to have originated in Alaska. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of the Inuit people, the indigenous people of Alaska.

The origins of the Alaskan Malamute can be traced back to ancient times, where it was used by the Inuit people as a sled dog for transportation and hunting. The breed was developed to be able to withstand the harsh and freezing climates of Alaska, with its thick and warm coat, and also to be able to pull heavy loads over long distances. The breed's name "Malamute" is derived from the native people of Alaska, the Mahlemuts, who lived along Norton Sound in Northwest Alaska.

The Alaskan Malamute was a popular breed in Alaska during the 19th century, and it was often used for transportation and hunting. The breed was brought to the lower 48 states by gold miners during the gold rush of the late 19th century, where it was used for sledding and racing.

The Alaskan Malamute was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935, it was also recognized by other kennel clubs around the world such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1898 and The Kennel Club (UK) in 1935.

Breed Information


Type

Is Alaskan Malamute a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Alaskan Malamutes originally used for?

Heavy Sled Pulling, Large Game Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Alaskan Malamutes Live? What is average life expectancy for an Alaskan Malamute? How long can Alaskan Malamutes live?

12-15 years

The average Alaskan Malamute lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Alaskan Malamute Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Alaskan Malamute?

What is the average height of an Alaskan Malamute? How big is an Purebred Alaskan Malamute height? Alaskan Malamute dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-28 inches (63.5 - 71.1 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
Female 23-26 inches (58.4 - 66 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
What is the average weight of an Alaskan Malamute? How much should Alaskan Malamutes weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 80-100 pounds (36 - 45 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 87.5 pounds (40 kg)
Female 65-85 pounds (29 - 39 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Alaskan Malamutes get fat easily?

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Alaskan Malamutes Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Alaskan Malamute is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Alaskan Malamute personality? What are Alaskan Malamute dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Dignified
Loyal
Devoted
Friendly
Playful

Shedding Level

Are Alaskan Malamutes heavy shedders? How Much Does an Alaskan Malamute Shed?

Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Alaskan Malamute.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Alaskan Malamute dog?

The Alaskan Malamute dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Alaskan Malamutes come from?

Alaska

Ancestry

What are Alaskan Malamutes descended from?

Spitz

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Alaskan Malamute breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Alaskan Malamutes first bred? How old is the Alaskan Malamute breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Alaskan Malamute?

Working (AKC:1935)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Alaskan Malamute Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Alaskan Malamute eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Alaskan Malamute nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Alaskan Malamute coat be naturally?

White
Sable
Silver
Blue
Red
Brown
Gray
Black

Coat Length

How long is an Alaskan Malamutes coat?

The coat of an Alaskan Malamute dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Alaskan Malamute Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Alaskan Malamute?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Alaskan Malamute have in a litter? How many puppies can an Alaskan Malamute have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An Alaskan Malamute can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Alaskan Malamute dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Alaskan Malamute Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Alaskan Malamutes have a lot of health problems?

The Alaskan Malamute is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Alaskan Malamute?

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Chondrodysplasia (Chd)

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Alaskan Malamutes?

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Skin Problems
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Alaskan Malamute breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood
Chd Clear Rating

Alaskan Malamute Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Alaskan Malamutes have a lot of energy?

Alaskan Malamutes are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Alaskan Malamutes need socialization? How social are Alaskan Malamutes?

Alaskan Malamute have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Alaskan Malamutes get?

The Alaskan Malamute dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Alaskan Malamute have? Do Alaskan Malamutes sleep a lot?

Alaskan Malamutes are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Alaskan Malamute drool a lot?

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Alaskan Malamute dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Alaskan Malamutes exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Alaskan Malamutes mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Alaskan Malamute running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Alaskan Malamute dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Alaskan Malamutes enjoy doing? How do I keep my Alaskan Malamute busy?

Jogging, Trotting, Sniffing, Exploring, Tug-of-war, Walking, Walk, Running, Run, Fetch, Runing, Doing tricks, Play, Snow, Hiking, Walks, Howling, Chasing things, Socialization, Bikejoring, Rollerjoring, Dog Parks, Hikes, Eating Snacks, Winter walks, Sleep, Hike, Tracking, High Five, Herding

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Alaskan Malamute? How much energy does an Alaskan Malamute have?

High

Alaskan Malamutes are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Alaskan Malamute walk each week? How many miles should an Alaskan Malamute walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Alaskan Malamute, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Alaskan Malamute should exercise a day? How much activity does an Alaskan Malamute need?

90 minutes

In general most Alaskan Malamutes usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Alaskan Malamute?

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Alaskan Malamute?

Weekly

Alaskan Malamute should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Alaskan Malamutes?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Alaskan Malamute eat?

3 cups

For an average 80-100 pound (36 - 45 kg) Alaskan Malamute feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Alaskan Malamute Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Alaskan Malamute is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Alaskan Malamute Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Alaskan Malamute is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Alaskan Malamute Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Alaskan Malamute?

Alaskan Malamutes has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Alaskan Malamute is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Alaskan Malamute dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Alaskan Malamute dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Alaskan Malamute do well in apartments? Are Alaskan Malamutes good indoor dogs?

The Alaskan Malamute is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Alaskan Malamutes good with kids? Are Alaskan Malamutes good around children?

Alaskan Malamutes are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Alaskan Malamutes good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Alaskan Malamutes good with cats? How friendly Alaskan Malamutes are toward cats?

Alaskan Malamutes are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do Alaskan Malamute dogs get along with other dogs? Are Alaskan Malamutes OK with other dogs?

Alaskan Malamutes are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Alaskan Malamute dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Alaskan Malamutes friendly with strangers?

Alaskan Malamutes are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Alaskan Malamutes like to play? Are Alaskan Malamutes playful?

The Alaskan Malamute is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Alaskan Malamute is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Alaskan Malamute easily trained?

Alaskan Malamute dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lack of odor
    The Alaskan Malamute has a minimal risk of having bad smell.
  • Strong and powerful
    Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong dogs that were originally bred to pull sleds.
  • Good with children
    Alaskan Malamutes are typically good with children and make good family pets.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't bark, this one could be a good choice as they're known for being quiet.
  • Good watchdogs
    Alaskan Malamutes are known for being good watchdogs and will protect their family if necessary.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Alaskan Malamute.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Alaskan Malamute tend not to do well in small apartment spaces.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Alaskan Malamutes may cause allergic reactions.
  • High energy
    Alaskan Malamutes have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Alaskan Malamute dogs do not get along well with cats.
  • Grooming
    Alaskan Malamutes have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain their appearance.