Alaskan Malamute
About the Alaskan Malamute
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 23-25" |
| Weight | 75-85 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High (90+ min/day)
90 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Alaskan Malamutes may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Alaskan Malamute
The story behind the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute takes its name from the Mahlemut people of northwestern Alaska, who kept powerful sled dogs for hauling heavy loads, hunting large game and general camp work long before outside contact. Unlike lighter racing sled dogs these were freighting animals valued for strength and endurance rather than speed. Gold rush activity in the late 1800s brought heavy crossbreeding that nearly submerged the original type. Enthusiasts in the United States gathered surviving stock during the 1920s and 1930s and established a breeding programme, and the breed served on polar expeditions and in military transport roles. Wartime losses were severe, and the modern population traces back to a narrow foundation. The Malamute is now primarily a companion, with a minority still active in recreational sledding and weight pull, and it holds official state dog status in Alaska.
Originally bred for: Sled pulling, Hauling, Hunting. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Alaskan Malamute
Built for hauling on high-fat traditional rations, working Malamutes need calorie-dense food, while pet dogs in mild climates gain weight far too easily on the same amount. Match intake to real workload and season, and raise puppies on a large-breed growth formula.
Watch for: Zinc-responsive skin problems turn up in some northern sledding breeds, so persistent crusting around the face or paws deserves veterinary review rather than home supplementation. The deep chest also favours calm divided meals. Plan any dietary change with a veterinarian rather than alone.
Start with the Alaskan Malamute feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Alaskan Malamute
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.