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 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.

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, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, 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 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 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 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 search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

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.