The Alaskan Malamute is a beautiful, wolf-like dog that is loyal, intelligent, and full of personality! But, if you’re thinking of bringing this breed into your home, you should know that they also come with some serious financial commitments. From the initial cost of purchasing or adopting an Alaskan Malamute to the ongoing expenses, this guide will explain everything you need to know so you’re able to make an informed decision before deciding this is the right dog for you and your family.
The cost of an Alaskan Malamute in Australia will vary, depending on where you get them. For example, if you’re buying from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000 per puppy, especially if they are from show-winning bloodlines. You also have the option of adopting an Alaskan Malamute, and this comes with a much lower price tag of around $400 – $800.
Regardless of which route you choose to take, one very important thing to look out for is listings for Alaskan Malamute puppies at prices that seem too good to be true. In most cases, these puppies will be from unregistered breeders who often don’t follow ethical breeding practices, which can lead to genetic health problems and behaviour issues. Not to mention, you might be unknowingly supporting puppy farming, where dogs are used for breeding with very little regard for their welfare.
With this in mind, make sure you only ever buy an Alaskan Malamute (or any other breed) through a registered breeder or through an official adoption shelter.
If you’re purchasing an Alaskan Malamute from a registered breeder in Australia, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on factors like bloodline, health screenings, and the breeder’s reputation. We’ll look at these in more detail further down, but to give you a quick example, registered breeders selling Alaskan Malamute puppies from champion bloodlines who have been through several health screenings will be priced more towards the $5,000 mark.
Adopting an Alaskan Malamute from a shelter or breed-specific rescue organisation like Arctic Rescue Victoria is a much cheaper way of bringing this loving breed into your home, averaging between $400 – $800. This price usually covers the costs of vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing, and you get the opportunity to give a dog in need a second home while saving money. It’s a win-win situation!
As you can see from the above, the price of an Alaskan Malamute isn’t something set in stone, and it will vary based on several factors. To make things a little clearer, here’s a breakdown of the things that influence the cost:
A registered breeder producing puppies with champion bloodlines or from a strong working dog background will price their Alaskan Malamute puppies higher than those who breed dogs specifically as family pets. This is because the dog will have a higher chance of inheriting the characteristics outlined in the Australian Kennel Club’s breed standards, which are considered the most desirable, pushing the price up.
Registered breeders will also conduct extensive health testing to screen for common genetic issues like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and other problems Alaskan Malamutes are predisposed to. This testing increases the breeder’s costs, which are reflected in the puppy’s price, but paying more upfront for a well-bred, healthy puppy could potentially save you thousands in vet bills later.
Some coat colours and markings are rarer than others, and this is another thing that will influence the price. For example, black and white Alaskan Malamutes are the most common, so will be usually be priced lower than rarer colours like red and white or pure white. Breed standards come into play again here, too, and Alaskan Malamute puppies that follow these will cost more than those deemed “undesirable“.
It’s not just the purchase price of the dog you need to think about. Alaskan Malamutes also need some essential items to live a happy and comfortable life, including:
Dog crate: $100 – $300 for a large, strong crate that can be used for training and as a safe space for your Alaskan Malamute to retreat to.
Dog bed: $80 – $200 for a durable, chew-resistant bed with added support that takes pressure off their joints.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $80 for a tough lead and collar or harness that can handle the pull force from a strong breed.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for a high-quality, non-slip bowl made from stainless steel or ceramic that won’t harbour bacteria. A slow-feeder bowl is also a good option, as Alaskan Malamutes can suffer from bloat.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a canine-specific toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste.
Dog car harness: $40 – $80 for a safety-approved and crash-tested car restraint.
Puppy treats: $10 – $40 per month for natural treats that can be used for training, reinforcing good behaviour, and downtime.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for either disposal or washable training pads to prevent accidents during early house training.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 – $60 for products that will clean an Alaskan Malamute’s thick fur while protecting their sensitive skin.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $40 – $100 for a set of strong brushes that will make keeping their coat looking good much easier.
Those are the purchase prices and the cost of essentials covered. But what about the ongoing costs of keeping your Alaskan Malamute healthy and happy? Below, we’ve broken down everything you’ll need to budget for throughout the year.
Alaskan Malamutes are big dogs with big appetites! A healthy adult should weigh around 40-45kg, and this means they need between 500g – 1kg of food every day. With this in mind, you’re monthly spend on dog food could be anywhere between $120 and $600, based on these diet types:
Keep in mind the actual amount you’ll spend will depend on your dog’s specific dietary needs, their age, activity, level, and the brand or quality of food your choose. We recommend consulting your vet for guidance on the best diet for your Alaskan Malamute.
Just like many other large breeds, Alaskan Malamutes can suffer from certain health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, and hypothyroidism. This means regular visits to the vet are needed, which can add to your ongoing care costs in the following ways:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a full health assessment, weight check, and general wellness advice.
Vaccinations: $100 – $250 per year for core C5 and additional vaccines to protect against common diseases like parvovirus.
Worming and parasite treatment: $120 – $300 per year for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years for a full cleaning under anaesthesia and, if needed, extractions.
Pet insurance: $600 – $1,500 per year, depending on coverage level and your dog’s age and medical history.
Alaskan Malamutes have thick, double-layered coats that need regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best. Some of this can be done at home, but you’ll also need to take your dog for professional grooming to deal with deshedding and overall hygiene, and the price of these visits will vary across services:
One of the best things about Alaskan Malamutes is how intelligent they are. But without proper training, this intelligence can be misplaced into stubbornness and bad behaviour, so investing in training classes is an absolute must. Naturally, this will cost, and here’s what you can expect to pay:
If there’s one thing to keep in mind before bringing an Alaskan Malamute into your home, it’s that owning one isn’t cheap! Between the purchase costs, essentials, and ongoing care, the total yearly expenses will soon add up, so you’ll need to be confident you’re financially capable of meeting their needs. If you are prepared for the costs and the responsibility, you’ll have a loyal, loving companion for years to come!
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