Alaskan Malamute Price – helloBARK!

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Alaskan Malamutes are popular dogs due to their appearance, size and temperaments.

However, you shouldn’t take adopting one of these northern dogs lightly as they’re a considerable amount of work.

Alaskan Malamutes have a lot of exercise and grooming requirements that will require owners to invest time in their dogs.

You’ll have to consider the additional costs associated with having an Alaskan Malamute as a pet aside from the initial price

The American Kennel Club lists the Alaskan Malamute as the 58th most popular dog breed in the Untied States of America.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the price of Alaskan Malamutes, as well as further considerations as your Mal enters into adulthood.

Let’s get down to business and learn a little more about the history of the Alaskan Malamute before we learn their price.

What is an Alaskan Malamute?

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs as a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong body.

They’re an ancient breed that are thought to be distant relatives of an ancient domesticated wolf that associated with Paleolithic hunters.

Having being used as part of a tribal setting, the Alaskan Malamutes got their name from the Mahlemuit Inupiaq people who were thought to be responsible for developing the breed.

Predominantly used to carry packs in the summer, Alaskan Malamutes helped to locate seal breathing holes in the ice and distract predators such as bears on hunts.

Unlike the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were adept at pulling heavy loads on sleds over long distances. Athleticism, endurance and tenacity are some of their key traits.

These heavy-duty workers played a vital role in the Gold Rush as they helped settlers relocate. The American Kennel Club explains that Malamutes were freighters rather than racers.

Their numbers took a hit during World War II but the AKC united three different strains of Alaskan Malamutes to kickstart the breed in the 1950s. The AKC write:

The Malamute’s gene pool is made up of all three of these strains, with Ch. Toro of Bras Coupe being the first dog to unite them.

Alaskan Malamutes are the 58th most popular breed in the USA.

Alaskan Malamute breed standard

Let’s start by having a look at the American Kennel Club’s breed standard for Alaskan Malamute. This is the standard that Mal breeders should look to achieve when breeding their dogs. It’s a signpost for potential owners, too.

The Malamute stands well over the pads, and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat.

Malamutes tend to have a variety of different colors, including gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white or solid white.

They should have what is a described as a “cap” over their head, with a face that is all white or marked with a bar or mask.

You’ll notice their well furred tail that is carried over the back. It’s designed to look like a waving plume.

Alaskan Malamute size

If you’re thinking about an Alaskan Malamute as a pet, you should be prepared to accommodate a large dog in your home.

Males are usually around 25 inches (64 cm) tall and can weigh as much as 85 pounds (39 kg). Females ware slightly smaller and lighter at 23 inches (58 cm) tall and 75 pounds (34 kg).

Some Alaskan Malamutes can grow to be bigger than 25 inches and 85 pounds. These are sometimes described as Giant Alaskan Malamutes.

Alaskan Malamute price

Alaskan Malamutes are relatively expensive dogs. You should expect to pay between $1000 and $2000 for a Malamute.

Of course, this can vary from breeder to breeder. We recommend avoid purchasing a Malamute – or any puppy – from a pet store, online or third party dealer.

Alaskan Malamute health problems

Alaskan Malamutes are susceptible to some health problems which is something to think about before you decide to bring home one of these dogs.

You’ll want to be aware that health problems could lead to trips to the vet, which will in turn cost dog owners more money.

Another consideration is pet insurance, which is something that you’ll want to think about.

Alaskan Malamute diet

Alaskan Malamutes are big dogs that require a substantial diet to fuel their impressive frames. You can expect to spend between $500 and $750 a year on food, treats and more.

The PDSA suggest owning an Alaskan Malamute could cost a minimum of £105 per month after purchase and set-up costs and over £17,000 across their lifetime.

Alaskan Malamute life expectancy

Alaskan Malamutes can live to an age between 10 and 14. You should be prepared to cover all the associated costs of owning a dog – and a large dog at that – for a decade or more.

Alaskan Malamute exercise requirements

Alaskan Malamutes require around 90 minutes of exercise a day.

If you work in a full-time job with a commute in the morning and evening, you may find it difficult to exercise your Malamute.

Firstly, you should consider whether getting a dog is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Secondly, you may want to consider a professional dog walker to ensure your canine gets sufficient exercise during the day.

Most dog walkers will cost between $25 and $45 dollars per hour.

Alaskan Malamute breeders and puppies

If you’re thinking about buying an Alaskan Malamute, you should check out the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. You can find a breeder’s list on their website, although the AMCA don’t intend this list to be an endorsement of any particular breeder.

We recommend contacting a number of breeders before settling on one that feels right for you. Most breeders will require potential dog owners to fill out an extensive questionnaire to learn more about you. Usually, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to get on a waiting list.

It’s good practice to ask to see an Alaskan Malamute puppy with its mother when you arrive to pick up your pup. You should also enquire about the health of both parents, ask to proof of initial vet checks and vaccinations, as well as AKC documentation.

Alaskan Malamute rescue

Unfortunately a lot of Alaskan Malamutes are surrendered for rehoming due to the challenges and responsibilities of owning such a breed.

As a result, you may want to consider an Alaskan Malamute Rescue organisation to give a dog a forever home.

A good starting point is the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League.

Anything else to consider?

If you decide an Alaskan Malamute is the right dog for you, the AKC has some advice for new owners:

The Alaskan Malamute needs early socialization to people and dogs as well as basic obedience training to grow up to be a well-adjusted, mentally healthy dog. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own an Alaskan Malamute can gain the education they need to know what specific health concerns exist within the breed.

You can also learn more about Alaskan Malamutes by checking out examples of the breed on Instagram.

In conclusion

We’ve reached the end of our look at Alaskan Malamute price.

They’re reasonably expensive dogs, in terms of their initial price and reoccurring costs throughout their lives.

Should give careful consideration as to whether you can afford a Malamute before you decide to bring one home.