Alaskan Malamute Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful Arctic sled dog with a thick double coat, a plumed tail and a friendly but strong-willed nature. It was bred to haul heavy loads over long distances, and it needs experienced, committed owners.

Origins and appearance

The breed is named for the Mahlemut people of Alaska and was developed to pull freight and help with hunting. Malamutes are large and heavily boned, with a broad head, erect ears, a coarse, thick outer coat over a woolly undercoat in gray, black, red or white combinations and a tail that curls over the back.

Temperament

They are friendly, affectionate and strong-willed. They are usually good with children in their family, though their size can overwhelm small children. They can be dominant with other dogs and have a strong prey drive. They are independent. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need extensive daily exercise, with long walks, hiking and pulling sports. They enjoy cold weather. Secure fencing is essential, since many dig or climb. Mental work matters.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive, consistent methods and early socialization. Do not expect a reliable off-lead recall. Pulling and carting sports give a safe outlet. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat sheds heavily and needs brushing several times a week, daily during shedding seasons. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave the coat. Trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Hereditary eye conditions, including cataracts
• Polyneuropathy, a hereditary nerve condition with a DNA test
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Heat stress. See heatstroke in dogs

Living with an Alaskan Malamute

They suit experienced, active owners with a secure yard and a cool climate. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to apartments, hot climates or first-time owners.

A typical day

A Malamute wants a long morning outing, training, a rest and an evening walk. Many are calm indoors after exercise.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are large, fluffy and mouthy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a large dog, grooming tools, secure fencing and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They thrive in cold weather but overheat easily. Provide shade, water and cool resting places. They travel well with a sturdy crate.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include trusting the dog off lead, shaving the coat, underexercising and poor socialization.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and polyneuropathy testing and the parents' temperaments. Meet the parents and see how they live.

A freight hauler, not a sprinter

Where Huskies were bred for speed, Malamutes were bred for strength and endurance with heavy sleds. Their build reflects that job, with a deep chest and powerful legs, and many enjoy weight pulling and carting.

Strong-minded and social

Malamutes often test boundaries, especially as adolescents. Calm, fair rules, early socialization and plenty of exercise help. Many are sociable with people but pushy with other dogs, so careful introductions matter.

Daily care checklist

• A long outing or pulling session.
• Brushing, daily during shedding seasons.
• Training or puzzle games.
• A check of fences and gates.
• Fresh water, shade and company.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Alaskan Malamute suits experienced, active owners who want a powerful, friendly Arctic dog and accept shedding and strong will. It may not suit first-time owners or hot climates. For a lighter sled dog, see the Siberian Husky.

The takeaway

Alaskan Malamutes are powerful, friendly and strong-willed, and they need exercise, grooming and experienced handling.