Full Grown White Alaskan Malamute: A Comprehensive Guide

The full-grown White Alaskan Malamute is a majestic breed, with males weighing between 95 and 135 pounds.

They typically stand between 23 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a commanding presence.

Their thick double coat sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

This breed is known for its intelligence and strong will, making consistent training and socialization a must.

Their high energy level requires regular exercise, ideally 1-2 hours of physical activity per day.

Their diet should consist of a balanced mix of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates to maintain their optimal weight and health.

Their lifespan is around 10-14 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

The Alaskan Malamute is a loyal and loving breed that thrives on attention from its family. They are pack animals that require a strong leader.

Their natural friendly nature makes them great with kids and strangers, but they can be stubborn at times. However, with proper training and commitment, they become incredibly affectionate and playful.

Here are some key characteristics of the Alaskan Malamute breed:

Their intimidating size can be a deterrent to potential intruders, making them a great addition to families who value their safety.

Regular brushing is a must for a full-grown white Alaskan Malamute, as their thick coats require thorough maintenance several times a week to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Daily brushing can help keep their shedding under control, but during heavy shedding periods, you'll need to brush your dog every day and use an undercoat rake to keep stray fur under control.

A firm bristle brush is a good choice, but avoid using a Furminator, as it can damage their top coat hairs.

Malamutes shed heavily twice a year, so be prepared for a lot of hair clippings during these periods.

Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs that can grow up to 25 inches tall.

Their weight can vary, but most females typically weigh between 70 to 85 pounds, while males can weigh anywhere from 85 to 100 pounds or more.

Malamute puppies experience rapid growth, especially in the first six months, during which they can grow to be quite sizable.

They usually reach their full size and weight by the age of 1, although some males continue filling out until they are around 2 years old.

Daily brushing is a must for Alaskan Malamutes, with some owners recommending daily brushing and others suggesting several times a week. This helps prevent matting and manage shedding, which can be overwhelming.

Their thick coats shed heavily twice a year, in spring and fall, requiring daily brushing during these periods. You'll need to use an undercoat rake to keep stray fur under control.

A firm bristle brush is ideal for brushing their coats, but avoid using a Furminator as it can damage their top coat hairs. Daily brushing can't always keep shedding under control, so be prepared to use a high-powered pet-grooming dryer to blow away excess hair.

Bathing should be infrequent, only as needed, to preserve their coat's natural insulating properties and avoid drying out their skin. Their top coat repels rain and mud, so aim for a bath every two months or so.

Brushing their teeth at least a few times a week is essential to keep their teeth healthy. You can brush them with your finger or a brush made for dogs, using a dog-appropriate toothpaste.

A full-grown white Alaskan Malamute needs lots of exercise, whether that's running, pulling a sled through the snow, or skijoring.

They're intelligent dogs and thrive when trained with positive reinforcement, but they can be too smart for their own good and have "selective hearing."

A tired Malamute is a happy Malamute, and they'll let you know if they're bored or have lots of pent-up energy with their loud voice.

They're not barkers, but they are chatty, using yelps, howls, and "woo woos" to join in on the conversation.

These dogs are great with kids and babies, but they do need to be supervised around small children due to their large size and strong bite force.

Alaskan Malamutes are highly vocal and will definitely let you know if they're unhappy or need attention.

They're happiest when treated as an intelligent partner and love being part of family activities, showing a level of affection that's both deep and expressive.

Their well-being hinges on being part of family activities, so it's essential to have an attentive and participatory owner for their optimal development.

Alaskan Malamutes are naturally pack animals, so they thrive on companionship and require an owner who is present and engaged in their daily lives.

They can be strong-willed, but with patience and positive reinforcement, they can be excellent companions for families.

Games of hide-and-seek, teaching them cool tricks, and dog sports like agility, rally, and bikejoring are all great ways to exercise their brains and keep them challenged.

Feeding your full-grown white Alaskan Malamute a quality diet is essential for its health and happiness. A consistent diet and portion schedule, planned with your veterinarian, can help prevent excessive weight gain and obesity.

Alaskan Malamutes can be prone to overeating or developing Bloat from gulping down their food too quickly, so it’s recommended to feed several smaller meals per day rather than one to two larger portions.

To keep your Malamute healthy, look for high-quality dog food with mid-fat and mid-to-high-protein content, such as Farmina N&D.

Feeding your Alaskan Malamute a quality diet is crucial for their health and happiness. These dogs can be prone to overeating or developing Bloat from gulping down their food too quickly.

It's recommended to feed several smaller meals per day rather than one to two larger portions. This can help prevent excessive weight gain or canine obesity.

Your veterinarian can help plan a consistent diet and portion schedule based on your Malamute's age, weight, and activity level. This is an important step to ensure your dog stays healthy.

Alaskan Malamutes' food should include supplements for joint, eye, and coat health. Supplements rich in fatty acids with omega-3s and vitamin C can also help keep your Malamute healthy.

Malamutes tend to put on weight, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they're not packing on the pounds. Their thick coat can hide their ribs and waist, making it harder to detect weight gain.

To keep your dog healthy and lean, look for high-quality, mid-fat and mid-to-high-protein dog food like Farmina N&D. Be sure to watch those treats – they count as calories, yet they're essential for motivating your Malamute during training sessions.

Suggestion: Alaskan Malamute Shed

Alaskan Malamutes are generally healthy dogs, but like many large breeds, they can be predisposed to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.

Their lifespan is typically 10-14 years, making them a long-term companion.

Some common health problems to be aware of include cancer, elbow and hip dysplasia, polyneuropathy, hypothyroidism, day blindness, Von Willebrand Disease, and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat).

These conditions can often be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, but it's essential to catch them early.

Reputable breeders should provide clear test results for the parents of each litter, including evaluations for the hips, eyes, and a polyneuropathy DNA test.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

To keep your Alaskan Malamute healthy, their food should include supplements for joint, eye, and coat health, such as fatty acids with omega-3s and vitamin C.

If you're considering bringing a full-grown white Alaskan Malamute into your life, you're likely thinking about adoption or ownership. National and regional rescue organizations are available to help Alaskan Malamutes find their forever homes.

You can find reputable breeders through the Alaskan Malamute Club of America Breeder Listing or AKC Alaskan Malamute Breeders.

Choosing a Dog is a big decision, and it's essential to consider the lifestyle and living situation you can provide for your new furry friend.

Dogs come in various sizes, from Toy breeds like the Chihuahua to large breeds like the Great Dane.

Before bringing a dog home, it's crucial to research their exercise needs, as some breeds require extensive daily activity.

Some dogs are perfect for apartment living, while others need plenty of space to run around.

Small breed dogs like the Poodle and the Bichon Frise are generally low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Remember, every dog is unique, so it's vital to spend time with a potential new pet to ensure you're compatible.

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If you're considering bringing an Alaskan Malamute into your life, you have a few options to explore.

You can start by checking out national and regional rescue organizations, which can help you find a loving Alaskan Malamute in need of a forever home.

The Alaskan Malamute Assistance League and the Alaskan Malamute Club of America Breeder Listing are great resources to find a rescue or reputable breeder.

The cost of an Alaskan Malamute puppy can vary significantly, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, with some puppies costing upwards of $6,000 depending on their pedigree.

Here are some reputable breeders to consider:

Owning an Alaskan Malamute comes with ongoing costs, including food, veterinary care, and grooming, which can average between $1,000 to $2,000 annually, depending on the dog's health and needs.

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient breed with a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Originally developed by the Mahlemiut Inuit tribe in northwestern Alaska, these dogs were bred for their strength, power, and endurance.

They were used to pull heavy sleds in teams, on hunting expeditions for seals and polar bears, or as decoys when bear hunting.

Their versatility made steadiness and strength the breed's strong points.

Alaskan Malamutes were also used during the Klondike Gold Rush, where prospectors recognized their strength and stamina as a valuable asset.

In the 1920s, an interest in competitive sled dog racing led to further breeding and development of these dogs.

Only one variant of the Malamute, the Kotzebue, received early AKC recognition in 1935.

Today, the Alaskan Malamute is recognized as Alaska's state dog, a title they earned in 2010.

Despite their decline after World War II, the breed was revived through responsible breeding practices.

Now, you can find Alaskan Malamutes in all 50 states, even in the hotter ones.

Their popularity has earned them a spot on the AKC's list, ranking 67th among popular breeds.

If you're considering bringing an Alaskan Malamute into your family, be sure to find a reputable breeder or consider adopting from a rescue organization.