(Mal) Alaskan Malamutes are a well-built, strong Arctic breed. Their bodies are large, compact and sturdily built, and well-muscled. They have a broad head with a dignified expression, and their triangular-shaped ears are carried erect. Alaskan Malamutes have a plumed tail that curls over the back in a loop shape. Their almond-shaped eyes are brown in color, and they resemble those of a wolf. The Alaskan Malamute’s lush double coat comes in a variety of colors including white, black and white, wolf gray, wolf sable, or red. Markings, highlights, masks, or dark caps in different colors may exist.

Blue eyes are a disqualification color as set forth by the AKC.

Alaskan Malamutes are a good-natured, energetic breed. They are fun-loving, loyal, dedicated, and affectionate towards their owner(s). They make excellent pets for families with older children. As they become older, Alaskan Malamutes get calmer and more dignified. They are extremely sociable and outgoing, even towards strangers, so they do not make good watchdogs or guard dogs. This breed needs plenty of attention in order to prevent the onset of behavioral difficulties. Although sometimes difficult to train, Alaskan Malamutes are eager to please and can learn good manners with comparative ease. They like to dig and howl, and they will eat whatever is given to them.

Their howl is almost identical to that of a wolf.

Alaskan Malamutes have few health concerns or genetic problems. Owner should not purchase this breed from a puppy mill, as these dogs are more prone to have a bad temperament or health issues. Like many other large breeds, Alaskan Malamutes are prone to hip dysplasia. They can also be susceptible to bloat. They typically live for 12 to 15 years, and they average 6 puppies per litter.

The average lifespan for this breed is 12-15 years.

Alaskan Malamutes are a breed of Nordic dog. This means they are descendants of the Arctic wolf. Initially utilized by the Alaskan Eskimos 2000 to 3000 years ago, the Alaskan Malamutes were their predominant source of transportation. The breed hauled supplies and pulled sleds, and they were later used in Admiral Byrd’s pole expeditions. Alaskan Malamutes are known for their endurance and heart, and they have a number of natural abilities like sledding, racing, weight pulling, carting, and searching and rescuing. Over the past few decades, Alaskan Malamutes have proven to be excellent companions.

Some consider them the strongest of the sled dogs.

The Alaskan Malamute’s dense, thick coat should be brushed frequently. They are excessive shedders and their undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. This breed is clean and odorless, so bathing is not particularly necessary. Alaskan Malamutes need plenty of exercise, but they shouldn’t be too active in warm weather.

Alaskan Malamutes are fairly active inside, and they need a large yard to run around and play. This breed likes to dig, so it’s important to have a buried fence that surrounds the backyard. Alaskan Malamutes are used to cold weather conditions, so they should be kept cool with lots of shade and cold water.

	I really like this breed and I was thinking about getting one. I live in a tropical country however, Jamaica. Is this climate too hot for the dog? No, they won't do good. As you see in the pic above, this breed thrives in cold weather. Try getting a retriever instead.
	I have read that Siberian Huskies cannot be trusted off the lead as they may just keep running. However in all the articles I have trawled through this is not mentioned with Malamutes. Will a Malamute return if let off the lead? i have a 2 year old siberian husky and alaskan malamute. I often have both of them off a leash. They have never run off on me. As a matter of fact they run along with my snowmobile much like a pack. I also have them trained to stay on an open porch, on a residential street, with or without me.
	What is the difference between the siberian huskie and the malamute? Malamutes are bigger stronger and gentler. Huskies are very skinny and delicate compared to these giant dogs.
	I have alaskan malamute wolf mix puppies that are 7 months old. I keep them outside in a very large pen, but with winter coming, what is the lowest tempature they can withstand before I need to bring them indoors at night? i have a full grown alaskan malamute and she would probably be fine in that situation living outside but i think puppies need to be brought inside or have something to keep warm.
	I want an Alaskan Malamute, but I have a few cats and another dog, a German Shepherd, and a friend told me that Malamutes will chase after smaller animals and cats, and kill them. Is this true, or just a myth? We have two malamutes and also 2 cats. the dogs love to sniff the cats but actully the dogs cower to our one cat, he is the boss cat. I think this is due to the fact that we had the cat first and then introduced the dogs as puppies so they have grown up together. I am sure it depends on the dog. Our malamutes do kill and eat squirles though.
	i have always wanted a Alaskan Malamute, but I live in Puerto Rico, is an tropical island. I do have a large yard. and lost of trees. What should I do ?
	which is smarter the malamute or the huskie? The Malamute is smarter just from experience and very easy to train if you start when the are puppys. My malamute is 17 weeks ole and weighs 30 lbs she was very easy to train in spite of what I was told about them orior to getting her. Scarlet my malamute is a digger and I don not have a under groung fence. I have been working very hard with her and redirecting her seems to work for now, but I do have to give the dog whisper alot of credit most of what I learned about training was from watching his show and appling it to her.
	Im from india and i wanna know can alaskan malamute stay or survive the atmosphere of india and if i give them ac?
	What will help keep my mals in the yard? My fences do not deter them and I am considering a hot wire. Any other alternatives? dont use a hot wire that will only scare and hurt your mal, my mal digs ujnder my fence so we put he on a chain that linked him from one side of the yard to another then we let him off and he didnt notice the difference but it took some time to teach him the chain was were he was to be and now he is staying in the yard
	Hi, I have a 3 yr old Alaskan Malamute which we rescued. We would now like a Rotti Puppy, but she is agressive when she meets other dogs. Is it better to have a puppy or she we just forget the whole idea. I have a big garden. get the puppy. take the time to introduce your mal with plenty of breaks. have a specific area(s) for both the mal and the pup. my mal and my kitten are best friends. She also loves our friends female dog.it will be harder to make it work with an older dog, but it can be done with discipline,time and love. the dog mainly needs to know that you are boss and the new pup is also a pack member. with our mal i have found that a squirt bottle, along with verbal commands does wonders.

View all Q&A