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Are you looking to adopt a dog that’s large? Are you having trouble choosing between the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s a hybrid dog called the Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix that’s a hybrid dog breed. These dogs are relatively new, and not many people realize they even exist.
We’ve put some information together about these hybrid dogs, so you can determine if this might be the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is the Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mix?
The Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix (also called the Alaskan Shepherd) is a hybrid dog breed that results from crossing two purebred parents. One parent of these gorgeous dogs is the Alaskan Malamute, and the other is the German Shepherd. While this hybrid dog breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the dogs have been very popular in the US.
Because this is a relatively new hybrid dog breed, we don’t know much about the history of the Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix. However, we can learn something about these dogs by taking a look at both purebred parents.
Quick Overview of the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, athletic dog that was bred for stamina and strength. The dogs are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The dogs were originally bred to be sled dogs, and they continue this work today, though they also make great family companions.
The dogs are large and have wolf-like markings, with a plumed tail that waves as they run. The dogs are filled with energy and are very strong. They are also highly intelligent and stubborn. As athletic dogs, this breed excels at obedience, weight pulling, skijoring, backpacking, and sledding competitions.
Malamutes are sociable dogs who think everyone is a friend! For this reason, they don’t make very good watchdogs. However, they are large dogs, which may be intimidating to some robbers.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is another large working dog and is the other purebred parent of the Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix. Not many people realize the dogs were originally bred in Germany to be herding dogs. Today, the dogs are still working dogs, but they also make wonderful family companions.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent, athletic dogs. They can do a wide range of jobs, including search and rescue, chasing down criminals, leading the blind, and so much more.
This dog breed is a high-energy dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They easily become bored and may develop unwanted behaviors such as chewing and barking. What’s more, the dogs are loving with their families; however, they are wary of strangers, making them great watchdogs.
With parents like these, you know the Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix is an amazing dog!
Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mixes usually stand between 22-25 inches tall and weigh between 60 to 85 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mix Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix is usually about the size of the German Shepherd. The dogs look like a beautiful blend of their purebred parents and may even look like wolves.
The dogs have a large, muscular body with pointed ears and a long, plumed tail. When it comes to their coloring and markings, each dog is unique. It depends on which parent they take after. Some of these dogs may be more brown and red, like their German Shepherd parent. Others may be more grey, cream, and black like their Malamute parent.
These dogs have dense fur coats that are thick and straight. The fur is usually a medium length.
Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mix Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix usually is highly intelligent, kind, and sociable. They have a ton of energy and need plenty of training and socialization.
The dogs are also very loyal and loving to their pet parents. They’re also quick to learn new cues and commands. However, they can be stubborn and independent, making training a necessity. If not trained and socialized, these dogs will take over and be the dominant ones in the home.
So, the dogs are not recommended for inexperienced pet parents. Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mixes do best with pet parents who understand how to train and manage this hybrid dog breed. And they need a pet parent who can be the pack leader.
These dogs are happiest when they have a job to do. In addition, if the dog takes after their German Shepherd parent, they can make a great watchdog.
Are Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mixes Good for Families?
Yes, they can be great family companions. The dogs are best for families that are active and with pet parents who understand how to train and manage the breed. However, they’re not recommended for families that have younger children. The dogs are large and may be too rough during play.
This is not intentional, but when a large dog is having fun, they may forget they’re playing with a small child and accidentally knock the child down.
Food & Diet
Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mixes need between two to three cups of dog food a day. They do best on dry dog food that is specially formulated for large, active dog breeds.
Exercise
Remember this hybrid dog breed has genes from two hard-working purebred parents. The Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix is a very active dog that needs plenty of exercise every day. They do best with at least one hour of moderate exercise a day, though more is better.
Grooming
The Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix has a medium-length coat that’s very dense. The dogs do tend to shed quite a bit, especially in the spring and fall.
During shedding season, you may want to brush the dogs every day to control shedding. Otherwise, they benefit from a good brushing about once a week.
Summing It Up
As you can see, the Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix is a very athletic, strong dog that has a ton of energy. These dogs do best with active families and pet parents who understand how to train and manage the dogs.
We’re pretty sure if you adopt an Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd mix, you’re going to have a loving, fun, loyal companion for years to come!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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