How Much Does an Alaskan Malamute Cost? (2023 Price Guide)
The price of Alaskan Malamutes is pretty typical of purebred dogs with large sizes. Given their skill in hauling freight and moving sleds, they surely won’t come cheap.
As for any dog owner, you also need to prepare for the expenses that come along with owning this large doggo.
To help you settle your pet budget effectively, I’ve gathered all the information about the Alaskan Malamute price. From puppyhood to adulthood, this article will give you perspective on how to prepare your finances accordingly.
The Average Cost of an Alaskan Malamute Puppy
The Alaskan Malamute puppy price ranges between $500 and $3,000. Those with top-quality or champion bloodlines can go as high as $3,500 per puppy. Other factors such as size, color, markings, and size affect the Alaskan Malamute price range.
Depending on your preference, you can get a standard or giant-sized Alaskan Malamute. The giant variety of this breed is expected to be much more expensive than the standard one.
You can expect the giant Alaskan Malamutes to cost $1,000 to $3,000, while standard Malamutes are only $500 to $2,000.
Alaskan Malamutes are typically bred to become guard dogs or companion animals. They are pretty independent but fun-loving dogs.
Your winters will never be dull because nothing makes Alaskan Malamutes happier than pulling a cart or sled during cold weather. That said, the expensive Alaskan Malamute price is well worth it.
Factors Affecting the Cost of an Alaskan Malamute Puppy
Getting an Alaskan Malamute is no bargain. The overall characteristics, as well as other factors, affect the Alaskan Malamute price, which you can expect to fluctuate all the time.
You will also notice that each breeder offers varied prices for Alaskan Malamutes.
To find out what these breeders consider in setting the Alaskan Malamute price, take a look at the list of factors discussed below:
- Bloodline: If the Alaskan Malamute’s parents are champion dogs, the litter is expected to be top-quality puppies with ideal traits. When they grow up, these dogs will be seen as stars of show rings and other dog competitions. The puppy price typically falls in the higher range for superior bloodlines.
- Health Screenings: Reputable breeders ensure that their breeding stock is checked by a vet and tested for different genetic diseases and conditions common to the breed. They also include the price for deworming, rabies vaccine, and other health-related necessities.
- Breeder’s Reputation: Puppies offered by breeders with decades of experience are more expensive than those from beginners. Because of their expertise, accreditation from kennel clubs like AKC, and membership in various dog clubs, customers can only expect high-quality breeding practices and, thus, a steep Alaskan Malamute price.
- Size: As mentioned earlier, Alaskan Malamutes can either be standard or giant-sized. Giant Malamutes are often twice the size of a standard one and typically weigh around 130 to 140 pounds. The larger the dog, the higher the price.
- Coat Color: Fur color also determines the Alaskan Malamute price. Black and white dogs are priced the lowest since they have the most common color combination. Those with red and white coats are priced slightly higher, while brown and white Alaskan Malamutes are the most expensive because they are considered rare colors.
Other minor factors like shipping costs and professional training can also affect the Alaskan Malamute price. Before purchasing a puppy, make sure to establish what type of dog you want to have and work with your budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Alaskan Malamute From a Rescue?
Adopting from animal shelters or rescue groups is a practical option for Alaskan Malamute lovers. Adoption fees are pretty cheap, with a price range of $50 to $500. Medical expenses and treatment are included in the price.
Giving a rescued Alaskan Malamute a new chance at life is a noble thing to do. However, adoption requires a tedious process.
To be approved, you must undergo a screening process to determine if you are fit to become a fur parent.
If you are determined to adopt an Alaskan Malamute, follow our ultimate guide on dog adoption to ace your application.
Initial Cost of Alaskan Malamute Ownership
On top of the Alaskan Malamute price, you need to prepare your bank account for the initial expenses that immediately come after.
These include items you should have purchased before bringing the dog home.
For a complete list of the initial needs of an Alaskan Malamute, refer to the list below:
- Food and Treats: A large breed like the Alaskan Malamute has a big appetite so expect to spend $100 to $120 on dog food and treats. Choose brands that are approved by a veterinarian, and make sure you feed your Malamute according to their age.
- Food and Water Bowls: To feed your new puppy the right proportion of food and avoid a big mess on the floor, you should purchase a food and water bowl which can cost around $15 to $35. Opt for stainless steel ones so they can last a long time.
- Bed: For a good night’s sleep, you need to provide a dog bed for your Alaskan Malamute. A comfortable bed would also help prevent bone issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Dog beds are priced between $50 and $200 on Amazon and online pet stores.
- Crate: Another essential item you need to purchase for your Alaskan Malamute is a dog crate. This is handy, especially if you want to travel with your Malamute or provide their own space in the house. This is also needed during potty training, crate training, and obedience training. A large dog crate has a price range of $60 to $500.
- Leashes and Collars: Like other pets, Alaskan Malamutes need daily walks to meet their exercise needs. Purchase a leash and collar for $15 to $50 at your local pet store so you can bring them to the park or around the neighborhood.
- Toys: Alaskan Malamute puppies require chew toys to help with teething. This will also prevent them from damaging your furniture. Moreover, most puppies also need puzzles and food dispensing toys. These will cost anywhere from around $30 to $50.
- Grooming Essentials: Since Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot due to their double coat, you need to invest in high-quality grooming materials to maintain them. Shampoo, brushes, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are some of the essentials you can purchase at $40 to $180.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Like most dogs, Alaskan Malamute puppies are prone to getting fleas and ticks because of their fluffy coats. Similarly, they can be targeted by internal parasites that can be dealt with deworming. Flea prevention medications and other over-the-counter drugs will run you $50 to $200.
- Initial Vet Visits: Bringing your Alaskan Malamute pup to the vet right after picking it up from the breeder will tell you if the puppy is 100% healthy as the breeder claims. Initial vet visits cost $100 to $300.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Just like other breeds, the Alaskan Malamute puppy requires core vaccinations during its first year. These include shots for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP), and rabies. If your breeder doesn’t include these in the purchase price, you need to pay around $75 to $200 for complete vaccination.
- Neutering or Spaying: If you don’t plan on breeding your Malamute, you can have it spayed or neutered. This procedure also maintains the Alaskan Malamute temperament by preventing the development of destructive behaviors later on. The price range of the surgery is $50 to $500.
- Dog License: Identifying your dog in case it gets lost would be easy if it has a license. The cost of this may vary from state to state, but usually, it runs between $10 and $20. Expect that your dog will be given an ID tag that contains its name, your phone number, and the city where you live.
- Microchip: Similar to a dog license, a microchip is vital for your Malamute’s identification. This tiny chip is inserted into your dog’s shoulders and is scanned to read their identification number. The price range of microchipping is between $40 and $60.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Purchasing potty pads, urine cleaner, poop scooper, and some more items may be essential in the long run. As such, allot at least $15 to $30 for these various supplies.
The table below shows a quick summary of the initial expenses you have to prepare for on top of the Alaskan Malamute cost:
Type of ExpenseCostFood and Treats$100 – $120Food and Water Bowls$15 – $35Bed$50 – $200Crate$60 – $500Leashes and Collars$15 – $50Toys$30 – $50Grooming Essentials$40 – $180Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$50 – $200Initial Vet Visits$100 – $300Initial Vaccine Shots$75 – $200Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500Dog License$10 – $20Microchip$40 – $60Miscellaneous Supplies$15 – $30Total Initial Cost$650 – $2,445
If you own another canine, you may not need to purchase some of the items listed above. This means you can save more money and allot it for other expenses.
However, if the Malamute is your first pet and you’re buying all these supplies, check for discounts or vouchers to save money.
Annual Cost of Owning an Alaskan Malamute
Your budgeting wouldn’t be complete without an overview of the annual expenses of owning an Alaskan Malamute puppy.
On top of the replenishments for dog food, treats, medications, and shampoo for Alaskan Malamutes, providing them with vet care and insurance is crucial.
Here is a complete list of what you should prepare annually for an Alaskan Malamute:
Type of ExpenseYearly EstimateFood and Treats$900 – $1,200Toys$30 – $150Bed and Crate$240 – $500Leashes and Collars$30 – $50Grooming Essentials$200 – $500Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$150 – $250Routine Veterinary Care$200 – $400Pet Insurance$800 – $1,500Vaccinations$80 – $250Miscellaneous Supplies$30 – $50Yearly Total$2,660 – $4,850Average Monthly Cost$222 – $404
To avoid expensive and stress-inducing medical expenses, invest in a good insurance policy. This should cover emergencies and sudden illnesses that your dog may suffer from.
Pet insurance typically costs $800 to $1,500 a year. You can choose between accident-only plans or accident and illness coverage.
Providing your Alaskan Malamute with routine vet care is also a must. This is to ensure that they’re free from health conditions that may progress as they grow old. Prepare at least $200 to $400 for yearly consultation.
Other Potential Expenses
As a Malamute parent, it’s normal to spend extra money on services that will ensure your dog’s well-being. These services may be essential or not, depending on where you stand as a pet owner.
Here is a list of some additional costs you might encounter as an Alaskan Malamute owner:
- Pet Boarding Services: If you are going on a vacation or an international business trip, it’s wise to leave your dog at a boarding facility or doggie daycare where they can be watched over. Here, they can also interact with other dogs and be pampered by professional handlers. The average price for this service ranges from $25 to $85.
- Dog Walking Services: As large, high-energy dogs, Alaskan Malamutes need a lot of exercise. If you can’t walk them daily, you can hire a dog walker for around $15 to $25 for a 30-minute session. You may need to pay the dog walker more depending on the session’s length and their experience.
- Grooming Services: Because Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs with fluffy coats, grooming them at home can be challenging. To take care of their grooming needs, take them to a professional groomer where they can receive quality service. The price range of this service is $60 to $85.
- Emergency Treatment: Even though the breed is generally healthy, older Alaskan Malamutes can suffer from illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention. Depending on their condition, you may need to pay anywhere between $100 and $10,000 for emergency visits to the vet, physical therapy, etc.
- Kennel Club Registration: To make your pet recognized by major canine organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), you need to pay for registration papers. Normally, the registration fees are between $30 and $80, and these depend largely on the package inclusion.
- Fence Building: Alaskan Malamute puppies have a reputation for being escape artists even though they are great pets. If you don’t have a fenced yard, you will need to buy materials to build one. Owners can expect to spend $1,000 to $8,000 for materials and construction.
You don’t necessarily need to spend on some of these services if your current home and lifestyle don’t permit it.
Dog walkers and grooming services, for example, are nice to avail, but they won’t kill your purebred dog if you fail to provide them with these.
Places to Find Alaskan Malamute Puppies for Sale and Adoption
It’s hard to resist the charm of a giant Malamute. Now that you are aware of their price tag and needs, it’s time to know where you can purchase this breed.
Alaskan Malamute breeders are not hard to find. They are quite a known breed, after all. However, it would still be better to compare puppy prices so you get the best deal.
To make your hunt easier, here is a list of reputable Alaskan Malamute breeders in the United States:
- KalaMals Alaskan Malamutes – From being a foster home for Alaskan Malamutes, the owners decided to start their own kennel in the mountains of Virginia. This reputable breeder has been able to produce champion dogs and, over the years, still strives to improve the Alaskan Malamute dog breed. If you’re not looking for a puppy, you can choose an adult dog from their list of available dogs.
- Cascade Malamutes – Since Cascade Malamutes has been breeding dogs for 40 years now, you can ensure that they only provide top-quality Alaskan Malamute puppies. You can also benefit from boarding and training services offered by the owners. The application starts by filling out an online form.
- Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes – This is another long-time breeder that has been providing well-tempered and healthy Alaskan Malamutes for over 30 years. Their dogs can enjoy the national forest of California, where they are free to enjoy and explore the surroundings.
An alternative to purchasing an Alaskan Malamute from a breeder is adopting one from a shelter or rescue. This means smaller fees and a chance to save a dog’s life.
Check out these rescue groups for adoptable Alaskan Malamutes:
- Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL) – Formed in 1998, this rescue focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming this beautiful breed. Aside from Washington, their service has extended to Oregon. They require interested adopters to be at least 23 years old to be approved.
- Alaskan Malamute Rescue of New England (AMRONE) – This is a national rescue network of volunteers that aims to help unwanted Alaskan Malamutes and educate the public about the breed. They work with other rescue organizations and animal shelters for more effective rescue efforts and have rehomed many dogs to date. They mainly serve Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
- Moonsong Malamute Rescue – This is another rescue affiliated with the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League (AMAL), a national rescue organization. They rescue stray or surrendered Alaskan Malamutes and mixed breeds or “Malanuffs” from Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana.
For more information on Alaskan Malamute adoption, you can visit the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA)’s website.
Money-Saving Tips for Alaskan Malamute Owners
Owning a large dog like an Alaskan Malamute also requires a large budget. However, there are situations when you need to cut down on finances to save for other expenses.
To help you keep the pet costs to a minimum, here are some money-saving tips for Alaskan Malamute ownership:
- Refrain from buying cheap products. While this may seem counterintuitive, buying cheap items for your Alaskan Malamute can cost you more in the long run. Since they can break easily, you have to buy them more frequently. Expensive but high-quality products have a longer lifespan, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
- Adopt don’t shop. Adopting from a shelter or rescue is the most practical alternative to buying a puppy from a breeder. If you look hard enough, you can find shelters that offer dogs for free. However, make sure that you are adopting a healthy Alaskan Malamute to avoid expensive vet bills.
- Create DIY toys and homemade treats. Instead of purchasing high-priced toys from Alaskan Malamutes, try watching DIY tutorials for making dog toys. It’s time-consuming but definitely worth it! You can use old and used materials lying around the house. Similarly, you can cook homemade treats that are cheaper and healthier.
- Keep your dog healthy. Since Alaskan Malamutes are prone to several health problems, keeping them in the best health condition is essential. In this way, you can avoid paying for pricey vet consultations and treatment. Investing in pet insurance is also advised.
- Groom your dog at home. Professional groomers usually charge a hefty sum for their service. Purchase grooming tools from your local pet shop and learn to groom your Alaskan Malamute at home to save extra money every month.
Spending a fortune to make your Alaskan Malamute happy is not always necessary. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to keep your pet satisfied and your savings intact.
Final Thoughts
The Alaskan Malamute price per puppy is not the cheapest. However, being able to raise one is worth every hassle and penny. These dogs may have independent minds, but they can be a great family member.
Many people dream of having one, but if you’re on a tight budget, your search for Malamute puppies shouldn’t be limited to expensive breeders. You can try your luck at an animal shelter or local rescue center.
In the end, no amount of money can equate to the happiness an Alaskan Malamute can bring into your life. If you have the opportunity to own one, you should grab it right away!
Do you think the Alaskan Malamute cost is worth it? Let us know in the comments!
My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs. I’ve got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years’ experience working in animal shelters and rescues. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property.
