Height
23–25"
Weight
75–85 lbs
Life Expectancy
10–14 years
Menu
Menu
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a dependable, hard-working dog that loves to play and snuggle with you. They’re also very affectionate and loyal, so they make great companions for kids!
Overview
Height
75–85"
Weight
7–10 lbs
Life Expectancy
10–14 years
Learn More
About the Breed
The Alaskan Malamute is a strong and heavy-duty worker, but he’s also affectionate, loyal, and playful. He’s known for his well-furred plumed tail carried over his back and the way he carries his head high.
At 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing 75 to 85 pounds, everything about Mals suggests their origin as an arctic sled dog: The heavy bone, deep chest, powerful shoulders, and dense weatherproof coat all scream “I work hard for a living!” But their almond-shaped brown eyes have an affectionate sparkle, suggesting that Mals enjoy snuggling with their humans when the workday is done.
Mals are pack animals, which means you’ll need to be in charge of your family pack or else you risk being taken over by your dog! Firm but loving training should begin in early puppyhood—and if you do it right from the start, you’ll end up with a well-behaved Mals who loves to play with kids (and anyone else he meets).
Breed Overview
Quick Stats
Friendliness Level
Learn More
Friendliness Level
The affectionate nature of a breed is determined by how much affection the breed tends to give out, rather than how much affection they require from their owner. Some breeds are naturally more outgoing and affectionate than others.
Key Criteria:
- Affectionate with family
- Children-friendly
- Dog-friendly
Trainability Level
Learn More
Trainability Level
How easy or difficult it will be to train your pup, and how willing or unwilling your dog is to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owners proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Key Criteria:
- Easy to train
- Intelligence
- Prey Drive
- Tendency to bark/howl
Adaptability Level
Learn More
Adaptability Level
How adaptable a breed is. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Key Criteria:
- Adapts well to apartment living
- Good for notice owners
- Tolerates being alone
- Tolerates hot/cold weather
Energy Level
Learn More
Energy Level
Breeds that are high energy need more exercise and mental stimulation than breeds that are low energy. High energy dogs are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They’ll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy dogs are like couch potatoes – they’re happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Key Criteria:
- Mental stimulation needs
- Stamina
- Intensity
- Playfulness
History
Breed Origins
The Alaskan Malamute is among the oldest of the sled dog breeds of the Arctic. They are believed to be a descendant of the domesticated wolf-dogs who accompanied the Paleolithic hunters that crossed the land bridges of the Bering Strait and migrated into North America roughly 4,000 years ago.
The breed’s name is derived from the Mahlemiut, Inuit people who resided in Kotzebue Sound in northwestern Alaska. The dog they developed was primarily a sledge dog, created to work in packs to haul heavy loads at low speeds over long distances. However, they were also used for carrying packs in the summer, locating seal breathing holes in the ice, and distracting bears on hunts. Other Arctic dog breeds pull lighter loads on sleds at faster speeds. Huskies are racers; Malamutes are freighters.
The Inuit culture spans from the coasts of Alaska to the coasts of Greenland. Because of this distance, different strains developed in the Malamute breed. The AKC recognized the original Kotzebue strain in 1935. After WWII, their numbers plummeted until there were very few dogs registered.
Subscribe to receive updates
Subscribe to receive updates on when the app will be available in your region.
We don’t share your personal information with anyone. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.
Help your pet stay happy and healthy with pushPawz.
Quicklinks
Copyright © 2022 PushPawz