Alaskan Malamute
Also known as Malamute de l’Alaska, Malamute
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 64 cm
- Weight
- 32 to 43 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Alaska, United States
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
An Arctic spitz-type draft dog of remarkable strength and sturdiness, the Alaskan Malamute is a large sled dog with a thick double coat, a deep chest and a well-muscled body. It has a wolf-like look and carries its plumed tail over its back.
History and origins
One of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, developed by the Mahlemiut Inuit of northwestern Alaska. Essential to their survival, it hauled heavy loads across the ice, helped hunt seals and kept polar bears at bay.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Alaskan Malamute polyneuropathy
- Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism)
- Hypothyroidism
- Zinc-responsive dermatosis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Alaskan Malamute FAQ
How big does the Alaskan Malamute get?
The Alaskan Malamute stands 58 to 64 cm at the withers and weighs 32 to 43 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Alaskan Malamute shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Alaskan Malamute live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Alaskan Malamute need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Alaskan Malamute good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Alaskan Malamute live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and Alaskan Malamute polyneuropathy.
