Breeds
Alaskan Malamute: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
An Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, friendly, people-loving sled dog built to haul heavy loads through snow. Malamutes are social and affectionate, but they are independent, strong, prone to digging and chasing small animals, and they shed heavily. They need hard daily exercise and a cool climate. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Alaskan Malamute temperament and personality
VCA describes the Malamute as social and people-oriented but independent and sometimes willful, highly intelligent and often keen on family activities. It notes a strong prey drive.
Malamutes are friendly to almost everyone, so they are poor guard dogs. They can be vocal, with a famous woo-woo talk rather than barking. VCA says they are best suited to experienced or active owners who enjoy a strong-minded dog.
A Malamute that is well exercised and included in family life is usually relaxed and good-natured at home. Boredom is the usual cause of trouble, so plan work for the dog every day.
How big do Alaskan Malamutes get?
VCA gives a height of 23 to 25 inches and a weight of 75 to 85 pounds, and the AKC's breed weight chart lists the same 75 to 85 pounds. Neither source sets separate ranges by sex.
Malamutes are heavy-boned and strong. Keep a growing puppy lean to protect the joints, and ask your vet about a large-breed puppy diet and a healthy adult weight.
The heavy coat can hide extra pounds. Feel for the ribs every few weeks, measure meals and count training treats, because excess weight adds strain to the hips and elbows.
Alaskan Malamute lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. It lists hip and elbow dysplasia, skeletal dwarfism and Alaskan Malamute polyneuropathy in puppies; bloat, zinc-responsive skin disease, progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism in adults; and cataracts in seniors.
Ask a breeder for hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams and DNA results for the breed's inherited conditions on both parents. Ask your vet about bloat risk. A swollen belly with retching is an emergency; crusty, scaly skin should be seen promptly.
Exercise needs
VCA says Malamutes need significant daily activity, such as long walks and pulling activities, and that without enough they may dig, chew or become destructive. It says they do best with fenced outdoor space and a cooler climate.
Sledding, skijoring, carting, weight pull and long hikes suit the breed. Exercise early and late in warm weather, and keep the dog leashed or securely fenced, since Malamutes tend to roam and chase.
Grooming and shedding
VCA rates grooming and shedding as moderate most of the year but says seasonal shedding can be heavy, and recommends regular brushing, occasional baths, nail trims and ear care.
During a coat blow, brush daily with an undercoat rake and slicker brush; the amount of hair can be remarkable. Never shave the coat, which insulates against both cold and heat.
Bathe only a few times a year and dry the dense coat completely, ideally with a high-velocity dryer, to keep the skin healthy. Trim nails regularly and check between the pads.
Training an Alaskan Malamute
VCA says Malamutes respond best to consistent positive reinforcement and structure, and that early socialization is important. Their independence means they will test rules.
Keep sessions short and varied, use high-value rewards and practice recall on a long line, never relying on it off leash. Harness training for pulling sports channels the breed's drive.
Start with puppy classes and keep going. Malamutes respond best when training feels like a partnership, so use food, play and pulling work as rewards, and never rely on a recall in an unfenced area.
Are Alaskan Malamutes good with kids and other pets?
VCA says Malamutes are generally good with children with supervision. Their size and strength mean small children can be knocked over in play.
VCA warns Malamutes may not tolerate small animals because of their prey drive. Cats, rabbits and other small pets need careful management or separation, and any new dog should be introduced slowly on neutral ground with close supervision.
Teach children not to run from or wrestle with a young Malamute, which can quickly turn rough. Calm, supervised play and clear rules help a big, friendly dog learn good manners.
What an Alaskan Malamute needs at home
A high, secure fence that the dog cannot dig under, an extra-large crate, shade and a cool place to rest, and a pulling harness are the basics. Expect to vacuum often.
For care, keep an undercoat rake, a slicker brush, a comb, nail clippers or a grinder, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush, plus durable chews and puzzle feeders. Ask your vet about joint and bloat care.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Joint and eye screening of the parents, a lean body weight and knowing the signs of bloat all help.
How big do Alaskan Malamutes get?
The AKC lists males at about 25 inches and 85 pounds, and females at about 23 inches and 75 pounds. Working lines can run larger, so ask your vet about your dog's ideal weight.
Do Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot?
Yes, especially seasonally. VCA rates shedding as moderate most of the year but heavy during seasonal sheds, when daily brushing with an undercoat rake helps.
Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs?
For experienced, active families, yes. VCA says they are social and generally good with supervised children, but they may not tolerate small animals. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
Can Alaskan Malamutes live in warm climates?
With care. VCA says the breed is best suited to a cooler climate. In warm areas, exercise early and late, provide shade, water and air-conditioning, and watch closely for signs of overheating.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
