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Breed profile

Alaskan Malamute

Powerful, friendly Arctic freight dog. Loves people, may not love other dogs, and sheds like a snowstorm twice a year.

Grey and white Alaskan Malamute trotting across snow with its plumed tail curled over its back
A Malamute on snow, plume tail up.Photo: Carina Wicke Photographer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
34–39 kg75–86 lb
Height
58–64 cm23–25 in
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Group
Working
Origin
United States (Alaska)
Popularity
#81 US#105 UK · 2025

Known for: Cold climatesWorking dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Affectionate, Playful, Independent, Strong-willed.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Inherited polyneuropathy
  • Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cataracts

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Long daily walks, hikes or pulling sports, and a very secure garden (they dig). Brush weekly, daily during the twice-yearly coat blow. Struggles in heat.

A good fit for

Experienced owners in cool climates who like hiking, sledding or canicross.

Probably not ideal for

Hot climates, flats, homes with small pets, and people wanting easy off-lead recall.

Sources

  1. Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Alaskan Malamute | Breeds A to Z | The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Alaskan Malamute | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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