Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes were born for the Winter Olympics. And if the sport includes solving puzzles along the way, Mals are totally in. These super-smart and super-active dogs do not like being bored. They’ll swipe left if you’re not entertaining enough. But good news! They love a crowd, so your social calendar should always be full. If you keep a super-tidy home, be prepared: The Alaskan Malamute sheds a ridiculous amount twice a year. Life with an Alaskan Malamute is full of activity and adventures, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alaskan Malamutes look like wolves with their pointed ears and long noses. But their tough exterior is often betrayed by their trademark “smile,” good-natured expressions and a curious look in their eyes—these are friendly pups. The Alaskan Malamute breed originally worked as sled dogs, so they have strong, well-muscled bodies and heavy double-coats in white, sometimes in combination with colors like gray, black and even red. Their plumed tails curl over their backs when they’re not working.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears Malamutes have medium-sized triangular ears with slightly round tips that point forward.
2. Eyes Mals have brown, almond-shaped eyes with a curious and friendly expression.
3. Nose An Alaskan Malamute puppy or dog typically has a black nose, except for red-and-white dogs, who have brown noses.
4. Coat Length An Alaskan Malamute is double-coated—the top coat is coarse and thick, and the undercoat is oily and wooly. Their fur is shorter on the sides and longer on the back and shoulders and legs.
5. Coat Color Malamutes can be all white, but usually, they're a combination of white with gray, silver, black, sable, seal, blue, agouti or red markings.
6. Tail The typical Alaskan Malamute has a furry tail that looks like a plume and curves around their back when they're not working.

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 may not respond well to other dogs if not properly socialized and trained. They also have a penchant for taking off after critters or cats, so think twice about off-leash adventures. 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.

Grooming

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That thick double coat needs TLC—so brushing once or twice a week during non-shedding seasons (summer and winter) is a must to keep your dog’s coat healthy and free of mats. Get a firm bristle brush , but avoid using a Furminator ; these de-shedding tools cut a Malamute’s top coat hairs, causing them to grow back bent or discolored. Their shedding abilities are no joke—it happens twice a year, and even daily brushing doesn’t help as much as taking a hi gh-powered pet-grooming dryer and blowing all that hair away once or twice a week as needed. If you think you can get away with shaving your Mal, forget it. Shaving won’t keep your Malamute cooler in the summer; their double coat actually helps keep them cool. Plus, their coat protects them from sunburn and bug bites, and you will probably ruin that gorgeous coat forever. Malamutes aren’t overly dirty dogs, so they won’t need a bath very often. Their top coat repels rain and mud, so aim for a bath every two months or so. Be sure to dry your Mal thoroughly after a bath (or a swim) to prevent hot spots (inflamed skin lesions). Brush their teeth at least a few times a week to keep your pup’s teeth healthy. You can brush them with your finger or a brush made for dogs, using a dog-appropriate toothpaste . Once a year, have your vet give them a professional cleaning. All this dental hygiene helps prevent dental disease down the road. Your Malamute will need to have their nails trimmed about every two months. If you can hear your dog’s nails click on the floor, cut them. You can use doggy nail clippers (and this how-to ) or take your Mal to a groomer or vet to get them trimmed.

Training

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Alaskan Malamutes are smart and surprisingly easy to train, but they also get distracted easily and have a reputation for being stubborn. You can work around their independent nature with clever ways to motivate your Alaskan Malamute dog. The key is to use plenty of tasty treats as rewards and quick, 5-minute sessions instead of long, repetitive drills. If you’re attending a dog training class, take breaks when your Malamute starts acting up. But don’t skimp on or skip obedience training. It’s super important. Your pup will learn the basics like sit, stay and come, plus they’ll learn how to walk nicely on a leash. Mals are big dogs and will run wild if you let them. Luckily, Malamutes will do anything for food, but they’re easily distracted, so remember to keep those training sessions short. You may dig your dog, but your Mal will dig up your yard. Alaskan Malamutes are born diggers, and while no amount of training will completely erase that habit, you can minimize their digging instincts through training and exercise. (A tired Mal is a content Mal.) Training is a great way to keep your Malamute’s brain engaged, too—this breed loves to learn tricks, and well-trained ones can even excel as therapy dogs, thanks to their affectionate, people-loving natures.

Diet

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There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for feeding your Alaskan Malamute—your vet can give you the best advice for their diet based on your dog’s activity level, age and weight. It’s important to know that Malamutes tend to put on weight—their ancestors were designed to work hard on very little food, and their metabolism is such that they don’t need as much food as other large dogs. Plus, their thick coat can hide their ribs and waist, so you need to feel through the coat to their skin to make sure your Mal isn’t packing on the pounds. To keep your dog healthy and lean, look for high-quality, mid-fat and mid-to-high-protein dog food like Farmina N&D . You might want to give your Mal fatty acid supplements to keep that coat shiny and healthy, too. Be sure to watch those treats—they count as calories, yet they’re essential for motivating your Malamute during training sessions.

Exercise

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The Alaskan Malamute’s exercise needs are pretty high—Mals were bred to be active dogs, so they need a couple of hours of exercise every day. Their exercise can include a few good walks—brisk ones and slower ones—to give them the chance to explore with their nose. Did we mention they love to run? If you’re craving a jogging buddy, leash up your Alaskan Malamute. After you’re done, play chase with your pup in the backyard to ensure they’re tired out. If you live in warmer weather, make sure you keep your outdoor activity to the cooler parts of the day; these dogs thrive in colder temperatures. And since they’re sled dogs, they’ll love pulling you places. You can harness them to a small sled in the winter or a kick bike (or regular one) on dry terrain and have a ball. This breed also excels at dog sports like agility and weight pulling, so reach out to your local Malamute club (most states have them) to find events that your Mal will enjoy.

Environment

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Malamutes can do fine in smaller homes—as long as you’re ready to spend lots of time outdoors to provide for their daily exercise needs. A fenced-in backyard or access to a fenced-in public space is a must as this breed will chase cats and squirrels. And because they dig, make sure the fence is secure (and potentially extends into the ground) and consider giving them a place where they’re allowed to make holes if you have space in your yard. The Alaskan Malamute breed isn’t suited to apartment living; these dogs are noisy. They don’t bark much, but they do howl and yelp. Mals can also be destructive when they’re bored, which is why they require experienced and active pet parents. And while they can romp outside for hours in zero temps, you’ll need to keep your Alaskan Malamute dog cool in the summer (fans and kiddie pools help). This breed makes for a good family dog, though they’re capable of knocking down the youngest kids without meaning to. They thrive on attention, so if you’re having a party, your Mal will definitely want to mingle!

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.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. arthritis lbow Dysplasia : Sometimes, the hip or elbow joints won’t develop properly, so they don’t fit well. That can lead to pain, lameness and arthritis . It’s hereditary so it can run in family lines. However, these genetic disorders can also be affected by environmental factors such as body condition, exercise and nutrition. If you have any concerns about your pup’s joints, discuss those with your vet who may recommend a physical examination and x-rays to help determine what is going on. If diagnosed with hip or elbow dysplasia, treatment options may include weight management, pain medications, joint supplements , or in severe cases surgery.
2. cataracts Malamutes and other Artic breeds can develop hereditary cataracts . These can be screened for through genetic testing so be sure to inquire with the breeder. If the vet diagnoses cataracts, surgery will likely be recommended to restore vision. Additionally, Alaskan malamutes can inherit the gene mutation for achromatopsia, otherwise known as “day blindness,” which affects the retina and makes it hard for dogs to see during the day. There is no current treatment for day blindness but it is important to see your veterinarian right away if you feel your pup is having trouble seeing.
3. 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. If you suspect your pet is having or has had a seizure, contact your vet immediately. It may be useful to try to record the episode on video for your vet to see. Your veterinarian may refer you to a neurologist for additional testing but often epilepsy can be effectively treated with daily medication.
4. Alopecia X Also known as pattern baldness, this skin condition causes your Mal’s top coat to dry up and fall out in patches, exposing the undercoat, then the skin. While potentially jarring, the good news is that alopecia X is cosmetic only and does not negatively impact the dog’s health. 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.
5. Polyneuropathy This is a disorder that affects the neuromuscular system and has been reported in Alaskan Malamutes (Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy AMPN). 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.
6. Chondrodysplasia This is a genetic disorder causing deformities of the limbs resulting in dwarfism in Alaskan Malamutes. Responsible breeders should not breed affected dogs to prevent passing on this hereditary condition.
7. hypothyroidism Alaskan malamutes are prone to developing hypothyroidism , which is an endocrine condition where the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Signs include lethargy, weight gain and hair loss. If your pup is experiencing these symptoms, talk to your vet about thyroid testing. Treatment is typically daily medication.

The Alaskan Malamute’s origins date back thousands of years. Like their cousin, theSiberian 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 67th 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 theAlaskan Malamute Club of America’swebsite 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 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, keep your eyes open for the breed at your local shelter, or searchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.