42" dog crate
Right-sized for a large dog, cozy not cramped.
View pick
Alaskan Malamute
Powerful arctic freighter with a wolfish look
Working group
United States (Alaska)
Large
Lifespan10-14 yr
Weight34-39 kg
Height58-64 cm
OriginUnited States (Alaska)
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful sled dog built to haul heavy freight across long arctic distances. Affectionate and outgoing with its family, it is strong-willed, independent, and needs an experienced owner who can provide firm leadership and plenty of exercise.
Great points
- Loving and loyal family companion
- Strong, athletic, and built for cold climates
- Friendly and rarely aggressive toward people
- Dignified, quiet, and not a frequent barker
Things to consider
- Heavy year-round shedding with intense seasonal blowouts
- Strong-willed and challenging to train
- Strong prey drive toward cats and small animals
- Needs daily vigorous exercise or becomes destructive
The story
The breed was developed thousands of years ago by the Mahlemut Inupiaq people of northwestern Alaska to pull heavy sleds and hunt large game such as seals and polar bears. Prized for endurance rather than speed, the Malamute was the freight engine of the far north.
Training
Start socialization and obedience early, as this intelligent but independent breed will test boundaries. Use patient, consistent, positive methods and avoid harsh corrections, since Malamutes respond poorly to repetitive drilling.
Grooming
The thick double coat needs brushing two or three times a week, increasing to daily during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. They are naturally clean dogs that groom themselves and need only occasional baths.
Food & diet
Feed a high-quality diet measured to maintain a lean, athletic build, as the breed can gain weight without enough activity. Split the daily amount into two meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Exercise
Plan for at least one to two hours of vigorous daily activity such as long walks, hiking, running, or pulling work. A bored, under-exercised Malamute will dig, chew, and howl.
Health to watch
Generally hardy but prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, inherited polyneuropathy, and eye conditions such as cataracts. Bloat is also a risk in this deep-chested breed.
Fun fact. Three Alaskan Malamutes were part of Admiral Byrd's expeditions to Antarctica, and the breed is the official state dog of Alaska.
Frequently asked questions
Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs?
Yes, they are affectionate, loyal, and patient with children, but their size, strength, and exercise needs make them best for active, experienced families.
Do Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot?
Yes, they shed heavily all year and blow their entire undercoat twice a year, so expect frequent brushing and plenty of loose fur.
Are Alaskan Malamutes hard to train?
They are intelligent but very independent and stubborn, so they need early, consistent, patient training and are not ideal for first-time owners.
Essential gear for the Alaskan Malamute
A few breed-right basics for a new Alaskan Malamute.
Large orthopedic bed
Joint support, sized to a large frame.
View pickDe-shedding tool
Tames heavy shedding fast.
View pickLarge-breed formula
Joint and growth support for big dogs.
View pickThese are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend.
