Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

36-43 kg

Height

61-66 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Alaskan Malamute

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

A strong and loving breed, the Alaskan Malamute, is known to be one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. Suited for large families and adventure, these Eskimo dogs make great companions.

Knowing everything there is to know about this magnificent breed will help you take care of them as well as figure out if they are the right dogs for you.

Follow this guide for everything there is to know about the Alaskan Malamute.

What is the history & origin of the Alaskan Malamute?

Originally bred to hunt seals, chase polar bears and pull heavy sleds, the Malamute comes from the North Eastern Seward Peninsula. It moved from Siberia to Alaska with the Mahlemuts tribe, perhaps the reason it is sometimes confused with the Siberian Husky.

In 1896, the Gold Rush brought a large number of dogs to Alaska. These dogs were interbred with other dog breeds; however, the Mahlemuts tribe were quite isolated, resulting in the Alaskan Malamute breed being better preserved.

The Alaskan Malamute Club of America was established in 1935, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially registered them that same year. Many of these registered dogs were used in World War II as sled dog breeds, resulting in a huge loss for the breed.

Many of the Alaskan Malamutes today can trace their ancestry back to the Kotzebues strain that was developed by Arthur T. Walden, who started breeding this strain in America in the 1930s.

What is an Alaskan Malamute Breed?

The Alaskan Malamute is a husky type breed often confused with Siberian Huskies. They are a large and in charge type of dog with the sweetest personalities.

Often used as sled dogs, they make the perfect companion dog for any household. They may look tough, but really they do not make the best guard dogs as they consider everyone to be their friend.

They are high energy dogs with great strength, and their wolf-like appearance most certainly makes them stand out.

Who is an Alaskan Malamute Best For?

The Malamute is not the ideal dog for first-time dog owners. They are physically tough and have high energy, with a lot of strength. They require proper training from an experienced dog owner.

They are not guard dogs despite their fierce appearance as they are the type to treat everyone as their friend.

They are best suited for large families and require a lot of outdoor space. They are pack animals and will fit in well with other dogs. If you are the adventurous type, this dog is for you! They are great at dog sports like conformation, obedience competitions, weight pulling, skijoring, backpacking and recreational sledding.

They are a perfect fit for people who live in cold and snowy regions as their extra-thick coats keep them warm.

Alaskan Malamute Grooming & Shedding

Alaskan Malamutes have a dense double coat. Their outer coat, also known as their guard coat, should not be soft or long. Their undercoat should be oily and woolly to reflect the cold.

They have erect ears and may have a curled up tail that they use to cover their noses from the cold.

Dogs who have a double coat shed year-round, so you are going to have to get used to having fur all-around your house and on your clothes. It is recommended to brush them three times a week.

They shed heavily twice a year which is their main shedding season. During this time, they lose large amounts of fur, and you should then use an undercoat rake to avoid any clumping.

It is advised to bathe them once or twice a year as they are generally odourless dogs. Brushing their teeth once or twice or twice a week to remove any buildup of tartar on the gums and teeth. Clip their nails once or twice a month too.

Check their ears, skin, mouth and nose regularly for any redness or swelling. You should take your Malamute to the vet regularly to be properly examined for any signs of illnesses or skin irritations.

Do Alaskan Malamutes bark a lot?

The Alaskan Malamute does not bark often, but this does not mean they are quiet. They are quite vocal, and their “wooing” and howling is a very common trait.

They love to interact verbally with anyone and will often break into a howl when they feel the urge to. If they are around other dogs of their breed, one dog’s howl will often cause a chain reaction for all of them to howl.

For them, barking can be a way to alert the people or dogs around them. They may also be more frequent barkers if they are raised by other breeds who bark. It really is dependent on what they were exposed to at a young age.

What is the average weight & height of an Alaskan Malamute dog?

A fully grown male Malamute will weigh between 36 kg to 43 kg with an average height of 61cm to 66cm.
A fully grown female Malamute will weigh between 32 kg to 38 kg with an average height of 56cm to 61cm.

Are Alaskan Malamutes easy to train?

This dog breed is known to be notoriously stubborn, which may be a challenge to any dog owner trying to train them. They are highly intelligent, which does count in their favour when being trained.

They require structure as this will make the training process more effective.
They are easily bored, so keeping the training process within their skill set will keep them interested. Making training a physical challenge is a sure way to keep them from getting bored.
If your Malamute is adopted into a household where there is a large family, it is best to get everyone involved in the training process. This will allow them to learn how to interact with people of all ages.
Teach them commands as these verbal cues will immediately keep them in check when being disciplined.
Give them praise and rewards as this will validate good behaviour and will, most importantly, create a positive learning environment for your dog.

How do Alaskan Malamutes behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Knowing the Alaskan Malamute temperament is important before bringing them into your life. You not only want to know what you are going to expect from them but also to know if they are the right dog for you.

This is what you can expect from an Alaskan Malamute:

Easy to train
Intelligent
Potential for being noisy
High levels of energy
Playful
Friendly

Does the Alaskan Malamute have any common health issues?

They are not prone to health problems, but like other animals, there are health conditions to look out for.

These are some of the health problems to look out for:

Hip dysplasia – This is when the thigh bone does not properly fit into the hip socket. It may lead to arthritis when they get older.
Cataracts – This is often developed at a young age, and if the dog does have it should not be used for breeding.
Chondrodysplasia – It is also known as dwarfism and is shown by abnormally-sized limbs.
Hypothyroidism – This can be displayed as a dry or coarse coat.

What is the lifespan of an Alaskan Malamute?

The Malamute’s life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

How much does an Alaskan Malamute need to be fed?

Large dog breeds are known to eat large amounts of food, and the Malamute is no different. They should eat 3 to 4 cups of high-quality food twice a day. Where puppies are required to be fed 4 small meals a day with a 4 to 5-hour intervals.

How much can you expect to pay for an Alaskan Malamute in Australia?

A domestic Malamute can cost, on average, $1000. Whereas Malamutes adopted for shows or breeding can cost on average $1500 to $1700.

Alaskan Malamute FAQs

Does an Alaskan Malamute require professional grooming?

They do not require professional grooming as owners are more than able to groom their dogs themselves.

It is, however, in the dog’s best interest to get them professionally groomed regularly to ensure that they stay well-maintained.

Is an Alaskan Malamute ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Malamute is not ideal for first-time dog owners. It is best to adopt a Malamute if you are experienced and know how to handle large dogs, as they do require discipline and training.

Do Alaskan Malamutes suffer from separation anxiety?

Malamutes are prone to separation anxiety as they are pack animals and thrive in environments where they are surrounded by people and other dogs.

They require constant mental and physical stimulation. Although they are independent dogs giving them attention before leaving them alone will eliminate this kind of stress.