Alaskan Malamute characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Low | 10% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Alaskan Malamute right for you?
The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Alaskan Malamute requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Alaskan Malamute requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Alaskan Malamute to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Alaskan Malamute requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and drops hair heavily in every season. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Alaskan Malamute takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It is reasonably independent and takes alone time in its stride, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Alaskan Malamute
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Alaskan Malamute genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Trainability: Low — the Alaskan Malamute is less biddable than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: Very high — the Alaskan Malamute sheds more heavily than nearly every other breed we score. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Adaptability: Low — the Alaskan Malamute is less adaptable than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Alaskan Malamute actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Handles normal working hours better than most, given exercise either side. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Alaskan Malamute fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Poor fit | The combination of drive, independence and training difficulty is a lot for a first dog. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Good fit | High independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Alaskan Malamute is ranked in
The Alaskan Malamute earns a place on 6 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Cold climates
- Active families
- Sled dog sports
- Experienced spitz owners
Things to consider
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be destructive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Alaskan Malamute good with children?
- Yes — the Alaskan Malamute is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Alaskan Malamute shed a lot?
- The Alaskan Malamute has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Alaskan Malamute need?
- With very high energy, the Alaskan Malamute needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Alaskan Malamute live?
- The Alaskan Malamute typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Alaskan Malamute live in an apartment?
- The Alaskan Malamute is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Alaskan Malamute easy to train?
- The Alaskan Malamute takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Alaskan Malamute be left alone during the day?
- The Alaskan Malamute is reasonably independent and takes alone time in its stride. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.