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United States•working
Alaskan Malamute
moderateGood with Kids
An immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type with a plumed tail, erect ears, and substantial bone. Affectionate, loyal, and playful but dignified.
Weight34-39 kg75-86 lbs
Height58-64 cm23-25"
Lifespan10-14 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
AffectionateLoyalPlayfulDignifiedIndependent
Height
58-64 cm23-25"
Weight
34-39 kg75-86 lbs
Lifespan
10-14 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Large - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Strong-willed - needs an experienced handler
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Alaskan58-64 cm23-25"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Alaskan Malamute
high energy60-90 min/day
The Alaskan Malamute is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1-2 hours daily of vigorous exercise including hikes and runs
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Alaskan Malamute
Moderate Carefur coat
Alaskan Malamutes need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Alaskan Malamute
Strong-Willed
Alaskan Malamutes have a strong will and may resist training. Success requires patience, experience, and understanding that stubbornness often indicates intelligence.
Best Approach
Never force or punish - it will backfire. Find creative ways to make them think compliance was their idea. Consider professional training help if needed.
Training Tips
Essential
Extreme Patience Required
Progress may be slower than with other breeds. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged.
Essential
Get Creative
Standard training methods may not work. Be willing to try unconventional approaches.
Essential
Firm, Fair Boundaries
Set clear boundaries consistently, but always with positive methods. Never use punishment.
Recommended
Consider Professional Help
A professional trainer experienced with this breed can provide valuable techniques and support.
Recommended
Set Realistic Expectations
They may never be perfectly obedient, and that's okay. Focus on essential commands and safety.
Common Challenges
- May refuse commands they know perfectly well
- Can be manipulative - knows how to get what they want
- Training sessions may require multiple approaches
- May need experienced handlers
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Alaskan Malamute
Large Breed2 meals$53-133/month
Large breeds need careful nutrition management, especially during growth. Controlled growth and joint support are key priorities.
Feeding Tips
Large Breed Formula
Use foods specifically formulated for large breeds, especially during puppyhood for controlled growth.
Joint Support
Look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health throughout life.
Don't Overfeed puppies
Rapid growth stresses developing joints. Large breed puppies should grow slowly and steadily.
Consider Bowl Placement
Some large dogs benefit from elevated food bowls for comfortable eating posture.
Important Considerations
- Rapid puppy growth increases risk of joint problems
- Higher risk of bloat - avoid exercise right after eating
- Prone to obesity in less active individuals
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Alaskan Malamute
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Alaskan Malamute
Monthly costs
Food
$53-133
Insurance
$38-89
Supplies
$17-35
Monthly total
$108-257
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$492-828/yr
Parasite prevention
$432/yr
Annual total
$924-1,260/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Alaskan Malamute's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
4 references for Alaskan Malamute
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Alaskan Malamute
Health·OFA-CHIC
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research