How Much Do Alaskan Malamutes Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog that was originally bred as an Alaskan sled dog, making it one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs on the market.  Very similar to a Siberian Husky in terms of looks, the Alaskan Malamute tends to be very timid, loyal and very loving.  The cost of an Alaskan Malamute will mostly depend on the age of the dog, the breeder, its bloodline, colors, the quality and inclusions with the adoption.

IMG_1774 by shotofwhiskey, on Flickr
IMG_1774” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  shotofwhiskey

How much does an Alaskan malamute cost?

On average, an Alaskan Malamute can cost anywhere from $400 for a puppy without paperwork to as much as $2,500 from an AKC registered breeder. 

At the time of this writing, for instance, PuppyFind.com, a popular online dog classified website, has close to 250 listings, with prices ranging from $650 to as much as $1,800 for a limited AKC registered puppy.  Those who would want a full registration could pay $2,100 to $2,500.  Most breeders, from at least what we saw, they would include registration paperwork, up-to-date vaccinations, a vet exam, health guarantee and pedigree paperwork.

Researching the official AKC Marketplace, we had found listings ranging from as little as $800 to $1,800 for partial registration.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Most breeders will have each of their puppies up to date with current vaccinations and health-related paperwork, showing everything that has been done at a local licensed vet clinic.  Aside from this, a reputable breeder should also include a written health guarantee, a microchip, spay/neuter and/or a travel crate if it were to be shipped.

What are the extra costs?

If the dog has to be shipped across the United States, airline fees can start at $150 and be as high as $400, depending on the distance traveled.

Recurring costs need to be factored in, as with any pet, such as a food, accessories, shelter, and routine/surprise vet visits.  A healthy dog owner should be prepared, at a minimum, to spend $600 to $900 per year to take care of their dog.  If a problem were to persist and your dog required surgery and/or lengthy treatments, the costs could be much more.

Even though they are considered to be highly intelligent, they can be stubborn at times, and because of this, they will require training at a younger age, just like any other dog breed.  At a minimum, they should learn the basics such as sit, lay down and stay.  You should also teach your dog the basics of crate training if your dog needs to stay in a confined environment while away.

The dog does require a good brushing a few times per week and is considered to be a very heavy shedder.  If you don’t have the time to groom your dog weekly, it’s highly advised you take your dog in for monthly grooming sessions to keep its coat clean and healthy.

Breeding rights, if available, can often cost another $700 to $1,000.

Tips to know:

This breed is known to have hip and elbow problems, and to prove the dog doesn’t have the chance of these problems, they may offer an OFA certification.  This type of certification will take a close look at the puppy’s relatives to see if any problems existed.

The Alaskan Malamute can grow up to 85 pounds and can stand as tall as 25 inches.  Its coat tends to be a double-coat, similar to many huskies, coming in common colors such as black, gray, or sable.  The top coat will be thick and coarse, protecting it from all sorts of weather, while beneath the coat will be a softer and dense oily coat.

Its temperament is known to be highly intellligent, friendly and can often be a very calm dog when trained right.  With this friendly temperament, don’t expect this dog to be a great watch dog.

When healthy, the lifespan can range from 10 to 14 years.

The Alaskan Malamute is known to be very energetic, active, and because of this, they will require a lot of space to roam throughout the day.

Separation anxiety is very common if the dog is left alone for prolonged periods of time.

How can I save money?

Check out a local rescue group or even the Humane Society.  While you may not be able to find this breed, you could find a puppy that closely resembles the look.  Adopting is a great way to offer a dog a forever home; plus, the costs will be much less when compared to working with a breeder.


Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.

Null

Average Reported Cost: $0

0 %
0 %
Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
Copyright © 2022 | Proudly affiliated with the T2 Web Network, LLC
The information contained on this website is intended as an educational aid only and is not intended as medical and/or legal advice.