Last Updated: 18/03/2026
Alaskan Malamute Breed Guide
Thinking of an Alaskan Malamute? Our breed guide covers facts, health, and care.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, known for its immense strength, endurance, and friendly, dignified personality. They are built for power rather than speed, possessing a heavy bone structure and a thick, weatherproof double coat. While they are affectionate with their families, they are independent thinkers who require consistent training and plenty of physical activity. Due to their heavy coats, they are particularly sensitive to the Australian heat and require careful management during summer.
All about Alaskan Malamute
Place of origin
USA (Alaska)
Weight range
32-43kg
Breed size
Large/Giant
Height range
58-71cm
Breed group
Utility
Life expectancy
10-12 years
Coat colours
Light grey to black, sable to red, always with white on underbody
Grooming needs
High
Coat type
Thick Double
Health issues
Hip Dysplasia; Cataracts
Shedding factor
Very High
Exercise needs
Very High
Play style
Strong/Tug
Housing needs
Large Yard Required
Trainability
High, very food motivated
Social needs
High
Family suitability
High
Tendency to bark
Moderate (Howls)
Nutrition
Providing the correct balance of nutrients is essential for Alaskan Malamutes to support their heavy skeletal structure and maintain their dense, weatherproof coats. A high-quality diet helps manage their weight to prevent unnecessary stress on their large joints.
Best food for adult Alaskan Malamutes
Adult Alaskan Malamutes benefit most from a large or giant breed specific diet that contains controlled calorie levels and appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratios. These formulas are designed to prevent obesity, which is a significant risk factor for joint disease in this heavy-set breed. Look for diets enriched with natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage health. Additionally, because Malamutes have such a thick double coat, look for foods with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain skin barrier health and coat luster.
What to look for
Added glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids for long-term joint health.
Large breed specific formulas to support heavy bone structures.
High levels of omega fatty acids to nourish the thick double coat.
Best food for Alaskan Malamute puppies
Alaskan Malamute puppies require a precise nutritional balance to ensure they grow at a steady, controlled rate rather than too quickly. Rapid growth in large breed puppies is a major contributor to developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia. Their diet must have a specific energy density and mineral content, particularly calcium, to allow their large frames to develop correctly. Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics are also important to support their developing digestive systems during this sensitive life stage.
What to look for
Controlled calcium levels to ensure steady skeletal development.
High-quality protein sources to support lean muscle growth.
Prebiotics and DHA for digestive health and brain development.
Flea & worming
Consistent flea, tick, and worming prevention is vital for Alaskan Malamutes, as their incredibly dense coats can make it difficult to spot parasites early. In Australia, protection against deadly paralysis ticks and heartworm is a non-negotiable part of their healthcare routine.
Best flea and worming for Alaskan Malamutes
For Alaskan Malamutes, an "all-in-one" monthly chewable is often the most convenient and effective way to ensure full coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms. Given their size, it is essential to use a product accurately dosed for their weight range to ensure efficacy. Because their thick double coats can make topical "spot-on" treatments difficult to apply directly to the skin, oral medications are generally preferred by many owners and veterinarians.
What to look for
All-in-one protection including paralysis ticks and heartworm.
Oral chewable format for easier administration.
Correct weight-based dosing for large or giant breeds.
Health
Using targeted health products is important for Alaskan Malamutes to manage their predisposition to joint issues and to keep them comfortable in the heat. Proactive care can significantly improve their quality of life as they age.
Best health products Alaskan Malamutes
Given their heavy bone structure and risk of dysplasia, joint supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids (like green-lipped mussel or fish oil) and glucosamine are highly recommended from a young age. These products help maintain joint lubrication and reduce inflammation.
Since they are also prone to bloat, utilising slow feeder bowls, and feeding multiple, smaller meals, rather then one large daily meal is important. Be sure to avoid exercising a Malamute within 1 hour of eating.
What to look for
Joint supplements containing glucosamine and green-lipped mussel.
Slow feeder bowls to slow down eating and reduce the risk of bloat and GDV.
Skin support supplements to keep the skin and dense coat in optimal health.
Training and activity
Choosing the right toys and walking gear is essential for the Alaskan Malamute to satisfy their high exercise needs and manage their immense physical strength. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity to prevent destructive behaviours born from boredom.
Best toys for Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful chewers and possess great physical strength, so they require exceptionally durable toys. Heavy-duty rubber fetch toys and "tough" rated plushies are best suited to their play style. Interactive puzzle toys and treat-dispensing feeders are excellent for keeping their intelligent minds occupied, especially when they are left alone. Since they have a historical "freighter" instinct, they often enjoy sturdy tug toys, but these should be used with consistent training to ensure play remains controlled.
What to look for
Extremely durable materials like heavy-duty rubber for strong chewers.
Interactive puzzles to provide necessary mental enrichment.
Size-appropriate toys to prevent accidental swallowing or choking.
Best walking accessories for Alaskan Malamutes
Due to their history as sled dogs, Alaskan Malamutes have a natural instinct to pull against pressure on their neck. For this reason, a high-quality front-attach or no-pull harness is often the best choice for training them to walk politely on a lead. The harness and lead must be made of strong, durable materials with heavy-duty clips to handle their weight and power. A long training lead can also be useful for practicing recall in secure areas, given their high prey drive and tendency to wander.
What to look for
Front-attachment points to discourage the natural pulling instinct.
Heavy-duty webbing and reinforced hardware for strength.
Padded straps to prevent rubbing against their skin and coat.
Grooming
The Alaskan Malamute has a dense double coat that requires specific grooming products to manage shedding and maintain its insulating properties. Regular grooming is not just about looks; it is essential for their skin health and temperature regulation.
Best grooming for Alaskan Malamutes
Managing an Alaskan Malamute's coat requires a professional-grade undercoat rake and a sturdy slicker brush. These tools are necessary to reach through the coarse outer guard hairs and remove the dense, woolly undercoat, especially during their twice-yearly "coat blows." Deshedding shampoos can help loosen dead hair during bath time, while a high-velocity dryer is often needed to ensure their thick fur is completely dry to the skin. It is important to never shave a Malamute, as their coat protects them from both heat and cold.
What to look for
High-quality slicker brushes for daily maintenance and smoothing.
Undercoat rakes designed for thick, double-coated breeds.
Deshedding shampoos that support skin health during heavy sheds.
Sleep and home
Selecting the right bedding and home setup is crucial for Alaskan Malamutes to support their heavy joints and help them stay cool in Australian conditions. A comfortable resting place is vital for their recovery after a high-energy day.
Best beds for Alaskan Malamutes
For a large, heavy dog like the Alaskan Malamute, an orthopaedic memory foam bed is the gold standard. These beds provide the necessary support to distribute their weight evenly and relieve pressure on their hips and elbows. In warmer months, many Malamutes prefer raised or "cot-style" beds that allow for airflow underneath them, helping them regulate their body temperature. The bed covers should be durable and easy to wash, as their thick coats can carry a fair amount of dust and outdoor debris into the home.
What to look for
High-density orthopaedic foam to support large, heavy joints.
Elevated designs to promote airflow and cooling in summer.
Durable, removable, and machine-washable covers for hygiene.
Alaskan Malamute FAQ
