Breed Information
Everything you need to know about this magnificent breed.
At a Glance
Males: 63–66 cm / 38–43 kg
Females: 58–61 cm / 34–38 kg
10–14 years with proper care and nutrition
Bred for cold climates; thick double coat designed for Arctic conditions
Very high — requires 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily
Highly intelligent but independent; requires patient, consistent training
Alaska, USA — bred by the Mahlemiut Inuit people for heavy hauling
Understanding the Breed
Alaskan Malamutes are known for being affectionate, loyal, and playful. They are pack-oriented dogs that thrive on companionship — both with their human family and with other dogs. However, they can be strong-willed and independent, which is why consistent training from an early age is essential.
Yes! Malamutes are generally wonderful family dogs. They're gentle with children and love being part of family activities. However, due to their size and energy, supervision with small children is recommended. They need active families who can provide enough exercise and mental stimulation.
A lot! Malamutes have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, with two major "blowout" periods per year (usually spring and fall) where they shed their entire undercoat. Regular brushing (2–3 times per week, daily during blowouts) is essential. Be prepared for fur on everything!
While they look similar, Malamutes are significantly larger and heavier. Malamutes were bred for hauling heavy loads at slow speeds, while Huskies are built for speed over long distances. Malamutes tend to be calmer (relatively!) and more affectionate, while Huskies are more energetic and vocal. Malamutes always have brown eyes, while Huskies can have blue eyes.
Care Guide
Training a Malamute requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They respond well to food rewards and praise but will quickly lose interest in repetitive exercises. Keep sessions short and engaging. Early socialization is crucial — expose them to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments. Our pack responds well to structured ATV training runs that give them a job to do.
Malamutes need at least 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily. This can include long walks, hiking, running, sled pulling, or other high-energy activities. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive and develop behavioral problems. Our dogs do regular 7km ATV training runs through the Swedish forest trails.
Malamutes do well on high-quality dog food with good protein content. Many owners opt for a raw or BARF diet. The amount depends on their size, age, and activity level. Active, working Malamutes need more calories than couch potatoes. Always ensure fresh water is available and monitor their weight — Malamutes love food and can become overweight if overfed.
While Malamutes can adapt to warmer climates, they were bred for Arctic conditions. If you live in a warm area, ensure they have access to shade and air conditioning, limit exercise to cooler parts of the day, and never shave their coat (it actually protects them from heat too). They are happiest in colder climates — our Swedish location is ideal.
Heritage
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds. They were originally bred by the Mahlemiut Inuit people of northwestern Alaska for hauling heavy freight over long distances. Unlike their faster Siberian Husky cousins, Malamutes were bred for power and endurance rather than speed.
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896, Malamutes became invaluable for transporting supplies. They also served during World War II and during Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expeditions. Today, while they excel in recreational sledding and carting, they're primarily beloved family companions.
At Snövind Malamutes, we honor this heritage through our ATV training runs, keeping the working spirit of the breed alive while giving our dogs the purpose and exercise they naturally crave.