Alaskan Malamute — breed guide

At a glance

Group

working

Size

Large

Weight

34–39 kg (75–86 lb)

Life span

10–14 years

Coat

Thick, coarse double coat

Living with a Alaskan Malamute

• High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
• Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
• Constant heavy shedding.
• Can be stubborn.
• Vocal when there is a reason.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
• Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
• Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Struggles in heat — walk early, walk late, and watch for distress.
• Built for cold weather.

Temperament

Affectionate · Powerful · Playful · Dignified

Health to watch

• Hip dysplasia
• Chondrodysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Polyneuropathy

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

Malamutes are freight haulers, not racers — champion weight-pull dogs have moved loads of well over a tonne.

Questions people ask

Is a Alaskan Malamute good with kids?

With care. Alaskan Malamutes generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Alaskan Malamute good with cats?

Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.

How much exercise does a Alaskan Malamute need?

An hour or more of proper exercise every day.

Can a Alaskan Malamute handle hot weather?

It struggles; keep summer outings short and shaded.