| Height | 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Playful / Affectionate [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Alaska [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 81 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
While the Malamute was not bred for racing, he was bred to work. A strong, athletic dog with tremendous endurance, designed to carry heavy loads, a Mal requires daily exercise. Romping in a well-fenced yard or other enclosed space will suffice, but Malamutes also enjoy hiking, running, and swimming with their owners. [1]
Grooming
The thick, waterproof double coat of the Alaskan Malamute is beautifully adapted to harsh Arctic life, but it requires constant upkeep. A Malamute should be brushed every day with a pin brush and metal comb, all the while checking for mats, which can harbor fungus, and hot spots, which can become infected. Twice a year, during shedding season, an undercoat rake should be added to the regimen. [1]
Health issues to budget for
A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia (a malformation of the hip joint that is the most common skeletal condition in dogs), elbow dysplasia, thrombopathia, chondrodysplasia ('dwarfism'), hypothyroidism, inherited polyneuropathy, von Willebrand's disease, and day blindness. As with all breeds, an Alaskan Malamute's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Alaskan Malamute in 1935. [1]
- It ranked No. 81 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 54 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Mal.” [1]
- The AKC lists Alaska as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
How big does a Alaskan Malamute get?
AKC breed information lists height 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female) and weight 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Alaskan Malamute?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Alaskan Malamute, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.