A member of the spitz family and bred by the Inuit people to pull sleds, the Alaskan Malamute looks similar to the Siberian husky. However, when they stand next to each other, the giant, fluffy Malamute is much larger than the husky.
This friendly, smart, and energetic breed makes a great pet for active families, even those with small children. Their playful and loving nature helps them thrive in such environments. However, like any animal, it is important to teach both the dog and the child how to interact safely. Never leave children unsupervised with an Alaskan Malamute, or any dog, no matter how well-behaved it is.
Alaskan Malamutes enjoy being around people, even strangers, so they do not make good guard dogs. They can be a bit stubborn, so owners need to establish their leadership early on through gentle but consistent training. Additionally, their high energy and constant need for attention can be challenging. With time and patience, this breed can be a wonderful companion for people of all ages.
Alaskan Malamute Scientific Classification
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Alaskan Malamute Locations
Alaskan Malamute Facts
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Lifespan | 10 – 14 years |
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Weight | 75 – 85 lbs |
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Dog | Height | 23 – 25 inches |
Evolution and Origins
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the largest dog breeds that comes from the Arctic region of Alaska. The Mahlemiut Inuit people bred them as sled dogs for heavy freighting. They are used for hunting and hauling heavy loads over long distances in harsh, Arctic conditions. This breed is among the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, ranking alongside the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed. However, the latter two came from Siberia instead of Alaska.
During the gold rush of the late 1800s, prospectors used the Alaskan Malamute to pull sleds full of supplies and equipment. The breed became popular as people noticed their strength, endurance, and loyalty. In 1935, the American Kennel Club recognized the Alaskan Malamute as a distinct breed. While they are still used for sledding, carting, and pulling heavy cargo, they have gained a reputation as excellent family dogs.
Appearance
The most striking feature of the Alaskan Malamute is the unique markings on its face, which create a mask-like appearance. The point where the darker part of the mask meets the lighter fur gives the look of a sweetheart pattern above the eyes.
This breed is quite large, weighing between 75 and 100 pounds and standing between 23 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder. As is typical in the animal kingdom, males are usually larger than females. Compared to the size of the Alaskan Malamute’s head, its ears appear small, though they are triangular in shape. Their eyes are medium-sized, brown, and almond-shaped.
The breed’s double-coated fur comes in various colors; the most common combinations are black and white, grey and white, and red and white. Their beautiful, fluffy tails curl gently over their backs.
Although the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky share many similarities in temperament and appearance, the differences are clear. First, the Alaskan Malamute is significantly larger than the Husky. Second, the Husky has a smaller head and its ears are closer together. Third, Huskies can have bright blue eyes, a trait not present in Malamutes. Finally, while color similarities exist, only a Siberian Husky can have agouti coloring, where single hairs have multiple bands of pigmentation.
Common Health Issues
Like many large dog breeds, Alaskan Malamutes are genetically prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This skeletal condition can be worsened by factors like improper weight and unbalanced nutrition. Other inherited conditions to watch for include thrombopathia, which causes clotting issues, and inherited polyneuropathy, leading to nerve damage over time, as well as limb and facial paralysis, spatial disorientation, and a slowed heartbeat.
Malamutes may also experience chondrodysplasia (dwarfism), hypothyroidism, day blindness, and von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder.
As with any purebred animal, responsible breeding can help reduce these health issues. Breeders should screen for many of these conditions. It benefits both the owner and the dog to research breeders and have your new family member checked by a veterinarian.
For managing potential health issues in this breed, consider getting pet insurance. The younger you insure your dog, the less likely it is that any pre-existing conditions will prevent coverage.
Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute does not take long to warm up to people, so they are not suitable as guard dogs. Despite being in the spitz family, known for nuisance barking, Malamutes are relatively quiet. You will rarely be alerted to a new person, whether friend or stranger. However, they do enjoy “talking” to their owners with the occasional howl.
This breed has a strong prey drive, so homes with small animals may not be safe for them. They also need to be secured at all times; even well-trained Malamutes have been known to run away if the mood strikes them. For this reason, crate training is recommended for their safety and comfort.
Like most working dogs, regular and engaging exercise is essential for a happy, healthy Malamute. Veterinarians suggest at least two hours of exercise each day for this breed. Without enough physical activity, your dog may turn to destructive behaviors to fill its time.
The Best Dog Food for Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes do not have specific dietary concerns and should remain healthy when eating high-quality dog food. As with any breed, feed your Malamute based on its healthy weight requirements, including treats in the daily caloric count.
If your Alaskan Malamute is shedding excessively, some dog foods can help manage it. Otherwise, focus on high-quality, nutrient-rich dog food to keep your Malamute satisfied, energetic, and at a healthy weight.
Maintenance and Grooming
Alaskan Malamutes have low grooming needs. They do not have a strong odor and only require bathing every 6 to 8 weeks. Their coats do not need special trimming, but they should be brushed a few times a week to minimize shedding. These dogs shed year-round and “blow” their coats twice a year. During the shedding season, daily brushing helps prevent hair from accumulating around your home.
Beyond coat care, grooming is quite simple. Just brush their teeth, clean their ears regularly, and trim their nails each month to keep your Malamute groomed.
