Is an Alaskan Malamute Dog Right for You?

Malamutes Are a Misunderstood Breed

One of the first words that pops up online when you type in "Alaskan Malamute" is "rescue." That means there are a whole lot of folks out there who don't know what they're getting into when they choose to bring one of these dogs home, and they end up turning them over to someone else. As a lover of Malamutes, I strongly urge you to please take your time and think it through.

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Much like people, dogs are not disposable, and owners abandon or rehome their Malamutes more often than I would like to think. They are one of the most misunderstood breeds out there. This article will seek to clear up some of that misunderstanding and help readers see how priceless and wonderful these dogs are!

A couple of beautiful Malamutes, Griffin and Denaya, just before a scooter run

Audrey Kirchner

How Energetic Are You?

As a "veteran" owner of several Malamutes for more than 10 years, I can honestly say that this is the first question I have for folks who are considering getting one. This breed is the king of the working dog and, as such, has an innate drive to complete tasks; these dogs need to feel productive just as much as they need sustenance.

As a Malamute owner, you have to be aware of this going in or quickly come to realize it. Otherwise, your experience with your new pup might prove frustrating, to say the least!

Our little Griffin at six months old

Alaskan Malamutes Are Social and Engaging Dogs

There are many, many misconceptions about the Arctic breeds, and Malamutes do sometimes get a terrible reputation for doing poorly in families or in certain situations. But I have found this to be completely the opposite. Ours are happiest when anyone is paying attention to them.

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the friendliest breeds I have come across in my many decades of dog worship. And although they are not loyal to one particular person per se, they are great family dogs. They are wonderfully social and engaging.

They're not wolves, but they are highly intelligent.

Another misconception is that the Alaskan Malamute is part of the wolf family. In fact, they were first introduced into the AKC in 1935 and are one of the "natural breeds," meaning that they were not created as a breed, unlike labradors or Dobermans.

Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent and social dogs. Above all, however, they need an understanding of their underlying nature and many positive traits. I have found in my dealings with the Malamutes that they constantly surprise me with their abilities, and they mesmerize me with their knack for being part of a unit. Their "work ethic" is unbelievable.

They require a tremendous amount of work and patience! A Malamute, by nature, will try to be a dominant persona. If allowed that privilege, the owner will no longer be the alpha, which is the opposite of what needs to happen. A Malamute needs a strong alpha to depend on, and that alpha must be human. Otherwise, they will test the limits constantly; once lost, control is a difficult thing to get back.

Denaya keeping watch

Alaskan Malamutes Require Constant Stimulation and Feedback

The next question for someone contemplating adding a Malamute to their household would be: How much can you think outside the box? How willing are you to realize that a Malamute needs constant stimulation and feedback from its owner and/or its "pack" (which is the family unit, whatever that is comprised of)?

A Malamute is not a dog who will be content to sit outside unattended for days at a time, although they truly are very independent and self-reliant in many ways. Social interaction is something they crave, and without it, they look for ways to replace that, which may be repugnant to an owner.

At the very minimum, a Malamute must have a large yard and a fenced yard at that. The fence should be quite high, just in case they might be tempted to leap it in a single bound. They need space to run and exercise themselves, as they are, by nature, extremely active dogs. They are a working breed and thus need to have a "work product" on some level each and every day to feel complete.

Can you provide them with the high levels of exercise they need?

Having a companion dog of the same nature has helped ours tremendously. While our yard is not huge by any means, there are many decks and sets of stairs that they can run about on and chase each other over time and time again. They are obviously not kept confined. They can also spend hours wrestling with each other as well, which is a great way for them to get in their need for exercise.

Most Malamutes will still need extraneous help in fulfilling their work needs, however, not to mention their need for human socialization. Walking is a great form and the most basic of all available to any of us. Daily walking or running can be extremely beneficial to the Malamute for burning off excess energy.

Make sure they have demonstrated an ability to play with other dogs.

Taking them to dog parks can also be beneficial. Though with this, I would stress here the caveat that the Malamute must have demonstrated the ability to get along with other dogs before turning them loose in a dog park!

They are a pack breed, and sometimes they can be a bit of a challenge when socializing with other dogs—especially if they have not been previously tested in their ability to play rather than assuming the role of alpha in a situation.

Training Malamutes starts early with harnesses.

Living With Alaskan Malamutes

Living with Malamutes can be the most rewarding experience in the world. Conversely, it can also be one of the most frustrating ones you will ever encounter if you do not understand the breed.

Knowing the breed is the fundamental basis for a positive and enriching experience for both the dog and the owner. Knowing the breed's limitations and also its strengths is key to a mutually harmonious coexistence.

I am of the mind that it is one of the greatest experiences I have ever had the privilege to experience, but only because I think that I understand my Malamutes and what they need to be healthy and happy.

Malamutes are notoriously stubborn.

This is a fact I see on a daily basis. Whereas labradors I trained were always eager to please and usually obedient to a fault, Malamutes have a definite mindset of their own. It is not that they wish to be disobedient; it is simply that they will always look for the chink in the armor and try to push their way through something.

However, having a human alpha will prevent this from happening. Being consistent and forthright in dealings with a Malamute is paramount to a good relationship. Sometimes, they just seem to be bored with the routine of doing something time and time again.

With my labs, I could teach commands and have them performing like circus dogs in minutes, but the Malamute has a different approach. They learn basic commands readily enough. But after a few repetitions of these commands, they are quite frankly done with it. If they have demonstrated a sit more than two or three times in a training session, they become "creative" in their own way by doing every command but the sit.

Even Griffin at four months old, when asked to do a sit command perhaps the third time in one encapsulated session, will run through the entire barrage of commands he has been taught and give me surprisingly every last one but somehow omit the one I actually requested, thus proving to me that he does know the command! How clever that he only chose that one to miss!

They require tailored training sessions.

Malamutes are always thinking and asking their owners questions. In this case, it is something along the line of, "Didn't I just show you I knew that trick? Then why are we going over it again?"

Of course, as the alpha, you have to make sure that the Malamute does do a given command. But I have found that getting around it in a different way is just as effective. That is, I sometimes let that command drop for the moment and then get the correct response to any other command. Ending the session and/or taking a quick break and returning to it solves the problem. It also lets me still be the alpha.

It is always best to end a training session with a command performed rather than giving up and walking away with a command not answered. No one has to be a failure, and it is all about the end result.

I have learned with Malamutes that the best training sessions involve 5–10 minute command-intensive sessions and are done very frequently throughout the day. One must also apply the principles of basic dog training and teach them not to be solely food-motivated. I spend a lot of other time working on broader aspects of development, such as food issues, crate training, etc.

While a Malamute is very intelligent and can and will perform all "routine" commands, their main focus seems to be on interacting and social situations. Teaching the dog to be comfortable in their crate or learning to eat in the crate when presented with a meal is as important as teaching a dog to sit and stay in their case.

Teaching them not to react when food is dropped, for instance, is also an invaluable part of the dog's training. This is important because it can be applied later to many, many things, such as leaving a bird alone that is hurt or racing after a cat it just saw! Or teaching them not to bolt in a prison break when the door is opened—invaluable! (We use specific commands of "leave it" or "wait" for these situations. But we work them in many different and various scenarios so that they are prepared for them when they are needed.)

Malamutes require total interaction with family.

Alaskan Malamutes Must Be a Part of the Family Unit

I believe wholeheartedly that Malamutes are meant to be part of a family unit. By that, I mean that they thrive on the interaction of all parts of that family unit and seem to do best when involved in the day-to-day workings of the family.

They are basically outdoor dogs, but they are also very comfortable being part of a household and being allowed the freedom to exist with the family in different situations, especially indoors.

Ours come and go, but only as we allow them to do so. Some people use doggie doors, and that is another alternative. Ours are invited in at varying times throughout the day and evening and interact with us as much as possible in every room and every situation, whether we have guests or just alone by ourselves.

They are taught appropriate behaviors while in the house and discouraged from the inappropriate, much like children. Without exposure to the family unit and the interactions of a household, however, it would be less likely that they would be well-behaved in those situations; hence, we prefer to make sure that they are well-versed in indoor as well as outdoor behavior.

Our dogs are allowed as well at our invitation to join us on the bed for cuddling and play. We do not encourage our dogs to be on furniture unless they are specifically invited. We also expect that when playtime is over, they need to be respectful and abide by our rules. Likewise, they are allowed toys since Griffin is a puppy and needs an outlet for chewing constantly. Rather than having that occur on furniture or treasures, we provide him with a variety of age-appropriate outlets for his teething.

We have another Malamute who is a rescued and abused dog, however. Since she has food issues, we are ever vigilant about having opportunities for her to feel a need for aggression over food. Hence, we avoid any chew toys or items that might be misunderstood in her situation as food sources, such as pig ears, etc.

We also never give our dogs constant access to food, as that eliminates many problems right there in who needs to be dominant. Feeding times are set by us—the alphas—and when feeding is done, the food disappears.

We establish certain sleeping conditions for each of our Malamutes.

Some Malamutes like sleeping outdoors, and some prefer sleeping in crates. Some of course, would prefer to be part of your bed and will quickly insinuate themselves into your nightly bedtime routine if allowed to do that! It is all about what each individual family wants to do. We have always brought our dogs in at night, as we have found that it makes for sounder sleep—for them and for us knowing that they are safe and away from anything that could happen when we are not with them.

They sleep in crates simply because they seem to have always done better in that situation. Likewise, it is a carryover that works for other situations, such as traveling or having to kennel the dogs, needing someone else to watch them at our home, etc. Since Malamutes have a "pack" mentality, it also seems to serve them well in that it gives them some sense of protection and aloneness for their quiet times.

Whereas one dog will sleep in an open-doored crate, however, another may prefer to have a "closed-door policy" for their own well-being. Griffin, as a puppy, is currently on the "I'm thinking about it" program and goes in and comes out at will. But he is still confined in a certain area for sleep as a training method and has access to his crate, which he is learning is a "good place."

We socialize our dogs by exposing them to different places and settings.

We also travel with our dogs quite frequently and take them routinely just around town. We take them to different places and let them experience many different facets of life, such as walking in the parks, where they will be forced to deal with other dogs or other animals like squirrels.

We also take them to outside cafes, coffee shops, or restaurants. In this way, we expose them to noise, traffic, many people coming and going, what they are expected to do and not do in that situation, and of course, the attention that they invariably get!

It is a win-win situation, as socializing them often and extensively can only lead to them being more well-adjusted and content with their place in your life, rather than being always left to fend for themselves in terms of entertainment or making them uncomfortable in new situations.

Malamutes thrive on attention and interaction. And if a Malamute is without stimulation, you definitely will see many less desirable traits emerge, simply because a bored Malamute can be a destructive Malamute!

9 Myths About Alaskan Malamutes

Here are a few myths about Alaskan Malamutes that I'd like to dispel:

Myth #1: They are wonderful guard dogs.

Unfortunately, they are too social and are the worst breed ever for a guard dog! The only thing they can do is possibly intimidate someone because the person simply does not know the breed! They would probably show a burglar where all the best stuff is located and then skip out the door with him, to boot!

Myth #2: They require a lot of grooming and cleaning.

Actually, they don't—and they should not be bathed too often! If you do not like the ever-present hair that comes loose in the process of shedding, a quick brush once a day or every few days is sufficient. They are a little hard to bathe alone, just because of the amount of fur and the size of the dog itself.

Though we initially did that for years ourselves, we now prefer to have them go to a groomer once or twice per year, where their undercoats are blown/pulled. That proves enough to keep their coats beautiful while keeping shedding and "blowing of the coat" to a minimum.

Myth #3: With all that fur, they must be very dirty.

Whereas labs are oily, Malamute fur is actually like a cat's fur, and dirt does not stick to it! It is a wonderful aspect actually, and they never smell like a dog. Whatever dirt attaches itself to the Malamute fur basically dries and disappears. They are quite clean animals and are akin to a cat in their clean and sleek look and the softness of their fur.

Myth #4: Food must cost a fortune to feed them.

As with any large breed dog, they do eat their appropriate share. But as with any large breed dog, the right food for that breed should be used and in the appropriate amounts to avoid an underweight or overweight situation. The vet or a breeder is the best source in determining what target weight the dog should be at and that should be maintained.

Since they are a large breed of dog, bloat is always a possibility. So another training capsule would be teaching the dog to eat at a reasonable pace and not to wolf down the entire meal. (I actually take up the food and make them slow down if they are not pacing themselves). Also, feeding the dog at a raised height is recommended for all large-chested dogs.

We do not feed our dogs any supplements, but fish oil capsules, and even that is not necessary. We do, however, buy them breed-appropriate food for large, highly active dogs; the percentage of fat and fiber is right for them. We also exercise them pretty heavily. Just be sure not to exercise them immediately after eating for at least an hour or so or feed them for the same length of time before exercising.

Myth #5: Malamutes cannot survive in hot climates.

Their fur actually serves as an insulator for both heat and cold. While they may pant in hotter weather, they are not by any means bothered by it. They simply need access to shade (as any dog would), and they need free access to lots and lots of water in times of extreme temperature.

They should also not be exercised heavily during extreme temperatures. It's much better to wait for cooler evenings or mornings to exercise them. We give ours access to a small wading pool. Whereas Griffin loves it and is constantly in it in hot weather, our older malamute is not a huge fan! If there is snow, however, they will both readily go out and lay in it for hours.

Myth #6: Malamutes are part wolf and/or husky.

The Malamute breed is a specific breed of dog—one of the "natural" breeds as noted above—and they are not part of the wolf or husky family. They are an arctic breed like the husky, but they are not the same dog, nor do they have the same exact temperament or make-up.

While a husky is more adept at pulling lighter weights, a Malamute was actually used for hauling freight. The malamute disposition is actually geared towards "digging in" and pulling heavier loads, whereas a husky is built for speed. Malamutes were used by the tribe the Malhemuts to drag massive loads of goods across frozen tundra. They were also highly valued members of the family unit and viewed as part of the tribe due to their contributions, hence their devotion to participating and work ethic.

Myth #7: Malamutes are horrible with children.

On the contrary, Malamutes love children! Their size and "look," however, will sometimes frighten children. So caution is advised, simply because a squealing or shrieking child can sometimes spook any breed of dog!

Most days, our two Malamutes are greeted by four or five neighborhood children who sling their arms around their necks and roll on the ground with them. Of course, as in all situations involving dogs and children, the two should never be left unattended. And certainly, food should never be added to the situation, as the potential for disaster is great.

In terms of dogs and children, I have seen the smallest dog attack a baby simply because the baby pressed on the dog's leg, the dog did not know how to react, and no one intervened in time to stop the bite.

Myth #8: Malamutes are not good with cats.

This may be true if the dog is older and has not been raised or conditioned to not react to cats or realize that they make sudden movements. Malamutes can be very happy coexisting with cats, but they should be introduced with caution and at an early age if at all possible.

The same could be said regarding smaller dogs, as malamutes and arctic breeds do have a tendency towards the "prey" response. Training, however, can definitely desensitize the malamute to reacting, but being aware of it is always recommended.

Walking on our neighborhood street, we have rabbits that sometimes bolt out of nowhere, and the Malamutes are instantly ready to go after them. I have never seen them catch or harm anything. But the agility of certain small animals and the temptation to give chase must be kept in mind when you are dealing with a Malamute.

Myth #9: They are terrible diggers and are famous for getting out.

They can be diggers, yes. But the only reason that a Malamute will dig is to escape. Once they learn how to escape, there are then only a few options to keep that from happening. The best plan where this issue is concerned is to prevent it from happening in the first place!

We have solid bricks underneath our fence all the way around, so they cannot dig out under the fence. They cannot go over the fence because it is too tall. Ours were very clever, however, and figured out a way to loosen a board and escape that way. Mind you; one board was enough for a 100-pound dog to squeeze through!

We did end up going with an electric fence simply to keep them fenced in. Since outdoor threats are huge where we live, we felt that this was our appropriate individual answer. If a dog never does have a prison break, then the electric fence would not be necessary.

The digging, though, can be handled in several different ways, including wire placed in the ground or other methods as well, but the brick has always proven effective for our dogs. It is a preventive measure in the long run and one we would rather take over losing the dogs.

Summing Up Having an Alaskan Malamute

The Malamute is a family-oriented, social sweetheart of a dog. They do require a lot of stability and much in the way of devotion, meaning that they are not a dog that likes to be ignored or left alone for long periods of time. They value their owners, however, and relish the time spent interacting.

They are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. If given the opportunity to be part of a family, they will be a lifelong companion that will bring years of joy and laughter to a home. They do require discipline and consistency, but most of all, attention and something to keep them exercised and "involved."

Having an Alaskan Malamute has been one of the greatest experiences of my life—and I can say that in all honesty, after having some other incredible dogs of other breeds.

Owning Alaskan Malamutes is a commitment not to be taken lightly.

Having said that, however, owning two Alaskan Malamutes has been a commitment and one that I do not take lightly. I am totally dedicated to the proper care and raising of my Malamutes, which means that I put an incredible amount of time and energy into their care. I have never had to do that with another dog breed. Thus, I wish to emphasize the fact that if you are looking for a dog who exists pretty well on his or her own, please rethink getting a Malamute!

You will do fine if you decide early on that the dog is part of your life and if you kind of work your life around having this breed—in terms of providing adequate exercise, plenty of socialization, and extensive training. If it seems like work instead of fun, then the Alaskan Malamute is probably not the right dog for you.

If, however, you look at it like a wonderful privilege in terms of knowing a great breed and training a dog to do all kinds of athletic endeavors, such as scootering, skijoring, bikejoring, carting, sledding—or even jogging or walking, as long as there's lots of it—then you're the right person to own a Malamute.

They will love you endlessly and give you many rewards along the way. And if you are lucky enough to see that special spark that lives only in a Malamute, I know you will get what I mean. Nothing makes me happier than knowing another Malamute found a great home!

Questions & Answers

Question: I just got a malamute a month ago. He is six and already trained to sit, shake, and wait to go on a walk to use the bathroom. The only thing is he doesn't have the energy that you speak of; he likes to lay around and sleep most of the day (unless he wants attention, which is 75% of the time). On walks, he will run for about 15 seconds and be done. Is it normal for a dog of his breed to be more on the lazy side?

Answer: Yes, but they are usually pretty energetic even at 6. They love interacting with people, and of course, we have always had another malamute for them to play with. Ours even play ball with us which is kind of hysterical since mals are not 'retrievers.' I would look into thyroid problems though. My one malamute has hypothyroidism so has to take thyroid twice a day - minimal expense really except for the blood work every once in a while. She was super listless and 'lazy' and that's how we discovered it. Her thyroid was down to about 0. It is common in malamutes so I would ask your vet or research it.

Question: I have two Alaskan Malamutes but can't take care of them anymore due to illness. I was told that there is a sanctuary in Northern Ireland that would take them and look after them as I would not give them to anyone unless I knew that they would be well looked after. Do you know of this place and have you a phone number, please?

Answer: The only place I could find with a phone number is 07969 627963. Also, if you can go online, you can also research malamute rescues in Ireland.

Question: Do labradors and malamutes get on? We have a 4 year old female and are thinking about getting a female malamute puppy.

Answer: Usually yes, as the puppy would be the younger one, although some breeders say that females together do not mix well. I would definitely ask a breeder and/or your vet to be certain about female and female. Mals can tend to be a little assertive.

Question: The only thing holding me back from getting a Malamute is my work schedule. My question would be, if I can take my Malamute out for a brisk 20 minute walk, return 2 hours later for an easy 3 mile run. Would that be enough to suffice them until I can get home and go on a true 5-8 mile walk/run with them? I know they crave attention. I can easily do that when I am home. I fear I am not home enough for one though. I am an experienced dog owner

Answer: That sounds like great exercise! The only thing would be if the dog got bored when by itself. When mals are bored, they can get into a lot of trouble. Every dog is different though!

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