A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a strong Arctic working dog with a substantial double coat and a history of hauling heavy loads. Take the exercise and brushing workload seriously; the plush coat is practical equipment for a working breed.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Alaskan Malamute questions
Do Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot?
Yes, plan for hair. The Malamute has a thick double coat with a woolly undercoat, so brush daily, adding an undercoat rake during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. A bath and thorough dry every six to eight weeks helps keep shedding down.
How big does a full-grown Alaskan Malamute get?
Males usually stand 25 inches tall and weigh 85 pounds, and females stand 23 inches and weigh 75 pounds. These are the desirable freighting sizes, and there is a natural range in the breed.
How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?
Alaskan Malamutes typically live 10 to 14 years, with an average of about ten years. Both are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
What is the difference between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky?
Mostly size and purpose. Malamutes are freighters bred to haul heavy loads slowly over long distances, and Huskies are lighter dogs that pull smaller loads faster. The Siberian Husky weighs no more than 60 pounds, well under the Malamute. Eye color is another clue, since Huskies can have blue eyes while blue eyes are a disqualifying fault in the Malamute.
Do Alaskan Malamutes bark or howl a lot?
They tend to talk more than bark. Malamutes typically do not bark much, but they are vocal, will howl, and are often set off by sirens. A lonely or bored Malamute is more likely to howl.
Are Alaskan Malamutes good with kids?
A well-trained Malamute usually is. A well-behaved Malamute is playful, gentle and friendly, and the breed is affectionate rather than a one-person dog. Socialization and obedience training are needed so a dog this strong does not become pushy with children or other pets.
How much exercise does an Alaskan Malamute need?
Daily exercise, and real work if you can offer it. A romp in a well-fenced yard can be enough, but Malamutes also enjoy hiking, running, swimming, backpacking, weight pulling and sledding. Most love to dig, so yard fencing should continue into the ground.
Are Alaskan Malamutes easy to train?
They are smart, and they have opinions. Malamutes are highly intelligent but independent and willful, often to the point of stubbornness, so start firm, loving training in early puppyhood. They also make poor guard dogs because they tend to be friendly with everyone they meet.
