Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How large do Alaskan Malamutes get?

A: Alaskan Malamutes have a natural range in size, but the desired freighting size is 23 inches at the shoulder for a female, and 25 inches at the should in a male. It is not uncommon to see an Alaskan Malamute as large as 27 inches at the shoulder. Average weight for an Alaskan Malamute ranges between 70 and 110 pounds.
 

Q: Are Alaskan Malamutes good with people?

A:  Alaskan Malamutes were bred to work for humans. They were even used as a medium of exchange in the Arctic region. The loving temperament of the Alaskan Malamute towards humans is a must. Alaskan Malamutes can have problems with other animals and owners must exercise caution and supervise when allowing an Alaskan Malamute to get to know another animal.

Q: Do Alaskan Malamutes eat a lot of food?

A: Alaskan Malamutes do not require as much food as other dogs in their size range. They are bred to be a freighting dog that can haul enormous loads. Eating large amounts of food would mean that large quantities of food would have to be added on top of their already heave cargo. Most Alaskan Malamutes do well on 3 to 4 cups of food per day.
 

Q:  Do Alaskan Malamutes shed their coat in the summer?

A:  Male Alaskan Malamutes normally shed their coat once a year, as required, but not necessarily during the summer. If a male sheds his coat in the winter months, he will be back in “Full Coat” much sooner than if he had shed during the summer.

Females normally have a light shed twice per year, typically before or during their heat cycles. Females will shed to the skin after giving birth to a litter of puppies.

Q: Which makes a better pet, male or female?

A:  Either! Both make very good pets as well as house dogs. The sex of the dog is really down to your preference. Both sexes are easily house trained, although males do tend to mark their territory. Females that have not been spayed will have two Heat Cycles per year, which can be a problem as a house dog.
 

Q:  Do Alaskan Malamutes make good watchdogs?

A. No. Alaskan Malamutes were bred to get along with humans and have the ability to transition from owner to owner. Alaskan Malamutes were never intended to be guard dogs. The Alaskan Malamute only wants to love humans, not hurt them. Admittedly… they will guard their food bowl.

Q:  Do Alaskan Malamutes have blue eyes?

A:  No. In fact, blue eyes is a disqualification according to the Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard.
 

Q:  Are Alaskan Malamutes easy to train for obedience?

A:  Yes, as long as you have the patience to work with them. As a rule, Alaskan Malamutes are MUCH smarter than their humans when it comes to training.

Q:  Are Alaskan Malamutes good with small children?

A:  Yes, but caution and close supervision are required when ANY animal is allowed to be in close contact with a small child. Be safe, not sorry.

 
Q:  Do Alaskan Malamutes like to chew things?

A:  EVERYTHING. A buyer must be aware that Alaskan Malamutes, particularly puppies, will chew on anything they find, from electrical cords to rose bushes. One must take care to ensure their home, especially the yard, is prepared for the newest member of the family.

Q:  How do Alaskan Malamutes tolerate heat?

A:  Alaskan Malamutes can adjust to most climates, however areas of high humidity should be avoided. Shade and water is a must in warmer areas, and a mister system is an excellent cooling aid in extremely hot areas. A basic mister system can be made with a section of PVC pipe with misting outlets (or even small holes) connected to a water source to lightly spray an area for the dog.

 
Q. How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?

A . A healthy Alaskan Malamute can be expected to live 12-14 years.

Q:  How much exercise does an Alaskan Malamute require?

A:  Alaskan Malamutes are working dogs. They require an are to run in to tone, develop, and maintain their muscles. More than this, they demand human companionship that an owner must accept when considering an Alaskan Malamute as a pet. An Alaskan Malamute is a life long friend and deserve the return of love and affection they give. All an Alaskan Malamute ask for is Love, Attention, Food, Water, and a Safe Environment. Give them this, and they will give you infinitely more in return.