Alaskan Malamute
ah-LASS-kun MAL-ah-myoot
Affectionate, Loyal, Playful, Independent. Originally bred for hauling heavy freight across arctic distances.
An adult Alaskan Malamute weighs 85-95 lbs (male) or 70-80 lbs (female), needs 1,310-2,350 calories daily, and lives 10-14 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Alaskan Malamute needs 1,310 to 2,350 calories per day. An average male (90 lbs / 40.8 kg) needs around 1,920 kcal; a female (75 lbs / 34.0 kg) roughly 1,680 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Alaskan Malamute. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Alaskan Malamute typically lives 10-14 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and chondrodysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Needs significant daily exercise; at least 60-90 minutes. Bred for endurance hauling, they love pulling activities, hiking, and backpacking. Without enough exercise, they'll dig, chew, and howl. Working breeds like the Alaskan Malamute were developed for specific physical tasks. They need purposeful activity, not just wandering around a yard. Structured exercise with clear tasks, such as carrying a dog pack on hikes, pulling a cart, or advanced obedience training, satisfies their need to work. Without sufficient exercise, the Alaskan Malamute is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Alaskan Malamutes have a thick, coarse double coat coat. Origin: Alaska (Mahlemut Inuit people).
Double coat blows out twice yearly; expect tumbleweeds of fur. Never shave a Malamute; the double coat insulates against both heat and cold. High prey drive toward small animals.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
Tools for Alaskan Malamute owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect to feed your Alaskan Malamute between 1310 and 2350 calories per day. A 90-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Large breeds benefit from two measured meals daily rather than one large meal, which reduces bloat risk. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 85-95 lbs (38.6–43.1 kg). Females run lighter at 70-80 lbs (31.8–36.3 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
Health records for the breed show hip dysplasia as the most prevalent concern in Alaskan Malamutes. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include chondrodysplasia, hypothyroidism, polyneuropathy. Not every Alaskan Malamute will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
Count on 60 to 90 minutes of active exercise every day to keep a Alaskan Malamute balanced. Good activities for this breed include structured tasks, cart pulling, obedience drills. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Alaskan Malamute will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026