Strong and Enduring

Malamutes are built for strength and endurance, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sledding.

Affectionate and Loyal

They are known for their deep attachment to their families, often forming strong bonds with their human companions.

Good with Children

Malamutes are generally patient and gentle with children, making them good family dogs.

Social and Friendly

Despite their imposing size, Malamutes are friendly and social, often welcoming strangers and other dogs.

High Exercise Needs

Malamutes are high-energy dogs that require significant daily exercise, which may be challenging for less active households.

Heavy Shedding

Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes, and requires regular grooming.

Not Ideal for Hot Climates

Due to their thick coat, Malamutes can easily overheat in warmer climates, requiring extra care in hot weather.

Can Be Stubborn

Malamutes are independent thinkers and can be stubborn, requiring firm and consistent training.

Exercise Needs

Alaskan Malamutes are high-energy dogs that require regular, vigorous exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running, and pulling sleds or carts. Without sufficient exercise, Malamutes may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours.

Walks

Malamutes need at least one or two long walks or runs per day, combined with additional playtime and mentally stimulating activities. They also enjoy participating in dog sports like sledding or weight-pulling, which provide excellent outlets for their strength and energy.

Training

Malamutes are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent. Early obedience training is crucial to establish boundaries and ensure good behaviour. Positive reinforcement methods work best, but Malamutes require firm and consistent leadership. They thrive in environments where they have a job or task to complete, making them excellent working or sporting dogs.

Purchase Price

$3,000 - $6,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

PuppyPal encourages you to explore rescue and shelter adoption options—these can be more affordable and offer a loving dog a much-deserved second chance at a forever home

Initial Setup (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Around $500 - $800 AUD.

Food

Approximately $1,500 - $2,500 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs and size.

Grooming

Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks can cost around $600 - $1,000 AUD per year. Regular at-home brushing is essential to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $600 - $1,200 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $500 - $1,200 AUD per year, with additional expenses for managing joint or metabolic issues.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 10–14-year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $30,000 - $55,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs, typically standing 58-64 cm (23-25 inches) tall and weighing between 34-45 kg (75-100 lbs), with males generally being larger than females.

Coat

They have a thick, double-layered coat designed to protect them from extreme cold. The outer coat is coarse and long, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Malamutes shed heavily, particularly during seasonal changes, requiring regular brushing.

Colour Options

Malamutes come in various colours, including black and white, grey and white, red and white, and sable. They often have distinctive facial markings, such as a mask or cap.

Temperament

Alaskan Malamutes are known for their friendly, outgoing, and loyal temperament. They are affectionate with their families and enjoy being around people. Despite their strength and size, they are not aggressive and are often friendly with strangers. However, they can be independent and stubborn, making them more challenging to train than some other breeds.

Good with Children

Alaskan Malamutes are typically good with children, especially older ones who can handle their size and energy. They are gentle and protective, but supervision is recommended around small children due to their large size and exuberant play style.

Socialisation

Early and consistent socialisation is important for Malamutes to ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. They are naturally friendly but benefit from exposure to different situations to develop confidence and appropriate behaviour.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Alaskan Malamutes prefer to live indoors with their families but need regular outdoor time for exercise and play. They are not suited to living outdoors full-time due to their social nature and strong bond with their family. They do best in homes with large yards where they can run and play.

Apartment Living

Due to their large size and high exercise needs, Alaskan Malamutes are not ideal for apartment living unless they have regular access to outdoor areas. They need space to move around and enjoy spending time in open spaces.

Time Alone

Alaskan Malamutes do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are social dogs that thrive on companionship and may become bored or anxious if isolated for extended periods. They are best suited to homes where someone is present for most of the day, or they have another pet for companionship.

Common Health Issues

Alaskan Malamutes are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain conditions, including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and inherited polyneuropathy (a nerve condition). Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and controlled exercise are essential for maintaining their health. They are also susceptible to bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening condition common in large breeds.

Guarding Ability

Despite their size, Malamutes are not naturally aggressive guard dogs. While they may bark to alert their owners to strangers, they are generally too friendly to act as effective protectors. Their size alone, however, can be a deterrent to intruders.

Affectionate Nature

Alaskan Malamutes are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. They are known for their loving and loyal demeanour, often seeking out attention and companionship from their owners.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Malamutes can be social with other dogs, but supervision is recommended in dog parks due to their size and strength. Early socialisation helps ensure positive interactions with other pets, though their natural friendliness usually makes them good playmates.

Climate Adaptability

Alaskan Malamutes are better suited to colder climates due to their thick double coat. In warmer regions, it’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. They may also benefit from air conditioning or cooling mats in hot weather to prevent overheating.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and inherited polyneuropathy, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.