Alaskan Malamute
The largest of the Arctic sled breeds, bred by the Mahlemut people to haul heavy freight over long distances, the Malamute is powerful, friendly and strikingly handsome. Sociable but independent. It suits very active owners with secure space who'll provide lots of exercise, accept heavy shedding and a poor recall, and never expect this snow dog to enjoy the heat.
Alaskan Malamute scorecard
Overview
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest and most powerful of the Arctic sled dogs, built not for speed but for hauling heavy freight over long distances in punishing cold. Standing around 58–64 cm at the shoulder and typically weighing 34–39 kg, it is a substantial, deep-chested dog with a dense double coat, a plumed tail carried over the back, and an unmistakably wolf-like yet warm and open expression. Despite its imposing build, the breed is famous for being friendly and people-loving rather than guard-minded, greeting strangers as potential friends rather than threats.
In the UK, the Malamute appeals to active, experienced owners who can offer space, cool conditions and a great deal of exercise. It is emphatically not a beginner's dog: it is strong-willed, independent and equipped with a high prey drive and notoriously unreliable recall. Heavy seasonal shedding, a tendency to dig and a poor tolerance of warm weather mean that the breed thrives in committed, outdoors-oriented homes and struggles in small flats or sedentary households. With the right owner, however, the Malamute is an affectionate, dignified and strikingly handsome companion.
Good to know — a Alaskan Malamute needs plenty of space and best for experienced owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Malamute takes its name from the Mahlemut (Kuuvangmiut) people of north-western Alaska, an Inuit group who developed the dogs over centuries to pull sledges, hunt and live alongside the community. Unlike racing huskies bred for speed, the Malamute was prized for raw strength and endurance, capable of moving heavy loads across the tundra. The breed's numbers were threatened during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, when an influx of prospectors crossbred native sled dogs heavily.
The modern breed was reconstructed in the United States in the early twentieth century, and the American Kennel Club recognised the Alaskan Malamute in 1935. Malamutes served as freight and search dogs during expeditions and in the Second World War. In the UK, the breed is registered with The Kennel Club within the Working group and, while never one of the most numerous breeds, it has a dedicated following among owners drawn to its history and striking appearance.
Temperament & family fit
Malamutes are typically affectionate, outgoing and sociable with people, including children and visitors, which is part of why they make poor guard dogs despite their size. They form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy being in the thick of household life. They are also intelligent and playful, with a streak of mischief that can make them entertaining companions for owners who appreciate a dog with character.
The flip side is a powerful independent streak inherited from their working past. Malamutes were bred to make decisions on the trail, so they can be stubborn and selectively deaf, particularly around exciting distractions. Many show strong same-sex dog aggression and a marked prey drive towards cats, small animals and livestock, so careful socialisation and management are essential. They can also be vocal in a uniquely Malamute way, "talking" with howls and woos rather than constant barking.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training a Malamute calls for patience, consistency and a sense of humour. They respond best to positive, reward-based methods and short, varied sessions that keep their interest, as harsh handling tends to make them shut down or dig their heels in. Early, thorough socialisation with people, dogs and other animals is crucial, and basic manners should be established while the dog is still light enough to manage physically.
Recall is the breed's Achilles heel: a Malamute on a scent or chasing a small animal may simply not come back, so many owners keep them on a lead or long line in unsecured areas throughout their lives. Lead training is equally important given their pulling instinct and strength. Channelling that drive into activities such as canicross, sledding or weight-pulling can be hugely rewarding for both dog and owner.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Alaskan Malamute typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Malamute carries a thick double coat with a coarse outer layer and a dense, woolly undercoat that needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Twice a year the breed "blows" its undercoat in a dramatic moult, during which daily grooming and a good deal of vacuuming become necessary. The coat is largely self-cleaning and does not need frequent bathing. Routine care should also include nail trimming, dental brushing and regular checks of the ears, particularly in such a heavily coated breed.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Alaskan Malamute
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, dividing the daily ration into two meals to support digestion. As a deep-chested breed, the Malamute is considered at some risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), so it is sensible to avoid vigorous exercise immediately before and after eating. Portions should be measured and body condition monitored, since excess weight places extra strain on the joints of such a large dog. Fresh water should always be available, especially around exercise and in warm weather.
A large breed
An adult Alaskan Malamute typically weighs 34–39 kg, so a healthy Alaskan Malamute eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 10–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Alaskan Malamutes sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Alaskan Malamute weigh?
Adult 34–39 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.9–4.5 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 6.3–7.2 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 12.6–14.5 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 25.3–29 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 34–39 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Alaskan Malamute
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Alaskan Malamute's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult/Senior Weight Control Chicken and Oats
A low-fat weight control dry food for adult and senior dogs, oat-based
£35.99
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Alaskan Malamute health & costs
Before bringing a Alaskan Malamute home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Alaskan Malamute is generally a robust breed with a typical lifespan of around 10–14 years, but like all large dogs it is predisposed to certain inherited and conformational conditions. Prospective owners should buy only from breeders who health-test their stock, and in the UK that means asking to see hip and eye screening results and evidence of testing for breed-specific conditions before committing to a puppy.
Responsible breeders use the relevant Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association schemes, including hip scoring and eye testing, alongside DNA tests where available. Maintaining a lean body condition, providing appropriate exercise during growth, and keeping up with routine veterinary care, vaccination and parasite control all help to support a long and healthy life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis; screen breeding stock via the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
- Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) — an inherited skeletal disorder once significant in the breed; DNA testing helps responsible breeders avoid affected litters.
- Inherited eye conditions — including hereditary cataract and progressive retinal atrophy; regular BVA/KC/ISDS eye testing is recommended.
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy and coat changes, usually managed well with daily medication.
- Polyneuropathy — an inherited neurological disorder affecting coordination and gait in some lines, for which a DNA test exists.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a life-threatening twisting of the stomach seen in deep-chested breeds, requiring emergency veterinary treatment.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Alaskan Malamute; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Alaskan Malamute puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Alaskan Malamute
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Powerful, friendly and strikingly handsome
- Sociable with people
Things to consider
- Strong-willed with high prey drive and poor recall
- Heavy shedding, lots of exercise and not suited to warm homes
Alaskan Malamute health & care guides
In-depth, vet-sensible guides written for Alaskan Malamute owners:
Compare the Alaskan Malamute
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Frequently asked questions
How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?
Alaskan Malamutes typically live to around 10–14 years. As a large breed their lifespan is naturally shorter than smaller dogs, but buying from health-tested parents, keeping your dog lean, managing the breed's known issues promptly, and staying on top of preventive vet care all help yours reach the upper end of that range.
What health problems are Alaskan Malamutes prone to?
Malamutes are prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary eye conditions (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and inherited day blindness/cone degeneration), hypothyroidism, inherited polyneuropathy and chondrodysplasia (dwarfism — both DNA-testable). As a deep-chested breed they're also at risk of bloat (GDV). Buying from a health-testing breeder and seeking prompt vet advice for unexplained changes reduces the impact.
Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs?
Malamutes are affectionate, people-loving and generally friendly, and can be wonderful with children they're raised with. But they're large, powerful, independent and strong-willed, with a high prey drive and a love of digging and escaping. They suit active, experienced owners who'll commit to early socialisation and consistent training. They're not a good fit for first-time dog owners.
Are Alaskan Malamutes hard to train?
Malamutes are intelligent but independent and stubborn — bred to think for themselves while hauling sledges, not to take orders. They can be slow to comply and easily bored by repetition. They respond best to short, positive, reward-based sessions, early socialisation and patient consistency. They're not aggressive by nature, but their strength and self-reliance mean they need experienced, committed handling.
Do Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot?
Yes — heavily. Malamutes have a thick double coat that sheds year-round and 'blows' dramatically twice a year, when the dense undercoat comes out in clumps over a few weeks. Expect to brush several times a week, and daily during a moult, to manage the loose hair and keep the coat and skin healthy. It's a serious grooming commitment.
How big do Alaskan Malamutes get?
Malamutes are a large, powerfully built breed. Males typically stand around 61–66cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 36–43kg; females are a little smaller. They're strong, heavy-boned sled dogs built to pull, so good training, careful socialisation, secure fencing and a lean body condition all matter when caring for a dog of this size and power.
Can Alaskan Malamutes cope with hot weather?
Not well — Malamutes were bred for the Arctic and their thick double coat makes them prone to overheating in UK summers. Walk early morning or late evening on hot days, always provide shade and fresh water, never leave them in cars, and never shave the coat (it protects against heat as well as cold). Watch closely for signs of heatstroke.
At what age is an Alaskan Malamute a senior?
As a large breed, a Malamute is generally considered senior from around seven years old. It's a sensible point to move to twice-yearly vet checks, keep a close eye on the joints, thyroid and weight, and adapt exercise and bedding to support a large, ageing body. Many stay active well into later life with sensible care.
Do Alaskan Malamutes get on with other animals?
Malamutes have a strong prey drive and were bred to be hardy, independent working dogs, so they can chase cats, small pets and livestock, and some are intolerant of other dogs — particularly of the same sex. Early socialisation helps, but a secure garden, careful introductions and reliable recall management (or lead walking) are usually needed throughout their lives.
How can I help my Alaskan Malamute live longer?
Keep them lean, feed measured meals to reduce bloat risk, and give plenty of physical and mental exercise to suit this working breed. Stay alert to joint, eye, coat and energy changes, groom regularly, protect them from heat, and keep up routine vet checks. Choosing a puppy from health-tested parents gives the best possible start.
Are Alaskan Malamutes good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Alaskan Malamutes tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Alaskan Malamute need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Alaskan Malamute needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot?
Heavy shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Alaskan Malamutes easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Best for experienced owners. Alaskan Malamutes are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Alaskan Malamutes bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Alaskan Malamutes good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Alaskan Malamutes suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Alaskan Malamute really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Alaskan Malamute breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/working/alaskan-malamute/
- British Veterinary Association — Canine Health Schemes (hip, elbow and eye testing): https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/
- PDSA — dog care and breed health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — dog advice and breed welfare guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Alaskan Malamute
Matched to a Alaskan Malamute's size and their typical need for help with shedding, regular coat care, enrichment & mental stimulation.
Bugalugs Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats – 50ml
A natural, UK-made hemp seed oil supplement rich in Omega-3, -6, and -9 to support calmness, joint mobility, and a healthy, glossy coat.
£13.99
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
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Rechargeable Pet Grooming Clipper Kit
A cordless rechargeable pet clipper with an LED battery display, supplied with six guide combs, a styling comb, oil and a cleaning brush. Quiet and easy to handle for trimming and tidying your pet's coat at home.
£26.99
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.