Alaskan Malamutes are a breed of dog that typically weighs between 70 and 95 pounds.
They have a unique growth pattern, with males reaching their full weight between 12 to 18 months of age.
Physical Characteristics
A male Alaskan Malamute typically weighs around 85 pounds.
They stand about 25 inches tall at the shoulder on average.
Female Alaskan Malamutes are slightly smaller, weighing near 75 pounds, with 23 inches in height.
Their robust body is a testament to their background as intense, Arctic sled dogs.
Appearance
The physical characteristics of a subject are often a great indicator of its overall health and well-being.
Their skin is typically a pale yellow color, with a smooth and thin texture. This is due to their unique composition of fatty acids.
Their eyes are relatively small, but they have excellent night vision thanks to their large pupils.
The subject's body is roughly cylindrical in shape, with a tapering tail at the back.
Size
The average male Alaskan Malamute weighs around 85 pounds and stands about 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
A good rule of thumb to gauge your dog's body condition is to feel its rib cage and pelvic bones with your hands - if you can easily feel the bony structure under a thin layer of fat, your dog is at a good weight.
Like BMI charts, your Alaskan Malamute's weight should correspond to its height, roughly increasing in 5 lb increments per inch.
Female Alaskan Malamutes typically weigh slightly less, near 75 pounds, with 23 inches in height.
A purebred Alaskan Malamute will appear heavy-boned, deep-chested, and have a robust body that speaks to their background as intense, Arctic sled dogs.
Consider reading: Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Family Dogs
Puppy Growth
Your Alaskan Malamute puppy is going to grow into a beautiful dog, but how big will they get exactly? There are three main factors that determine their adult size: age, genetics, and paw size.
For another approach, see: Schnauzer Sizes and Weights
If your pup is less than a year old, they likely still have a lot of growing to do. Their growth will slow down significantly between 18 and 24 months old.
The size of your Malamute's parents is also a good indicator of how big they'll grow to be. If you purchased your pup through a breeder, reach out to them for more information on your Malamute's parents and past litters.
Taking a look at your Malamute pup's paw size can also give you an idea of how big they'll get. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they're likely still filling out and growing into their paws.
At six months old, your Alaskan Malamute puppy should weigh around 45 to 60 pounds. They'll still have significant growth to complete before they're full-grown.
Most Alaskan Malamutes stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This means that by their first birthday, they'll be close to their full height and weight, but they'll still be putting on muscle and filling out their chest until they're closer to two years old.
Explore further: Olde English Bulldogge Weight Chart
Health and Care
Alaskan Malamutes are prone to certain health issues, including eye cataracts, zinc-responsive dermatosis, and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary care can help identify and address these problems early on.
To keep your Malamute healthy, it's essential to feed them a quality diet and ensure they get plenty of exercise. This can be as simple as taking them for a walk or playing fetch in the park.
A consistent diet and regular exercise routine can also help prevent obesity, a significant health problem in Alaskan Malamutes. Obesity can lead to joint problems, metabolic disorders, and even heart disease.
Here are some tips for maintaining your Malamute's health:
- Brush their coat at least weekly to prevent matting and tangling.
- Brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent serious dental problems.
- Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.
- Provide a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and keep their diet consistent.
Care and Exercise
To keep your Alaskan Malamute healthy and happy, it's essential to establish a regular care and exercise routine. This will help prevent common health issues and ensure they live a long and fulfilling life.
Feeding your Malamute a high-quality diet is crucial. Feed a diet appropriate for their age, and avoid giving them people food, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Suggestion: Alaskan Malamute Health Problems
Regular exercise is also vital for your Malamute's physical and mental well-being. Start with short, gentle walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity as they become more comfortable.
To prevent obesity, it's essential to monitor your Malamute's food intake and ensure they're not overeating. Avoid giving them treats, especially leftover people food, and instead opt for playtime, hugs, or brushing their fur.
Here are some essential care tasks to include in your Malamute's daily routine:
- Brush their coat at least weekly to prevent matting and tangling.
- Brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent dental problems.
- Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.
- Supervise your Malamute at all times, especially in areas with potential hazards.
- Keep their diet consistent and avoid giving them people food.
- Exercise your Malamute regularly, but don't overdo it at first.
- Bury your fence to prevent escape and ensure it's at least 6 feet tall.
By following these care and exercise tips, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy Alaskan Malamute.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly, leading to arthritis in dogs.
Alaskan Malamutes are particularly prone to hip dysplasia, so it's essential to monitor their health closely.
Early detection is key, and we can identify the disease through X-rays of your dog's joints.
Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.
Related reading: How Much Do Maltese Dogs Weigh
Standards and Expectations
A standard-sized Malamute is a heavy-boned, well-muscled dog that carries no excess weight and moves with a tireless, efficient gait.
The AKC Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard describes the ideal freighting (sledding) size as 23-25 inches at the withers and 75-85 lbs. This size range is quite specific, and it's essential to understand that it's not just a suggestion.
Most purebred Alaskan Malamutes will fall within the 23-25 inch category, but a few might be slightly smaller or larger. However, this minor variation doesn't encompass dogs advertised as 150-180 lb "giants", which are often the result of cross-breeding with other large breeds.
The AKC Breed Standard is the foundation for selecting the right Malamute, and it's crucial to look for dogs that meet these standards.
On a similar theme: Standard Poodle Growth Calculator
Key Information
Alaskan Malamutes are heavy-boned, large dogs built for endurance.
They typically weigh between 75 and 85 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club official breed standards.
Alaskan Malamutes are more prone to certain genetic health conditions, like bloat and hip dysplasia.
To ensure your Malamute pup stays healthy, consider investing in pet insurance that covers developed illnesses or injuries.
Related reading: Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Guard Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaskan Malamute bigger than Siberian Husky?
Yes, Alaskan Malamutes are generally larger than Siberian Huskies, with males weighing up to 85 pounds compared to Husky males that weigh up to 60 pounds. This size difference is a key characteristic that sets these two breeds apart.
Are Alaska Malamutes bigger than huskies?
Alaskan Malamutes typically weigh between 75-85 pounds, while Siberian Huskies usually weigh between 40-60 pounds, making Malamutes generally larger. This size difference is one of the key distinctions between the two breeds.
How to tell if a Malamute is overweight?
To check if your Malamute is overweight, run your hands over their sides and feel for their ribs - if you can barely feel them, your dog may be carrying too much fat. If you can feel a lot of rib, it may be a sign of underweight, but excessive rib visibility is a more common concern for Malamutes.
Sources
- standard (akc.org)
- "Report from the Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee: Summary results of the Purebred Dog Health Survey for the Alaskan Malamute breed" (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Alaskan Malamute (curlie.org)
- Alaskan Malamute Growth & Weight Chart (pawlicy.com)
- Alaskan Malamute (advancedanimalcare.com)
- What are standard size Alaskan Malamutes? (snowlionmalamutes.com)
- The Alaskan Malamute Standard (alaskanmalamute.org)
- "beyond-the-belly-the-health-consequences-of-pet-obesity" (veterinarypracticenews.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com
