Alaskan Malamute health problems & breed care
#Alaskan Malamute breed profile
Chatty, affectionate, and sometimes demanding, Malamutes are strong enough and clever enough to provide for themselves if you don’t—think unsupervised walks and sneaking food. But if you commit to their needs and don’t mind a bit (a lot) of hair, they’ll be a loving, huggable adventure hound.
Their coat can range from light grey through black, or from gold through red to deep liver, but always with white markings on the face, legs, belly, and tail tip. Their tail, carried in a gentle curl over the back, is a hallmark of the breed.
Diggers, howlers, escape artists and hunters, there’s still a lot of “wild” in an Alaskan Malamute. This can mean selective hearing and an independent streak; they aren’t necessarily the best choice for first-time dog owners.
A well-exercised Malamute, however, can be surprisingly chilled, happily sprawling in a favourite spot (often a hole they dug in your garden). While they don’t like to miss out, if what you’re doing isn’t interesting, don’t expect them to follow you around.
When it comes to people and pets, introductions are important. They’re often wonderful with kids and friendly with dogs they know, but their size can lead to accidents without supervision. Their good nature also isn’t guaranteed; proper socialisation is essential to nurture their natural friendliness. With small animals - even small dogs - their hunting instincts can take over.
Their tendency to great people with a friendly “woo-woo” means that while they may look intimidating, they’re unlikely to scare intruders away. Malamutes are also a poor match for city life and hot climates; they thrive in cooler, open spaces. While 10+ years is a fair expectation for such a large breed, with proper care, many live well into their teens.
##Common health issues in Alaskan Malamutes
Generally hardy, Alaskan Malamutes don’t suffer from a huge number of breed-specific health problems, but here are some to be aware of.
##Physical issues
As with many large breed dogs, hip and elbow dysplasia are not uncommon. When these joints don’t develop properly friction, inflammation and degeneration lead to early onset arthritis. Mild cases may do well with lifestyle changes, diet and joint supplements, however severe cases can benefit from early surgery to prevent damage from accumulating as rapidly.
Chondrodysplasia is a genetic condition affecting growth. Puppies have abnormally short and often misshapen legs. Malamutes can also suffer from a couple of eye conditions, including cataracts and inherited day blindness (cone degeneration).
Happily, pre-breeding tests - via x-rays, genetic screening, or eye exams - can help reduce the risks of these problems in future generations.
##Stomach Issues
Malamutes can have sensitive stomachs but are often just fussy eaters. More seriously, they’re at risk of bloat (gastric dilation and volvulus). Because of their thick coat, the tell-tale swelling may be harder to spot, so look out for signs such as drooling, restlessness, or repeated but unsuccessful attempts to vomit. Bloat is a medical emergency, read more in our health guide all about bloat.
##Skin issues & allergies
Like any breed, Malamutes can develop allergies to food, environmental triggers or parasites. Their adaptation to cold climates means hot, dry homes can make things worse. Low zinc levels, common in northern breeds, may also cause flaky skin, hair loss and poor coat quality, but this is usually well managed with supplementation.
##Medical problems
Young Malamutes can develop polyneuropathy, a rare hereditary nerve condition. It causes weakness, stumbling, and sometimes changes to breathing or voice. While some dogs stabilise, others deteriorate, so screening breeding dogs is important.
Older Malamutes are also prone to hypothyroidism, which causes weight gain, lethargy, and changes in coat quality.
#Caring for an Alaskan Malamute
Think: fresh air, outdoor adventures and lots and lots of hair!
##Diet & nutrition tips
Alaskan malamutes can be opinionated about food: greedy with what they love and fussy about everything else. A balanced diet is vital. Just like with kids, giving them only what they want rarely leads to healthy choices.
- Feed large-breed puppy food during growth.
- Offer two meals a day, and avoid exercise straight after to reduce bloat risk.
- Watch portions: they can gain weight easily.
- Expect fussiness in hot weather, but avoid overindulging them with treats.
##Training & exercise tips
- Be patient but firm; they’re smart but independent.
- Socialise well from puppyhood.
- Recall is possible, but hunting instincts can make wildlife and busy dog-walking areas too challenging
- Adapt your exercise routine to the weather; overheating is a serious risk with their thick coats.
- Activities like sledding, canicross, or hiking mimic their working heritage.
##Grooming tips
Brush, brush and brush some more. Malamutes have a medium-length coarse guard coat with an oily woolly undercoat. Daily brushing helps manage shedding, removes debris, and spreads oils. Twice a year they “blow” their coat, shedding heavily in clumps.
- Avoid frequent baths: their coat is slow to dry and harsh shampoos strip oils.
- Professional grooming during shedding season can help manage the hair avalanche.
#Conclusion
Alaskan Malamutes are affectionate and enduring companions, but they’re not a “casual” breed. If you’re at home in the outdoors, they’ll thrive on every bit of adventure, look amazing in your photos and set a good example when it’s time for some well-earned rest.
