Understanding Alaskan Malamute Size and Growth

Alaskan Malamutes are a large and sturdy breed, with males weighing between 70 and 95 pounds.

They can grow up to 26 inches in height at the shoulder.

Malamutes typically reach their full height by 18 months of age.

Their growth rate is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health.

For your interest: Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Guard Dogs

The Alaskan Malamute is often compared to other Arctic breeds, but how does it stack up? They're generally larger than Siberian Huskies, with males weighing up to 95 pounds.

In terms of size, Malamutes are also comparable to Samoyeds, but Malamutes have a more muscular build. This is likely due to their original purpose as sled dogs, requiring strength and endurance.

One notable difference between Malamutes and other breeds is their intelligence - they're often considered one of the smartest dog breeds around, rivaling the intelligence of breeds like Border Collies.

If you're not sure that an Alaskan malamute is right for you, it's worth considering similar breeds. Researching these breeds can help you decide if they're a better fit.

One breed similar in drive and energy levels is the Siberian husky, which is smaller in size. If you're looking for a smaller malamute alternative.

The Samoyed is another breed worth considering, although they tend to be less naturally friendly toward strangers. They do, however, tend to live longer on average.

The American Eskimo is also a smaller breed that's often easier to train than malamutes. They may be a good option if you're new to dog ownership or want a breed that's easy to handle.

Siberian huskies tend to be more vocal than malamutes. They also aren't as good with kids as malamutes are.

Malamutes were bred for hauling for distance, whereas huskies were bred for speed. This difference in breeding is reflected in their physical characteristics, with malamutes being stockier and larger with longer coats.

Husky owners should be aware that their pets may not be the best fit for families with young children due to their vocal nature.

Your Alaskan Malamute puppy is going to grow up to be a big dog, and I'm excited to share with you the dog growth timeline. At 4 months old, your Malamute should weigh around 35-45 pounds, which is about half of their final adult weight.

By six months, they'll likely weigh between 45 to 60 pounds. This is a great time to monitor their growth and make sure they're not underweight or overweight.

As they approach 12 months, their growth will noticeably slow down. By 18-20 months, they should be fully grown, with males reaching 80-95 pounds and females weighing 70-85 pounds.

Here's a rough breakdown of your Malamute's growth timeline:

Adult Alaskan Malamutes can grow to be quite large and impressive dogs. A fully grown male Malamute can weigh as much as 95 pounds, while females typically top out at around 85 pounds.

Their robust bodies are a testament to their Arctic sled dog heritage, and they often appear heavy-boned and deep-chested.

To determine if your adult Malamute is at a healthy weight, consider the following questions: Did the dog receive a recent vet checkup and was found to be in good health? Is the dog active, alert and likes to run and play? Is the dog eating and drinking normally? Does the dog have a healthy digestion – with no signs of vomiting or diarrhea? Is the dog on all necessary preventatives, such as heartworm preventatives and worm medications (whether you need those will depend on where you live)?

Alaskan malamutes stand approximately 2 feet tall at the shoulder.

Their athletic, muscular bodies are covered with a double-coat of fur, which insulates them well during long sled runs in freezing temperatures.

Their ears stand upright when they're active, but ease a little to the sides of their broad head when they're at rest.

They weigh between 75–85 pounds, making them large dogs capable of pulling sleds, wagons, and children on toboggans.

Their underside is white from the front of their chests to the end of their tails, while their topcoat is typically a range of colors that varies by dog.