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- World Animal Rescue Network - Alaskan Malamute (Nov. 08, 2026)
Alaskan Malamute
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What is an Alaskan Malamute?
The Alaskan Malamute, or Mal, is a strong sled dog that takes its name from the Malemiut people of Alaska. It is characterized by a broad head, erect ears, and a plumelike tail carried over its back. Its thick coat is usually gray and white or black and white, often forming cap or masklike markings on the head.
Mals are loyal, friendly, and strong-willed. Training is important due to their independent nature and strength. They need a long daily walk or hike, and a securely fenced space to run because they often do not come when called and can be escape artists. They can overheat in warm weather and prefer cold climates because of their dense coat, which needs daily brushing, especially when shedding.
Alaskan Malamutes typically live for 10 to 14 years.
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Where did the Alaskan Malamute breed originate?
The Alaskan Malamute originated in the Arctic region and was developed by the Malemiut people of Alaska, from whom the breed gets its name. Ancestors of the Alaskan Malamute likely arrived in North America thousands of years ago by crossing the Bering Strait from Siberia. They are among the most ancient breeds of dogs.
Alaskan Malamutes are strong and have thick coats, which are usually gray and white or black and white. Loyal and friendly, they were used to haul freight on sleds and accompanied Richard E. Byrd on his exploration of Antarctica.
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What does an Alaskan Malamute look like?
The Alaskan Malamute is a strongly built sled dog with a broad head and erect ears. Its plumelike tail is carried over its back. The Alaskan Malamute has a thick coat that is typically gray and white or black and white. The colors often form masklike markings on the head.
Alaskan Malamutes are characteristically loyal and friendly. They are moderately energetic and playful and seem to have a sense of humor that can lead to mischief.
The height at withers is 23–25 inches (58–63.5 cm), and their weight is 75–85 pounds (34–39 kg). The breed's thick coat needs brushing daily and makes them susceptible to overheating in warm weather.
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For what purpose were Alaskan Malamutes originally used?
The Alaskan Malamute is a strongly built sled dog that the Malemiut people of Alaska developed, from whom the breed gets its name. Characteristically loyal and friendly, Alaskan Malamutes have been used to haul freight on sleds and have served on expeditions to Antarctica. They also served as rescue dogs during World War II.
Alaskan Malamutes enjoy activities such as sledding and weight-pulling. They can also compete successfully in activities and sports such as agility, obedience, and nose work.
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How does the temperament of an Alaskan Malamute compare to other dog breeds?
Alaskan Malamutes are strong-willed and independent pack animals that need respect and training, though their independent nature, strength, and stubbornness can make training challenging. They learn sledding or pulling quickly and are moderately energetic and playful, with a sense of humor that can lead to mischief. Due to their strength and determination, they may not be the best choice for children or seniors.
Malamutes are typically affectionate toward family and friends and fairly amiable with strangers. However, they can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs. With training, they can be adequate watchdogs but typically are not good protection dogs. If left alone, Malamutes may dig and howl excessively.
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What special care or exercise needs does an Alaskan Malamute have?
Alaskan Malamutes need daily exercise like long walks or hikes and games in a safe, fenced area, as they might not respond to calls. They excel in activities such as sledding, weight pulling, agility, obedience, and nose work.
Their thick coat requires daily brushing, especially during shedding seasons, and they are prone to overheating in warm climates.
Health-wise, Alaskan Malamutes can suffer from day blindness and cataracts, and hypothyroidism is also a concern. Like other large breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia, so it's best to feed puppies food that slows their growth.
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Alaskan Malamute, sled dog developed by the Malemiut people of Alaska, from whom it takes its name. The Alaskan Malamute is a strongly built dog, with a broad head, erect ears, and a plumelike tail carried over its back. Its thick coat is usually gray and white or black and white, the colors frequently forming a caplike or masklike marking on the head. Characteristically loyal and friendly, it has been used to haul freight on sleds and has served on expeditions to Antarctica.
- Also called: Mal
- Area of origin: Arctic region
- Breed group: Working
- Height at withers:23–25 inches (58–63.5 cm)
- Weight: 75–85 pounds (34–39 kg)
- Life span: 10-14 years
- Did you know?: Alaskan Malamutes are among the most-ancient breeds of dogs. Their ancestors likely reached North America and the region of Alaska thousands of years ago by crossing the Bering Strait from Siberia. The breed was popular among miners needing sled dogs during the Gold Rush of the 1800s, and Mals accompanied Richard E. Byrd on his exploration of Antarctica in the early 20th century. The hardy breed also served as rescue dogs during World War II. In addition, filmmaker George Lucas based the Star Wars character Chewbacca on his own Alaskan Malamute, whose name, “Indiana,” was used for another one of Lucas’s blockbuster series, Indiana Jones.
Care and upkeep
Alaskan Malamutes enjoy a long walk or hike daily, coupled with vigorous games. Because they often do not come when called, the space in which Mals run needs to be safe or securely fenced. Some can be escape artists. They particularly enjoy sledding and weight-pulling activities and can also compete successfully in a variety of activities and sports such as agility, obedience, and nose work.
The breed’s thick coat needs brushing daily, especially when shedding. Because the coat is so dense, Mals are susceptible to overheating in warm weather, and they typically prefer cold climates.
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Although generally healthy, Alaskan Malamutes can experience certain issues. Of particular note are day blindness, in which the dog is sensitive to bright light, and cataracts. An underactive thyroid is also a concern. In addition, as with all large breeds prone to hip dysplasia, puppies should eat a large-breed puppy food designed to slow their growth rate, which lessens the chance of developing the condition.
Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is as strong-willed as it is strong-bodied. A pack animal, it will try to dominate those it does not respect. Thus, training is important, though the process is not always easy, given the dog’s independent nature, great strength, and occasional stubbornness. The exception is training for sledding or pulling, which it learns very quickly. The breed is moderately energetic and playful. It seems to have a sense of humor that can lead to mischief. Because of its strength and determination, it may not be the best choice for children or seniors.
Mals are typically affectionate toward family and friends and fairly amiable with strangers. However, the breed can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs. With training, it can be an adequate watchdog but typically is not a good protection dog. Left on their own, Mals may dig and howl excessively.
These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.
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