Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute dogs thrive on human attention and are happy to welcome a crowd to your house. They don’t play favorites with family members, either—they’re equal-opportunity snugglers. They’re not barkers, but they are chatty—yelps, howls, and “woo woos” are all found in their repertoire. So expect them to join in on the conversation.

Goofy dogs with a lovable personality, Mals are also great with kids and babies, although they’ll need to be supervised around small children. They’re big dogs, so they might accidentally knock a child over, and if they nip, they could cause injury. (They do have a strong bite force.)

While Alaskan Malamutes are not aggressive toward people, they can be strong-willed. Plus, this breed has a high-prey drive and is dog-aggressive, so they generally do best as your one-and-only. And don’t even think of letting them off-leash, as they’ll take off after critters or cats. For these reasons, it’s best to train your pup from the get-go.

These athletic dogs are always up for outdoor playtime, especially if you give them a job. If you don’t have a sled, this working dog breed is just as willing to pull you on a bike. Or just strap a backpack on your Mal and go hiking.

Savvy problem-solvers, Malamutes are capable of finding new ways to dig under the fence or chew up the furniture unless you keep them challenged. Games of hide-and-seek and teaching them cool tricks are all good ways to exercise their brains, so are dog sports like agility, rally and bikejoring (a sport created to help keep sled dogs in shape in off-winter months).

All that fluffy, gorgeous fur in an athlete’s body means these dogs are high maintenance. An Alaskan Malamute puppy or dog needs daily exercise (mental and physical), a lot of grooming (daily brushing during shedding seasons) and a job to do, or they get bored. And training is a must with these strong-willed dogs.

Alaskan Malamutes have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years, but like many large breeds, they’re prone to some health issues. It’s good to know what they are in advance, so you can discuss with your vet how to keep your Alaskan Malamute healthy throughout their life. If you’re getting your pup through a breeder, make sure they’ve screened the puppies and their parents for potential health problems. If you’re adopting your dog through a rescue, make sure you get a copy of the vet’s wellness exam.

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Sometimes, the hip or elbow joints won’t develop properly, so they don’t fit well. That can lead to pain and lameness. It’s hereditary, so the best bet is to get your pup from a breeder who tests for this, but even that’s not a guarantee. Obesity, improper exercise, and poor nutrition can also be factors. Keep your dog lean and give joint-friendly supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin starting at 4 or 5 years old, or sooner if the vet suspects a problem.
• Arthritis: The joints in older dogs get worn down just as they do in people, especially in large-breed dogs like Malamutes, leading to pain and lameness. And if your Mal is overweight, there’s more strain on the joints, which can make the condition worse. Don’t overfeed your dog, and try MSM supplements, which are natural anti-inflammatories.
• Obesity: Malamutes were bred to haul sleds without many food breaks, so they naturally hoard calories. Too much weight leads to all sorts of health issues, including diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Talk to your vet about feeding proper portions for their age, weight and activity level, as well as their best food choices—a mid-to-high protein kibble works best for most adult Mals. And keep your pet active, which will help keep the pounds off.
• Cataracts: Malamutes can develop hereditary cataracts as well as a condition known as “day blindness,” which affects the retina and makes it hard for dogs to see during the day. Breeders can screen for these genes, and vets can catch cataracts during an eye exam. Surgery is often the preferred treatment for cataracts; there is no current treatment for day blindness.
• Epilepsy: Malamutes can inherit a tendency to have seizures, typically starting after puppyhood. When dogs have a seizure, they can stiffen, fall, and then begin to jerk. Low-cost medications can keep the seizures under control, with a vet monitoring the condition.
• Cancer: Large-breed dogs are prone to cancer, and Malamutes aren’t an exception. Mals can develop any type, including bone and spleen cancer and lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. Cancer is easier to treat when caught early (with surgery or chemo), so it’s not a bad idea to start taking your Mal for twice-yearly vet visits when your pet turns 6 or so.
• Alopecia X: Also known as coat funk, this skin condition causes your Mal’s top coat to dry up and fall out in patches, exposing the undercoat, then the skin. This is a hereditary condition, and there’s no treatment for it at this time. The best you can do is to keep the coat healthy and clean (fish oil supplements may help) and be careful not to let the exposed skin become frostbitten or sunburned.
• Polyneuropathy: This is an inherited neuromuscular disease. An affected dog usually starts showing signs before they are 2 years old. Symptoms include a growing aversion to exercise, walking abnormally and changes in their bark. There is currently no treatment for this disease. Dogs can be tested to confirm the diagnosis and prevent the disease from being passed to future generations of Malamutes.

The Alaskan Malamute’s origins date back thousands of years. Like their cousin, the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were sled dogs—one of the most ancient Arctic breeds. But unlike Siberians, the Inuits bred Mals to haul heavy loads on sleds slowly over long distances, so speed wasn’t as prized as their power and strength.

Malamutes have hauled sleds for miners during Alaska’s gold rush in the late 1890s, adventured on expeditions to the South Pole—including the first one in the late 1920s—and aided US forces during World War II.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Alaskan Malamute breed in 1935. Tragically, after the war, there were few Malamutes left, so Malamute lovers began breeding these dogs again. Now, they rank 58th on the AKC’s list of popular dogs.

Alaskan Malamute history continues their rich tradition into the 21st century. In 2010, Malamutes became Alaska’s state dog (sorry, Siberians!). Now you can find these gorgeous dogs on Instagram, in the movies (usually as stand-ins for wolves), and in all 50 states—even the hotter ones.

If you’ve got the chops to raise an Alaskan Malamute and want one of these adorable pups, visit the Alaskan Malamute Club of America’s website to find a reputable breeder. An Alaskan Malamute puppy costs around $2,000. For that price, you are usually getting a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues, and they might even come with pedigree papers. Beware of breeders who want to sell you “rare” types like red, all-white or “giant” Mals—it’s a marketing ploy to up their prices. You can go the rescue route; sadly, many inexperienced pet parents find their Alaskan Malamute dogs are handfuls and end up rehoming them. Contact a local Alaskan Malamute rescue or keep your eyes open for the breed at your local shelter.

Alaskan Malamutes make great family dogs for active pet parents. They’re loyal, loving and always game for outdoor adventures. Yes, they’ll dig holes in your backyard, but keep them busy with a dog sport or training, go on long walks or bike rides (they can pull you!) and your Mal will reward you with plenty of snuggles and kisses.