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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+8
Dogs
# The Alaskan Malamute: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
A large powerful Nordic dog, affectionate and built for endurance.
Size LargeLife expectancy 10–12 yearsBudget ≈ €140/monthPuppy €800 – €1,300
[Find a breeder 33](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=alaskan-malamute)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Limited
First-time owners Limited
Other pets Fair
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Remarkable endurance: He excels in long and sustained activities thanks to his sled dog heritage.
- Affectionate companion: His friendly and loyal temperament makes him an endearing family dog.
- Great resistance to cold: His dense undercoat and Nordic build allow him to face harsh climates.
- Not well-suited to apartment living: He needs space, exercise, and regular activities to stay balanced.
- Limited tolerance to heat: High temperatures and summer exertion can quickly put him in difficulty.
- Demanding training: His Nordic temperament can make him stubborn and not very obedient without a solid framework from an early age.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: It is well suited to households able to offer it time, space and long outings.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hiking, trekking and endurance activities match its natural abilities well.
- Life in a well-fenced house: A spacious environment helps meet its need for movement and limits boredom.
Not recommended for
- Sedentary lifestyle: A not very active daily routine does not meet its physical and mental needs.
- Small homes: Lack of space and low activity increase the risk of boredom and troublesome behaviors.
- Very hot climates: This Nordic breed does not tolerate high heat well and requires significant precautions.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
61 cmAlaskan Malamute
- Height at the withers
- 56–66 cm
- Weight
- 34–38 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, thick
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Alaskan Malamute in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds of Nordic sled dogs. It originates from northwestern Alaska, notably from the Kotzebue region, where the Mahlemiut tribe bred it for hauling and hunting. Its strength and endurance were also put to use during the Gold Rush in the 19th century to transport men and equipment. The breed was definitively recognized by the FCI in 1963.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, sturdy and compact dog, with strong bone structure and very well-developed musculature. Its outer coat is thick and harsh, combined with a dense and woolly undercoat that protects it effectively from the cold. Its head is broad and well proportioned, its brown almond-shaped eyes express gentleness, and its medium-sized triangular ears are well spaced. Its well-furnished tail is carried over the back at rest.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Affectionate, friendly and sociable, the Alaskan Malamute is an endearing family companion who generally proves dignified, playful and loyal. Originally a working dog, it retains a strong taste for activity and appreciates the presence of its loved ones. It is not made for prolonged solitude and generally remains not very aggressive toward humans.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Alaskan Malamute needs space, freedom and daily activities to stay balanced. It is an energetic dog that enjoys long walks, hikes and endurance activities. Apartment living suits it poorly, and boredom can encourage running away or troublesome behaviors. It tolerates cold very well but much less high heat.
Training
## Training and socialization
Its training must begin early with a firm, consistent and respectful framework. Intelligent but not very obedient, the Alaskan Malamute can test its handler and show itself to be stubborn like many Nordic dogs. Learning must remain regular, varied and conducted without a power struggle, otherwise it may lose its cooperation.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Alaskan Malamute
The purchase price varies depending on the lineage, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the health tests carried out and the quality of the follow-up offered. Beyond the acquisition cost, you must anticipate a regular maintenance budget compatible with a large active and heavily coated dog.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/alaskan-malamute/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Alaskan Malamute is an overall sturdy dog, well equipped for cold climates and endurance efforts. Its large size nevertheless requires particular vigilance regarding the locomotor system, especially during growth. It tolerates high heat poorly, which requires a real adaptation of the pace of life.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/alaskan-malamute/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Alaskan Malamute needs a quality diet adapted to its large size, its activity level and its pace of life. Needs vary greatly between a very athletic dog and a more sedentary subject, hence the benefit of an individualized adjustment with the veterinarian if necessary.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/alaskan-malamute/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Alaskan Malamute is often confused with the Siberian Husky, from which it is nevertheless distinguished by a stronger bone structure and a more massive musculature. Two Malamutes named Buck and Shadow appear in the film Antartica, Prisoners of the Cold, inspired by a Japanese expedition to Antarctica in 1958.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Alaskan Malamute
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Alaskan Malamute live in an apartment?
This is generally not the most suitable setting for him. This breed needs space, sustained daily activity and does not cope well with boredom, which makes apartment living difficult in the long run.
### Is the Alaskan Malamute a good first dog?
As a general rule, no. Its Nordic temperament, relative independence and need for a firm but fair education make it better suited to adopters who are already comfortable with large active dogs.
### Does the Alaskan Malamute tolerate heat well?
No, it does not tolerate high heat well. Its thick undercoat requires strict precautions in summer with outings during cool hours, shade and constant hydration.
## Find a Alaskan Malamute breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Alaskan Malamute breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Alaskan Malamute breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes7](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Alaskan Malamute breeders in Grand Est6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/grand-est) [Alaskan Malamute breeders in Pays de la Loire4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/pays-de-la-loire) [Alaskan Malamute breeders in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/bourgogne-franche-comte) [Alaskan Malamute breeders in Brittany3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/brittany) [Alaskan Malamute breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Alaskan Malamute breeders in Occitanie3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/occitanie)
### Alaskan Malamute breeders by country
[41 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/germany) [33 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute) [30 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/italy) [11 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/denmark) [8 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/austria) [8 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/finland) [5 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/spain) [2 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/croatia) [2 breeders of Alaskan Malamute in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/united-kingdom) [1 breeder of Alaskan Malamute in Hungary](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute/hungary)
[All breeders of Alaskan Malamute in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute)
## Ready to welcome a Alaskan Malamute?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-alaskan-malamute)
## Compare Alaskan Malamute with other breeds
- [Siberian Husky vs. Alaskan Malamute](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/siberian-husky-vs-alaskan-malamute)
## Discover other breeds
[Greenland Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/greenland-dog)
[Siberian Husky
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/siberian-husky)
[Samoyed
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/samoyed)
[Alaskan Klee Kai
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/alaskan-klee-kai)
[Pomsky
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/pomsky)
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