Alaskan Malamute

Do Alaskan Malamutes shed?

Yes — Alaskan Malamutes are heavy shedders. There's no polite way to say it: if you get a Alaskan Malamute, dog hair becomes part of your home décor. Invest in a good de-shedding brush (a Furminator is popular with Alaskan Malamute owners) and a strong vacuum cleaner. Shedding peaks twice a year — spring and autumn — when they fully blow their undercoat.

Are Alaskan Malamutes good with kids?

Yes — Alaskan Malamutes are generally good with children. They tend to be affectionate and playful, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed. Their high energy actually works in their favour here — they can keep up with kids for hours.

Are Alaskan Malamutes good with cats?

Alaskan Malamutes have a strong prey drive and will often chase cats. Given their size, this can be dangerous for a cat. It\'s not impossible to have a Alaskan Malamute and a cat together, but it takes careful management — separate spaces, slow introductions over weeks, and never leaving them unsupervised until you're absolutely certain they're safe together. Some Alaskan Malamutes raised with cats from puppyhood learn to coexist, but the prey drive is rarely fully extinguished.

Are Alaskan Malamutes easy to train?

Alaskan Malamutes are honest work to train — they have an independent streak and won't follow a command unless they understand why it benefits them. The stubbornness is real: they're not stupid, they just have their own agenda. Patience and consistency are non-negotiable. Short sessions with high-value treats (think chicken, not dry kibble) get better results than long frustrating drills. Puppy classes are strongly recommended — not because they need it more than other breeds, but because early foundations make life significantly easier.

Do Alaskan Malamutes bark a lot?

Alaskan Malamutes are a quiet breed — they rarely bark without a good reason. This makes them an excellent choice for flat or terraced-house living where noise is a concern. They might bark to alert you to someone at the door, but sustained, excessive barking is uncommon. Neighbours tend to be fans.

Are Alaskan Malamutes hypoallergenic?

No — Alaskan Malamutes are not hypoallergenic. They shed high amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.

How much exercise does a Alaskan Malamute need?

Alaskan Malamutes need 90–120+ min/day of exercise daily. This is a highly active breed — one short walk won't cut it. They need sustained, vigorous exercise. Without it, expect destructive behaviour, hyperactivity at home, and a generally miserable dog. Running, hiking, fetch, swimming, agility — this breed is up for all of it.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Alaskan Malamute with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Alaskan Malamute health problems

Like all breeds, Alaskan Malamutes are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

• Hip dysplasia. Common in larger breeds, causes arthritis and mobility issues. Check parents have been hip-scored.
• Elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, affects the front legs.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?

Alaskan Malamutes typically live 10–14 years. This is fairly typical for a large-sized breed.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Alaskan Malamute at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Alaskan Malamute cost in the UK?

A Alaskan Malamute puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £800–£2 000.

If you see a Alaskan Malamute puppy advertised for significantly less than £800, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £40–£85/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Alaskan Malamute pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Alaskan Malamute in the UK typically costs £40–£85/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.