Traditionally bred as a hardy utilitarian dog to the Malamut people in the region of Western Alaska over 2,000 years ago, the Nordic-type breed was first used in transporting heavy freight, pulling sledges and hunting smaller animals for the survival of its people. Discovered by settlers in the 1750's, the Alaskan Malamute moved into the Northern Polar regions as people slowly began inhabiting the land and is now popular across Europe and America. During WWII, the Alaskan Husky was heavily utilised in search and rescue missions in Greenland, helping to detect and recover those that were lost and trapped. It is generally believed to be one of the oldest known breeds of dog.
Perhaps the most characteristic trait of the Alaskan Malamute is its dense double coat, recognised in white, grey, sable, blue, black and sometimes red. The coat serves to protect the breed from extreme cold, whilst aiding its camouflage in hunting and tracking as its origins were that of the snowy white Alaskan flats. Due to the nature of its coat, hair is continually shed so regular grooming is essential. The breed is further characterised by a stocky body, high-set ears and a proud expression. They are known to chase smaller animals including cats and farm livestock, and are not usually very compatible with other dogs.
An impressive breed in size and stature, the Alaskan Malamute weighs an average of 34-39 kg whilst there are discrepancies across gender, and has a life expectancy of roughly 10 years of age when shown appropriate care, administered the correct diet and given sufficient exercise. Although a traditional hunter, the temperament of the Alaskan Malamute is easy and affectionate, reflecting its natural love of people, and is a breed that requires both physical and mental enrichment for achieving peak health and happiness. If you live in a cold, snowy clime or during the bleaker winter months, it is not unheard of for a Malamute to refuse to come indoors at night, preferring to stay out in its natural landscape.
Typically a healthy and long-lived breed, the Alaskan Malamute is known to suffer from various ailments, including epilepsy, which is easily managed with medication, hip dysplasia, kidney problems, skin complaints and congenital heart disease. Cancer is also a leading cause of death in the breed.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Alaskan Malamute - Zeke](http://static1.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/18094_0a0e5d200ae10258a4af0f8a453a7b37.jpg)
From Kent, United Kingdom
We have an Alaskan Shepherd (Malamute/German Shepherd cross), with enough GS in her to make her more biddable than a pedigree Mal. Still stubborn and wilful, but a pretty girl and she knows it. Terrible at recall, and needs strong leadership as Mals tend to want to dominate everybody. However, she's cuddly, affectionate, loving, funny and adorable. Not too good with other dogs, although she lives with two GS's. Loves the paddling pool and prefers to lie outside to sleep at night.
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
Best breed I have ever owned. Have great personalities . Very amusing . Highly strong and know what they want . Very strong dogs .Stubborn . Extremely vocal . If you don't like dog hair , this is not the dog for you lol . I wouldn't have any other breed .
From South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
I've had my girl for ten lovely years. She's still going strong! Still loves her walks but gets tired very quickly now. Has never got on with other larger breeds, but her companion is a chihuahua. Lol. A very loving breed who loves cuddles. Are very naughty when they are still juveniles, like escaping, digging and not responding to recall. But apart from that, they are the best.
From Merseyside, United Kingdom
Not recommend as a first time dog, need a lot of care and attention. SHed a lot of hair - called blowing. Having said that best breed of dog I have owned, beautiful personality, very soft and loving and extremely loyal.
From Conwy, United Kingdom
being A gamekeepers daughter I have had the privilege to train and meet many different breeds in the 50 years on this planet but nothing prepared me for the Mali challenge it takes time patience and commitment this breed is not for the faint hearted or the fair weather dog owner you need to like being out doors and love walking !!!! Regardless of the elements
Grooming is a must everyday no excuses
Training is never ending,socialising a definite must !! boredom will lead way to destruction of everything you can think off
One final thing this breed can not be allowed to become top dog within the home environment
On a plus note they are loving and giving in nature to their pack leader and I wouldn’t change my girl for the world
From Somerset, United Kingdom
As a puppy,not good recall and can run fast. Liked to chew everything. Easy to train in puppy classes,very clever . Stubborn if he doesn't want to do something he won't . Likes to be around a lot of people. Doesn't like bangs or sounds that are loud.
Woukd have been a very active dog enjoying long walks and playing in water,stream level,doesn't like waves. He developed type 1 diabetese, EPI and epilepsy ,has lost an eye and had cateract surgery. So limited to what he can do. He howls a lot which is not neighbour friendly.
He tolerates visits to the vets well and I have had no problem handling him with administration of medication. He is a beautiful dog and I love him very much.
From United Kingdom
Beautiful and unlike any other breed but hard work and very stubborn! Talkative and things have to be there idea or it’s not happening. When the coat blows, it’s like tumble weed season in my house so time for grooming is a must. Most importantly though, I love coming home to cuddles & woo woos.
From Kent , United Kingdom
Love my malli wouldn’t be without him
Bloody hard work from a stubborn I’m not doing what u want lol
To a beautiful I don’t wanna eat still stubborn hard work grumpy full grown mall but love him to bits makes me laugh
We growl and howl together he can’t quite make me out ha ha
If you have not had experience with this breed I don’t recommend them
There a big dog with special needs
That could drive an un experience novice mad
From United Kingdom
Luna is a malamute and husky cross but looks and acts more malamute than a husky. A most beautiful girl and very friendly with other dogs and humans like. Very loving, loyal and affectionate and it’s a joy to come home to be greeted by her . Can be very stubborn if she decides so. Loves to go on long walks and to run around freely in open spaces. But need to be careful to let her off lead as recall can be tricky. Needs care during hot summer days and a play pool with fresh water does the trick. Grooming is a must. I would not change her for the world.
From West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Malamutes can be a tricky breed but with training and patience you will have a tremendous vocal, loveable, stubborn dog who adores you. They can be prone to skin infections and need lots of grooming. Put the effort in and the rewards are amazing. Mine is a rescue who has come on leaps and bounds he is dog reactive but in the house he has impeccable manners, he is cheeky, sassy and a real character
From Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
My 9 month old Alaskan Malamute Odin has a huge personality!
He is very stubborn but also the biggest drama king! Malamutes are a very loyal breed but also want every inch of attention!
I wouldn't recommend for a first time owner, they are a very demanding breed and require someone with knowledge and experience.
Malamutes require owners to have lots of free time, not a breed that likes to be left alone for long periods of time.
That being said they have a beautiful personality and are a fantastic breed around children. Their size may put people off, but to me my Odin is just a big fluffy bear!!