Alaskan Malamute

Also known as: Mahlemiut Dog

Size Category:Large
Height:25 inches23 inches
Weight:85 pounds75 pounds
Life Span:10-14 years

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • Alaskan Malamute grooming requires daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb to check for mats and hot spots
  • add an undercoat rake twice yearly during shedding season
  • bathe show Malamutes weekly, pets every 6-8 weeks
  • use conditioner sparingly if coat feels dry
  • trim nails regularly as with all breeds

Colors & Markings

Colors

Gray & WhiteBlack & WhiteRed & WhiteSeal & WhiteSilver & WhiteWhiteSable & WhiteBlue & WhiteAgouti & White

Markings

Black MaskGray Mask

Health Information

Ethical Alaskan Malamute breeders prioritize health testing for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thrombopathia, chondrodysplasia, hypothyroidism, inherited polyneuropathy, von Willebrand’s disease, and day blindness. Regular ear and teeth care are also essential to prevent wax buildup and dental issues in this breed.

Recommended Health Tests

Hip EvaluationOphthalmologist EvaluationAlaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) - DNA Test

📜 History

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, originating from the Mahlemiut Inuit tribe in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. Developed as a powerful pack sled dog, this breed excels at hauling heavy loads over long distances at steady speeds, unlike faster-paced racing breeds like the Siberian Husky.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Alaskan Malamute can be good with children if properly socialized. They are generally friendly but may have their limits when it comes to rough handling.
The Alaskan Malamute sheds a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help keep loose hair under control.
Yes, the Alaskan Malamute is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.
The Alaskan Malamute requires moderate grooming. Brushing a couple of times a week should keep their coat in good condition.
The Alaskan Malamute can be a suitable choice for a first-time owner who is willing to do their research and dedicate time to training and care.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to Alaskan Malamute

Overview

About This Breed

The Alaskan Malamute is a loyal, affectionate, and playful breed with a strong, independent streak. Highly intelligent but willful, they thrive with owners who can provide consistent leadership and plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Their friendly and open nature makes them great companions, though their protective instincts can also make them alert watchdogs.

🎭Temperament

FriendlyAffectionateDevotedLoyalDignifiedPlayful

Purpose

Sled dog, designed to work in packs to haul heavy loads at low speeds over long distances

Breed for

Hauling heavy freight, Sled pulling

Best Suited For

Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, preferably in homes with a yard

Ideal Owner Profile

This breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide firm, patient training in a home with ample space for exercise and play.

Training Difficulty

Hard

Care Difficulty

High

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the need for high-maintenance grooming due to heavy shedding, especially during seasonal shedding periods.

Trust & Transparency

About Our Data

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Accuracy Assured

Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.

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