Alaskan Malamute
Overview
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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Alaskan Malamute is good with children and can be selective with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are best for experienced owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Alaskan Malamute typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is heavy. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Alaskan Malamute should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +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
Is a Alaskan Malamute right for you?
On space, a Alaskan Malamute is needs plenty of space — they really need plenty of room and a lot of daily activity. For experience level, they are best for experienced owners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Alaskan Malamute
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
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 a 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.