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Alaskan Malamutes are large, beautiful dogs often mistaken for Siberian Huskies. However, these dogs are much larger than Huskies! These are dogs that were bred for their stamina and strength. But how much does it cost to adopt a Malamute?
Are you thinking about adopting an Alaskan Malamute? If so, then it’s important to know how much it costs to adopt one of these beautiful dogs. What’s more, there are also other expenses to consider when adopting a dog!
We’ve put together some information about Alaskan Malamutes, how much they are to adopt, and created a list of other expenses that go along with being a pet parent! Let’s get started!
What is an Alaskan Malamute?
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest Arctic sledding dogs. It’s thought the dogs’ ancestors came across the land bridge from Siberia to Alaska with native people thousands of years ago. One tribe, named the Mahlemuts, began living near the Seward Peninsula and this is where they raised Alaskan Malamutes.
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They originally bred the dogs to hunt seals, chase off polar bears, and pull heavy sledges loaded with camp supplies and food. These people treated their dogs are valued family members.
Today, Malamutes are beautiful dogs that are still used for sledding. However, many of these dogs are also wonderful family companions. Because the dogs are high-energy, they’re best for families who are very active.
These large dogs have a wolf-like appearance and are sometimes mistaken for wolves. They may have wolf ancestors! The dogs sometimes play wolves in movies and TV programs. The dogs are very strong and are prized for their strength and endurance. They’re also highly intelligent. For these reasons, Malamutes excel at dog sports and other types of competitions.
These dogs are friendly with just about everyone. So, if you’d like a protective dog, this isn’t the right dog breed for you. While the dog’s size would be enough to intimate intruders, the Malamute may run over and kiss them all over if the intruder gets into your home!
These dogs need plenty of space to move around. And they require a lot of daily exercise. If they become bored and restless, Malamutes can become destructive.
Some people mistakenly describe these dogs are stubborn or stupid. However, that’s not true. The dogs are highly intelligent and do best when they’re properly trained and socialized. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. However, Alaskan Malamutes are not recommended for inexperienced pet parents.
Bear in mind that Malamutes love to dig! One reason for digging is to create a cool place to lay in the yard. Another reason is to dig out of their yard. So, it’s recommended that you have dog-proof fencing that’s buried several feet into the ground.
These dogs can learn to get along with other dogs and indoor cats; however, they require early socialization. Any animals outside are considered fair game to these dogs. They tend to have a high prey drive, which cause the Malamute to stalk and kill small animals such as birds, squirrels, cats, and small dogs.
Alaskan Malamutes usually stand between 1 foot 11 inches to 2 feet 1 inch tall and they weigh between 75 to 100 lbs. These dogs have a life expectancy between 12 to 15 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Alaskan Malamute?
The cost of adopting an Alaskan Malamute varies depending on several factors. For instance, where you adopt your dog can impact adoption fees. If you adopt from a reputable breeder, the price is much higher than adopting a dog from a shelter. In addition, adopting a dog in an urban area tends to be higher than adopting an Alaskan Malamute in a small town or rural area.
If you adopt your fur baby from a reputable breeder, the adoption fees for an Alaskan Malamute can run between $500 to $2,500. And if you’d like a show dog, the cost will be even more.
It does cost more to adopt from a reputable breeder; however, don’t worry if the price is too high for your budget. That’s because it’s also possible to adopt an Alaskan Malamute from a shelter. The adoption fees in a shelter can run between $100 to $300.
Some feel that shelters charge too much to adopt their pets. However, remember that a shelter is a non-profit organization. They must pay to shelter, feed, and provide medical treatment for the pets in their care. So, when you pay the adoption fee for your fur baby, it goes to help other dogs in need.
There are also other sources where you can adopt an Alaskan Malamute. However, these places should be avoided. These are puppy mills and backyard breeders that don’t use proper breeding methods. They also don’t provide the right care for their dogs. Dogs from these sources usually have serious health problems and behavioral issues. So, it’s best to completely avoid such places.
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Ask a Vet Live NowOther Expenses to Consider When Adopting an Alaskan Malamute
In addition to the adoption fees, there are other expenses that you’ll also need to consider. When you become the pet parent of an Alaskan Malamute, it’s necessary to buy supplies and items your dog will need when he first comes home!
Here’s our list of supplies and items your fur baby will need:
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $40
- Dog collar: $10 to $40
- Leash: $10 to $30
- Harness: $30 to $50
- Dog bed: $30 to $110
- Dog crate: $15 to $165
- Toys: $50 to $155
- Dog Brush: $5 to $20
- Shampoo: $5 to $20
- Dog food: $20 to $50/month
In addition to these costs, it’s also necessary to factor in medical costs for your Malamute. These usually include regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and medical treatments.
Summing It Up
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting an Alaskan Malamute! However, whether you adopt from a reputable breeder or a shelter, we’re quite certain you’ll find the costs worth it. You’ll have a lovely, lively companion for many years to come!
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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