Alaskan Malamutes are an instantly recognizable breed due to their sheer size.
These Spitz dogs are much larger and stockier than the slender Siberian Huskies.
Alaskan Malamutes are thought to be related to domesticated wolves used by Paleolithic hunters.
The American Kennel Club lists the Malamute as the 58th most popular breed in the United States.
However, there is an increasing number of Malamute Mixes that are springing up across the world.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best-known Alaskan Malamute crosses.
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What is Alaskan Malamute?
Alaskan Malamutes pulling a sled (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Alaskan Malamutes are a northern breed of dog that were bred for heavy duty work.
Unlike the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were used (and still are in some parts of the world) to haul sleds with heavy loads over significant distances.
The Mahlemuit Inupiaq people have been credited with developing these dogs into the breed that we know and love. Their name Malamute was derived from the Mahlemuit tribe who lived in Alaska.
Alaskan Malamutes – like the Siberian Husky – played a big role in the Gold Rush in Alaska in the 1900s before the breed’s numbers dwindled after World War II.
However, the AKC brought together the three strains of Alaskan Malamutes to trigger a resurgence in their numbers. The three strains are: Ch. Toro of Bras Coupe, M’Loot and Hinmamn.
Alaskan Malamutes are ranked with the top 60 most popular breeds in the USA.
Alaskan Malamute size
Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs bred to work.
Males will usually grow to be around 25 inches (64 cm) tall and can weigh in as much as 85 pounds (39 kg). Females are lighter at 23 inches (58 cm) tall and 75 pounds (34 kg).
Alaskan Malamute appearance
Alaskan Malmautes have a wolf-like appearance that usually turns a lot of heads. The Spitz dogs have magnificent coats that were designed to protect these dogs from the harsh and unforgiving Alaskan weather.
The colors of Alaskan Malamutes include: gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white or solid white. As you can see, Malamute colors aren’t dissimilar to Siberian Huskies.
Malamutes usually have markings on the face, the nape of their neck and the collar. You’ll note that they’ve got a cap over their heads or face that is marked or white.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and brown in color. They should have tail that is well furred, carries over the back and has the appearance of a waving plume.
Alaskan Malamute temperament
Alaskan Malamutes are family orientated dogs. Given their ancestors played an important role in tribal life, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Malamutes feel at home around people.
These northern dogs have an affectionate side that relishes the chance to spend some quality time with their dog owners.
They’re friendly but Malamutes will require socialization from a young age like any other breed.
Alaskan Malamutes get on well with other dogs given they’re accustomed to life as part of a pack.
They’re smart dogs but have been known to have a stubborn streak, which means consistent and firm training is required to lay down some basic obedience.
You won’t be surprised to learn that Malamutes require substantial exercise: it’s recommended around 90 minutes of exercise a day for the sled dogs.
Wolfdog
The Wolfdog is one of the most common Alaskan Malamute mixes that you’ll come across online. However, it’s important to note there are a number of Wolfdog breeds, such as the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.
However, a cross between an Arctic Wolf and an Alaskan Malamute is sometimes described as a Wolfdog. For example, social media superstar Loki is one such mix.
Wolamute
A Wolamute is a mix between an Alaskan Malamute and a Timber Wolf. The cross can also be called a Malawolf. These hybrid dogs originated in the United States.
Unlike many so-called “designer breeds” that have popped up over the past three decades, the Wolamute was a cross breed that is thought to be able to trace back its origins over a 1,000 years ago.
The Wolamute was used in Arctic regions as working dogs.
Alusky
Breeding between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky will result in an Alusky. This mix will inevitably yield a dog that is adept at carting, hauling and sledding.
Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky served a purpose during the Gold Rush. As we mentioned above, Malamutes were used to haul heavy loads, while Siberians were adept at pulling lighter loads over long distances.
You can expect an Alusky to be a relatively large dog given the size of both parents. The influence of Siberian Huskies mean Aluskies can have striking eyes that are blue, brown, and amber. They can also have bi-eyes.
The cross breed will have a thick double coat to protect them against cold conditions. Their undercoat will blow out twice a year at the changing of the seasons.
Alaskan Goldenmute
An Alaskan Golodenmute is a cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever. They’re sometimes referred to as Alaskan Goldens or simply Goldenmutes.
These hybrid dogs will usually grow to between 22 and 24 inches in size and can weigh between 60 and 75 pounds.
According to WagWalking, the Alaskan Goldenmute likely originated in the mid 1800s in North America.
Alaskan Malador
Next up we’ve got the Alaskan Malador. As you might be able to guess, this is a mix between an Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever. They’re similar in size to the Alaskan Goldenmute.
You can expect an Alaskan Malador to require a substantial amount of energy given the exercise requirements of both parents.
Both Alaskan Malamutes and Golden Retrievers are considered good family pets, so you should have a friendly dog on your hands.
Alaskan Shepherd
Alaskan Shepherds are the result of breeding between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd.
These mixed dogs are thought to have first appeared in the early 1900s, being used for hunting and guarding.
You can find Alaskan Shepherds in a wide range of colors, including gray, red, silver, sable, white, black, brown and cream.
These active dogs will require quite a bit of daily exercise.
Utonagan
Utonagans are mixed dogs that have been bred to look likes wolves.
The breed was created by a lady called Edwin Harrison in the 1980s. She used Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and German Shepherds to create her Utonagan dogs.
However, the Utonagan crosses haven’t managed to get recognition by the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club or the British Kennel Club.
Anything else to consider?
As with all designer dogs, cross or mixed breeds, breeders aren’t held to a breed standard laid out by the AKC, UKC or KC. Therefore, it’s easy to fall foul of a scam.
A lot of the time, you may encounter these types of mixes in a rescue shelter, where these hybrid dogs are the result of unintentional breeding.
However, if you encounter a breeder selling a mix such as one of the dogs that we’ve named above, you should always ask to see the puppy with interact with mom, request proof of health checks and veterinarian examinations. You should ask if the breeder offers an health guarantees.
We never recommend buying a puppy online, through a third party or at a pet store.
In conclusion
Alaskan Malamute (Photo: Adobe Stock)
So there you have it, we’ve taken a look at some Malamute mixes.
These northern dogs have been mixed with a number of different breeds, usually creating an athletic dog that is family orientated.
