A powerful, sturdy, and heavy-boned dog with a great deal of strength and stamina, the Alaskan Malamute is an imposing looking canine. But this breed’s looks bely its affectionate and playful nature. If you’re interested in bringing home an Alaskan Malamute puppy, here’s some important information you should know.
Alaskan Malamutes belong to the AKC’s Working Group. These are large dogs, standing 23-25 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 75-85 pounds on average. The average lifespan of this breed is 10-14 years.
While an Alaskan Malamute makes a great family pet, first-time pet parents should make careful considerations before bringing a Mal puppy home. These are high-shedding dogs that are not suited to apartment living. They are very sensitive by nature and need lots of companionship and space. While very well adapted to cold climates, Alaskan Malamutes do not do well in hot climates.
In terms of personality and family life, the Alaskan Malamute is reasonably affectionate with family members but not lovey-dovey. These dogs do well with young kids and other dogs provided they receive plenty of early socialization and training. They are very friendly with strangers and therefore do not make the best watchdogs.
Alaskan Malamutes are highly trainable and in fact training these puppies is important to prevent them from becoming dominant, especially with young kids. They are energetic dogs that need lots of daily exercise as well as mental stimulation. This is a strong, athletic dog that was bred to carry heavy loads and therefore has a great deal of endurance. Therefore, Alaskan Malamutes are perfect companions for active individuals who like to run, hike, or swim. While not overly vocal, an Alaskan Malamute may bark on occasion.
As mentioned above, the Alaskan Malamute is a high shedder. This dog has a medium length, weatherproof, double coat. You will need to brush the coat at least 3-4 times a week to remove matting. Alaskan Malamutes are not big droolers, however.
If an Alaskan Malamute sounds like the perfect canine companion for you, check out listings of reputable breeders of Mals on Puppy Hero. We pre-screen all breeders listed on our website to ensure you bring home a happy, healthy, and adorable Alaskan Malamute puppy.