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Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute

Origin

🇺🇸

United States

Size

Large Breed

Ideal Space

House with backyard

Ideal Weather

-5º-15ºC

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹5,700

Basic Lifestyle

₹8,550

Premium Lifestyle

Top 5 Traits

Athletic

Loyal

Playful

Energetic

Intelligent

Alaskan Malamute
written by image

by Sowjanya Siddanoor 

Quick Information

Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest dog breeds from the Arctic region. It got its name from the Mallehmuit tribe from northwest Alaska that settled in that region a long long time ago. 


These are sled dogs that are mainly employed to work in packs and carry heavy loads at a slow distance over long distances. Unlike Siberian Huskies that can pull lighter loads and can cover long distances at a faster pace. 


‘Mals’ are immensely strong, heavy-duty workers of the spitz type. They are well-built with heavy bone, deep chest, powerful shoulders, and waterproof coat that helps them cope with the harsh winters. 


They do look intimidating, however, they are playful, loyal, and affectionate dog breeds. Their training is crucial as they can be stubborn at times. Firm and loving training from puppyhood helps them behave. 

 

Characteristics

Barking

Quiet

Loud

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Compatibility with other dogs

Aggressive

Friendly

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

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Nutrition

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500

Calories per day

Puppies1500 kcal

Adults2500 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Fats

Carbohydrates

Fibre

Omega3

Vitamins

Minerals

List of foods

Chicken

Home made meals

Dry Dog Food

Vegetables

Fresh Meat

Fresh Fish

Fruits

Mutton

  • Alaskan Malaute dogs are high energy dogs and need to be fed high-quality food items that meet all the AAFCO standards. It differs for Alaskan Malamute puppies, adult and senior dogs.
  • The puppies are generally fed thrice a day as they are in a fast growing phase whereas the adult is fed twice.
  • There is specialised dog food for senior dogs that fulfils all the necessary nutrients. 
  • Including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is a must for overall growth and well-being of Alaskan Malamutes.


Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.

 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Selecting Good Quality Food

  • Choose a high-quality protein rich diet such as lean meat like chicken, mutton, and fish that meets the protein requirements.
  • Food must contain vitamins and minerals that help them to promote optimal joint health, shiny coat and overall vitality. 
  • You can give them treats to train but make sure they are fed in a limited amount. Overfeeding leads to obesity in turn affecting overall health. 
  • You can go for dry foods as well as homemade food after consulting the veterinarian. You can also give supplements that provide omega fatty acids after careful consideration to promote overall joint health and well-being. 
 

Never feed these foods to Alaskan Malamute

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Alcohol

Almonds

Avocados

Cherries

Cinnamon

Coffee / Tea

Salt

Onions

Garlic

Grapes

Sugar

Dairy

Mushrooms

  • Check with your veterinarian as to which all food items are bad for the Alaskan Malamute dog as sometimes they are allergic to certain foods.
  • In general, avoid feeding them fatty food like fried items. They cause obesity and related health conditions.
  • Check for the ingredients before buying, avoid those food items that have artificial preservatives, colors, and flavours. These might cause allergic reactions in your dog.
  • Strictly avoid feeding human food like chocolates, onions, garlic, raisins, and grapes as they can cause serious health issues and can be poisonous.
 
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Health

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,250

Common Health Issues

Bloat

Hip Dysplasia

Leptospirosis

Rabies

Heartworm

Canine distemper

Parasites

Well being

Exercise

Bonding

Games

Socialization

Hiking

Energy Level

High

Exercise routine

60 - 120 minutes

Recognising Stress

Changes in appetite

Reluctance to move

Excessive Barking

Pacing

Excessive Panting

Medical Care

Alaskan Malamutes are healthy dog breeds who can live up to 14 years, but they do have some common health issues that are recognized by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America.inc such as - 


  • Hypothyroidism: This is due to inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones in dogs. Weight gain, lethargy etc can be its symptoms. Consult a veterinarian if you find these symptoms. 


  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: It's a very common condition found in dogs where the hip and elbow joints are underdeveloped. This causes pain in joints and leads to arthritis as they age. This can be treated depending on the severity of the condition. 


  • Chondrodysplasia: It is a genetic disorder found in Alaskan Malamute puppies where they are born with limb deformities and they become ‘dwarf’. 


  • Cataract: This is an eye disorder where a dog can become blind as they age. A veterinarian's intervention is needed and can be treated by surgery.  


  • Polyneuropathy: This is a condition where the nervous system is affected, the symptoms include loss of muscle mass, frequent falling, exercise intolerance, abnormal gait etc. Unfortunately this disorder doesn't have a cure, mild symptoms can be dealt with whereas severe cases are difficult to cure. 
 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-8 weeks

Canine distemper, parvovirus, rabies

10-12 weeks

Canine distemper, parvovirus, rabies

16-18 weeks

Canine distemper, parvovirus, rabies

20-22 weeks

Bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme disease

1 year

Canine distemper, parvovirus, rabies

Recommendations to care for senior Alaskan Malamute dogs

  • Regular vet check-ups are necessary as they age. This helps detect any abnormalities at an early stage.
  • Their diet also changes and hence, formulating a balanced diet that suits their needs is essential. Some brands have come up with a specialised diet for the senior digs which fulfils all the protein requirements. 
  • Regular but mild exercise ensures their overall health and prevents obesity and other related conditions. Over-excerting them with heavy exercise can cause joint pains. 
  • It’s vital to look for signs of discomfort in your dogs like change in appetite, behavioural changes and pain that might be caused due to underlying health conditions. 
  • Alaskan Malamutes are energetic dog breeds and hence, socialising them and keeping them mentally stimulated with puzzles, and interactive toys is very essential. 


Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.

 
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Grooming

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800

Shedding Level

High Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Bathing

Brushing

Ear Cleaning

Eye Care

Nail Trimming

Benefits of Grooming

Cleanliness

Low Shedding

Prevents Bad Breath

Odourless

Quality of life

Prevents infections

  • Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy-shedder so regular brushing is a must to keep the coat shiny, remove loose fur, and stimulate natural oil production.
  • Frequent baths help them keep clean, use mild cleansing liquids that do not cause allergic reactions. Dry their fur thoroughly to make sure the fur is not damn. 
  • Nail trimming and ear cleaning is very important to avoid any infections.
 
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Adopt or Shop: The choice is yours!

Cost of buying

₹ 40,000 - ₹ 1,00,000

If you want an Alaskan Malamute for your home, you have two basic options: buying or adopting.


Buying 


  • The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
  • Ask the  breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no in-breeding taking place. 
  • The cost of Alaskan Malamute puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, possibility of show quality, and breeder reputation. 


Adopt


  • Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
  • Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.


Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Alaskan Malamute


Siberian Husky | Samoyed | Akita | American Eskimo Dog | Saint Bernard | Newfoundland | Bernese Mountain Dog

 

Prerequisites to pet a Alaskan Malamute

Access to Groomer

Access to Veterinary

Appropriate Climate

Financial Capability

Space and Environment

Time and Effort

Alaskan Malamute breeders in India

M

Mohan Raj

Raj's Kennel

Bangalore, Karnataka

Listing Soon

V

Vijo Joseph

Alaska

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Listing Soon

Yashwanth

Yashwanth

Rockets Kennel

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Listing Soon

Now that you know what it takes to raise a undefined, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?

Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues,  temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the Alakan Malamute dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.


Find reputable sources: Before buying an Alaskan Malamute puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.


Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.


Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.


Prepare your home: It is your duty to make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.

 
written by image

Written by

Sowjanya Siddanoor

Author

Hey there! 👋 I am a pet lover with experience in fostering strays. Actively engaged in the pet community, through animal rescues and shelter work, striving to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. I love creating content that helps people learn how to care for and maintain their pets. By day, I’m an SEO professional and content writer, weaving words into magic and helping brands climb the search rankings. Beyond my love for animals, I’m an adventure sports enthusiast who enjoys the thrill of the outdoors and traveling to new places. 🌍✨ Not a pet parent yet, but preparing for my home to be ruled by tiny paws (Counting down the moments until my mom says, "Okay, fine!”) 🐾💙

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often do Alaskan Malamutes shed?

Alaskan Malamutes are very high shedders, particularly during seasonal changes. Regular brushing several times a week is essential to manage shedding and maintain their coat.

Are Alaskan Malamutes easy to train?

Alaskan Malamutes are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent, which can make training a challenge. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed.

What type of diet is best for an Alaskan Malamute?

A balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is best for Alaskan Malamutes. Suitable food options include lean meats like chicken and mutton, fresh fish, dry dog food, and vegetables. Avoid foods with fillers and artificial additives.

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