Alaskan Malamute Puppies for Sale

Country of Origin:

United States

Available Puppies

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Breed Characteristics

Average Size: Large

Average Lifespan: 10-14 years

Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes

Registry: aca,akc,other

Activity Level: high

Shedding Level: high

Grooming Level: high

Trainability: high

Good For Novice Owners: low

Adaptability: moderate

Prey Drive: high

Watchdog: very alert

Breed Information

Overview

Characterized as strong-willed, independent and very alert, the Alaskan Malamute is an excellent family dog. They are loyal and, as a rule, quite fond of people. A highly intelligent breed, they are notoriously stubborn, so obedience training is recommended. They find training stimulating and enjoy interaction but may choose to play instead of train when bored. Be aware of their heightened prey drive around smaller animals, however; this is thought to be a remnant of their ancestry with wolves. If you decide to adopt a Malamute, you will need to socialize him with people, other dogs, and pets at an early age. If dogs, in general, are not properly socialized, they will often become anxious, depressed, or aggressive. The Alaskan Malamute is no exception to this rule. When they are puppies, socialize them with other canines, other pets (especially smaller ones), new environments, and new people. Then, they will know they are safe around others, even when you’re not there.

With ancestry relating back to the wolf, the Alaskan Malamute is a striking breed and is the largest of the Arctic sled dogs. Originating in Alaska, the Malamute get their name from the Inuit tribe that settled in the Kotzebue Sound area in northwestern Alaska thousands of years ago, the Mahlemiut, and the sled dogs from which the modern Alaskan Malamute descended.

The Malamute’s brawn and stamina make them ideal freighter sled dogs, built for pulling heavy loads over great distances. Along with Siberian Huskies, the dogs gained popularity during the Gold Rush and expanded into other areas from there. Some Malamutes even joined Admiral Richard Bird on his Antarctic expedition in 1933. The AKC recognized them in 1935 as a member of the Working Group.

Temperament

Characterized as strong-willed, independent, and very alert, the Alaskan Malamute is an excellent working dog. Their affectionate and playful personalities make them a great family dog. Well-socialized, they get along well with children and other dogs. They do have a high prey drive, which means they will require extra socialization and training around smaller animals. They tend to do best with animals they have been raised and socialized with. Although Mals can be initially wary and aloof with strangers, they generally tend to be open and friendly and do tend to warm up once introduced provided they have been properly socialized. One of the facts about Alaskan Malamutes is that they are typically a quiet dog breed in terms of barking, but will bark to alert and are vocal in other ways. Like Siberian Huskies, they will often “talk” to let you know their needs or alert you when something is out of the ordinary. They can become quite vocal and loud dogs if this behavior is encouraged and rewarded a lot when they are puppies.

Did You Know?

A group of schoolchildren started a campaign to recognize the Alaskan Malamute as the official state dog of Alaska. Thanks to their efforts, this dog breed has served as the state dog of Alaska since 2010.