The Alaskan Malamute

 

This magnificent working breed thrives on mutual respect, trust, and two-way communication. Highly intelligent and independent, Malamutes may sometimes seem as though they are training you! Living with a Malamute can feel like a lifelong game of chess, requiring patience, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving.

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Rather than relying on force or intimidation, focus on preventing unwanted behaviors, teaching alternative behaviors, and meeting your dog's physical, mental, and emotional needs. A well-enriched Malamute is more likely to thrive as a family companion.

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Malamutes are known for being stoic and may mask pain or discomfort, making health concerns easy to miss. Regular veterinary care and close observation are important to maintaining their well-being.

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Originally bred to pull sleds, hunt, and work alongside people, Alaskan Malamutes are intelligent, capable problem-solvers that form strong bonds with their families. While generally friendly, some may be reserved with strangers or protective of their home and loved ones.

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Many rescue Malamutes are mixed breeds. DNA testing may reveal herding, guarding, or other working-breed influences that can affect temperament and behavior. Avoid assuming your dog will behave like every other Malamute you've met.

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Every dog is an individual. Learning to read and respect your dog's body language is essential to building a strong, trusting relationship.

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The following characteristics are general observations based on our experience in rescue and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Individual Malamutes may vary in personality, behavior, and needs.

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Typical Characteristics

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• Every Malamute is an individual. Some are highly social and enjoy meeting everyone, while others prefer quiet time at home.

• They are independent thinkers and excellent negotiators who often ask, "What's in it for me?"

• They are expressive communicators. Learning to read and respect their body language is essential.

• They are expressive with their feelings. Listen to what they are trying to tell you. Health issues are often the root cause of defensive behavior.

• Alaskan Malamutes build relationships through trust. Avoid using force or intimidation, as they may fight back if they feel threatened.

• Reward-based training works best. Make learning fun and rewarding.

• Keep training sessions brief (2-3 minutes), engaging, and rewarding.

• Take breaks to prevent arousal from escalating. They have big feelings!

• Malamutes can be sensitive around their neck and collar area. We have seen dogs suffer physical burns and emotional distress from electronic training collars. Some become anxious or aggressive because they do not understand when or why a correction may occur, while others learn to ignore the collar altogether, causing physical pain.

• Invisible fences are not recommended. In addition to concerns associated with electronic collars, invisible fences do not protect your Malamute from loose dogs, wildlife, or people entering your property. We believe in setting dogs up for success through management, supervision, secure physical fencing, enrichment, and reward-based training.

• Malamutes are known to pull, and relying on equipment instead of training can be harmful. No-pull, Freedom, and front-clip harnesses may restrict natural shoulder movement. We recommend clipping the leash to the back of the harness and focusing on training. 

• Strong predatory behavior. Many Malamutes enjoy chasing cats, squirrels, deer, chipmunks, rabbits, and even small dogs.

• Most Malamutes cannot live safely in a home with cats.

• Malamutes may be guarded with food and toys around other dogs.

• Same-sex aggression can occur and may emerge as dogs mature.

• Female Malamutes tend to be bossy and often prefer males that are larger and more submissive.

• A Malamute may not start a fight, but they will end a fight.

• Bred to work, pull, hike, and participate in activities with their people.

• They require regular mental enrichment and physical exercise.

• If bored, they may chew, dig, escape, or find other ways to entertain themselves.

• Many enjoy elevated resting places, such as your sofa, where they can observe their surroundings. Provide an alternative if you do not want them on your furniture.

• Most Malamutes love food! Adjust meals and use healthy treats to prevent overfeeding. Obesity can contribute to health problems and arthritis.

• Malamutes are known for sensitive stomachs. Limited-ingredient foods and single-ingredient treats are often best tolerated.

• Most do not enjoy having their paws handled. Early cooperative care training can help make nail trims and veterinary care less stressful.

• Their double coat sheds year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding.

• Most Malamutes are uncomfortable with collar grabs, restraint, or strangers leaning over them.

• Due to their large size and weight, we recommend using a ramp when helping your Malamute get in and out of vehicles. Ramps reduce stress on the joints and may help minimize wear and tear that can contribute to arthritis and mobility issues later in life.

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Malamute Body Language

The Alaskan Malamute has pointy ears, fluffy body, and high tail, which in general dog body language is considered aggressive. Some dogs have not been socialized with Malamutes and may react defensively by barking, lunging, and biting. We have experienced dogs busting through screen doors to attack a Malamute walking past their home.  

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Body Language

It's easy to be distracted by a Malamute's fluffy, adorable appearance and miss what they're trying to communicate. Pay attention to signs of stress or discomfort, such as:

• Looking away

• Ears pinned back

• Tail lowered

• Lip licking, tongue flick

• Yawning

• Whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes out of context)

• Freezing

• Nervous zoomies

 

These behaviors often indicate that a dog needs space. If their signals are ignored, they may escalate their communication with a growl, air snap, or bite. Malamutes are not being "bad" when they do this; they are communicating fear, stress, or frustration.

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Respect Their Space

As a general rule, avoid grabbing a Malamute by the collar, hugging them, staring at them, getting in their face, or patting them on the head. While some dogs may learn to accept these interactions from trusted family members, many find them uncomfortable.

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Every Malamute is an individual shaped by genetics, early experiences, socialization, health, and life history. Some are outgoing and affectionate with everyone, while others prefer their family and are selective about new people.

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Give your dog the choice to approach, interact, or walk away. Trust is built when dogs feel safe and heard.

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​Meeting Their Needs

Malamutes thrive on routine, enrichment, exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of rest. Puppies and adolescents, in particular, benefit from appropriate outlets for their energy and developing minds. Some Malamutes act like teenagers for most of their lives. 

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Malamutes have big feelings. Some may struggle with reactivity, often due to fear, lack of confidence, or limited socialization. A growl is valuable communication and should be respected as a warning sign. 

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Provide natural chews for teething puppies, stress relief for adolescents, and as a natural way to clean their teeth.  Avoid Greenies and rawhide because they do not digest and may cause a blockage.

 

As adults and seniors, they may develop arthritis or other mobility concerns. Regular veterinary care and proactive joint support can help keep them comfortable throughout their lives. Malamutes have big feelings for many reasons including their health and teeth.

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