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One of the oldest dog breeds whose original appearance hasn't been drastically altered is the Alaskan Malamute.
If you want to adopt this breed, the exact Alaskan Malamute price will be challenging to assess.
But there's no need to worry.
This blog will discuss everything you need to know about the Alaskan Malamute price.
Owning a dog or any pet is difficult and costly, but it's all worth it seeing them grow happily and live their best life.
When it comes to adopting a puppy, there are financial obligations that you need to remember.
There are some factors to consider before adopting an Alaskan Malamute.
Factors include their health, age, gender, location, breeder, etc.
Generally, depending on the breeder, you can adopt most puppies and adult dogs from a reputable breeder for about $2,000 or more.
Without further ado, let's talk about the Alaskan Malamute price.
Alaskan Malamute Price: How Much Is It?
Alaskan Malamutes are smart, loyal, and very affectionate dogs.
They have a strong build, with lots of stamina and strength, and an amazing woolly, double coat, which helps them survive harsh cold climates.
This dog breed can even survive in temperatures of 70 degrees or below 0.
Usually, Alaskan Malamute puppies can range from $500 to $2500.
However, Malamutes that have top-quality or champion bloodlines can go as high as $3,000 to $3,500.
Due to their large size and beautiful appearance, the Alaskan Malamute tends to cost more than other breeds.
The breed is also expensive, so the adoption price also tends to be much higher.
Adopting a large-sized dog, such as an Alaskan Malamute, also requires more upfront costs than purchasing a small-sized dog.
How?
Well, for instance, you'd have to buy a larger bed, which will cost more.
Being large dogs, Alaskan Malamutes will also eat much more than tiny dogs.
Adopting an Alaskan Malamute From a Rescue
Some dogs, or most from rescue shelters, have experienced bad or traumatic pasts.
But once rescued, these rescue organizations try to give them proper care.
These shelters give puppies veterinary care, training, exercise, socialization, and the right food.
Moreover, puppies are usually neutered or spayed once rescued to stop them from reproducing.
Also, these shelters sometimes offer low-cost spay and neutering for the community.
They also educate the public about proper pet care.
They also ensure that the dogs are vaccinated and have health check-ups occasionally.
Furthermore, adopting from a rescue is a cheaper choice rather than adopting from a breeder.
Adopting an Alaskan Malamute from a rescue will only cost around $50 to $500.
Saving Alaskan Malamutes or any dog in these rescues is a noble achievement.
You're giving these dogs a second chance at life.
If you want to adopt from a rescue but have no clue where to start, try to contact the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League.
Adopting an Alaskan Malamute From a Breeder
But the best option is to adopt from a reputable breeder.
Responsible breeders conduct extensive health tests on the parent dogs before breeding them.
These tests can prevent breeding dogs that suffer from genetic issues, which can be passed on to the puppies.
They will not breed dogs with health issues or behavioral problems, specifically if the problem is potentially hereditary.
Puppies receive their vaccinations and are checked out by a vet once they are born.
Reputable breeders work with vets and other professionals to ensure the dogs are safe and healthy.
A responsible breeder will put the dogs' well-being first over the profit.
They'll be able to provide the dog's medical history.
They also feed these pups with high-quality foods.
Research and look for registered breeders knowledgeable about caring for Alaskan Malamute dogs properly.
Adopting from a responsible breeder will help ensure that your pup is safe, thoroughly checked, and in its best health. Depending on the breeder,
Adopting an Alaskan Malamute from a will cost around $500 to $2500.
Factors that Affect the Price of an Alaskan Malamute
Plenty of different factors impact the cost of a dog breed.
If you plan to adopt an Alaskan Malamute, it's important to canvas first because the price will vary by several factors.
You don't want to be short on budget when you bring your pup home.
Knowing these factors can give you a better idea or decision when buying an Alaskan Malamute puppy.
For example, Alaskan Malamutes are large-sized dogs. And these big dogs can be quite expensive.
As we tackled earlier, Alaskan Malamutes will need bigger beds and more dog food.
Now, let's dive in and discuss the factors that affect the price of an Alaskan Malamute dog breed.
Age
The age will also have an effect on the cost of dogs.
Typically, a dog's cost decreases as they age because most aspiring dog owners prefer young dogs or puppies.
However, that's not always the case.
According to some breeders, some adult dogs with notable success in the shows will be more pricey than buying an unproven puppy.
Location
Supply and demand will also affect the prices of these dogs.
For instance, if you live in urban areas, small or toy dog breeds such as the Shih Tzu will cost more.
Large-sized dogs are not really suitable for apartment living since they require lots of space.
Try living in a 1-bedroom apartment with a large-sized dog like a Great Dane and see what it's like.
On the other hand, people who have access to spacious lands prefer large dogs.
The demand for dog breeds is also different depending on the weather.
Certain breeds are best to have in cold climates than in warm temperatures.
Bloodline
Mixed breeds typically cost less than purebred dogs.
If purebred or show-quality dogs are employed as breeding parents, the cost will also increase.
If the dog used for breeding is an award-winning dog, expect the price for their puppies to be more expensive.
Health Testing
Sadly, dogs can be prone to certain health issues, too.
That's why it's best to adopt a dog through a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders will have their breeding dogs examined and tested for different illnesses.
Responsible breeders only use healthy dogs to produce the best quality pups.
This ensures they produce healthy pups that will not be prone to hereditary health diseases such as Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, and more.
Coat Color
Fur color also has an effect on the Alaskan Malamute price.
Black and white dogs are priced the lowest since they have the most common color combination.
Alaskan Malamutes with red and white coats are slightly pricier.
However, brown and white Alaskan Malamutes are the most expensive since these are rare colors of the breed.
Moreover, kennel clubs such as the AKC only permit certain colors and color combinations on purebred dogs.
For instance, the AKC officially recognizes these Alaskan Malamute Coat Colors:
- Gray & White
- Black & White
- Red & White
- Seal & White
- Silver & White
- White
- Sable & White
- Blue & White
- Agouti & White
Alaskan Malamute One-Time Expenses
When buying a new dog, you should also consider the items and other initial costs below.
These are pet necessities that are needed once you bring your pup home for the first time.
These essentials are great buys as these are just one-time costs that will be re-used in the long run.
Toys
Alaskan malamutes are loyal, affectionate, and playful dogs.
Now, there are plenty of dog toys to choose from. For instance, you can buy Fido a new chew toy or a dog toy rope if you want to play tug-of-war with him.
Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs, meaning their toys must also be huge.
Large toy dogs usually range around $10 to $30 or sometimes more, depending on the quality and size.
Toys such as chew toys help with teething.
This can prevent them from chewing or damaging your furniture.
Alaskan Malamutes are also intelligent dogs.
That means you'll need to stimulate their brains mentally. You can do this by buying puzzle toys. These toys will cost around $10 to $50.
Collars and Leashes
Exercise is a must for any kind of dog breed. And if you want to walk your Malamute outside, you'll need to buy collars and leashes.
There are plenty of choices for you to choose from.
Check out your local pet store, or you can buy online!
On average, collars and leashes cost around $15 to $40.
Bed
Alaskan Malamutes can sleep for 12-14 hours a day, and since they are large dogs, they require bigger beds.
Choose a high-quality bed since your Malamute will spend lots of this time there.
The bed should be comfortable and can fit your dog.
Don't go cheap with a bed since a comfortable bed can help prevent bone problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
Large dog beds can cost $20 or more, depending on the size and quality.
Brush and Nail Clippers
Besides training and exercise, grooming is essential to owning an Alaskan Malamute.
Alaskan Malamutes need a professional grooming kit to maintain their beautiful coats.
Regular brushes and combs on short-haired dogs are unsuitable for this dog breed.
This will cost an average of $25 or more for both.
Crates
Again, since the Alaskan Malamute is a large dog, they'll need even bigger crates.
Crates are also an essential item for dog owners, especially for pet owners who love to travel.
Crates are also used for potty training, crate training, and obedience training.
Crates range from $50 to $500.
Initial Vet Visit
Spay/Neuter
When it comes to spaying/neutering, there are plenty of different opinions.
But the owner has the last say when it comes to this matter.
Male Alaskan Malamute should be neutered around seven months to two years old, while female Malamutes should wait until their first heat cycle.
Spay/Neuter procedures cost between $50 and $400 on average.
Dog License
A dog license is useful for identifying lost dogs. The cost of a dog license will vary from state to state.
But it usually costs around $10 to $20.
Microchip
Just like a dog license, microchipping can help easily identify lost dogs.
The tiny chip is put into your dog's shoulders and is scanned to read their identification number.
Microchip prices range from $40 to $60.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications
Just like any dog, Alaskan Malamute puppies are prone to getting fleas and ticks due to their fluffy and adorable coats.
They can also be targeted by internal parasites that can be handled with deworming.
Flea prevention remedies and other over-the-counter drugs will cost around $50 to $200.
Initial Vaccine Shots
During the puppies' first year, they require core vaccinations.
Ask your vet for shots for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP), and rabies.
Luckily for you, reputable breeders will do these vaccinations for you.
But if your breeder doesn’t include these shots, you'll need to pay around $75 to $200.
Alaskan Malamute Recurring Maintenance Costs
Having a dog or any kind of pet takes much more work than you think.
You have to be physically, mentally, and financially ready.
When it comes to owning a dog, the first year is usually the most expensive period.
But that doesn't mean that the next years will be cost-free.
You must plan and save for their food, grooming needs, vet costs, and training.
Dog Food
The first recurring cost is, of course, food. Our dogs need healthy, nutritious, and high-quality food.
High-quality dog food might increase costs, but it is all worth it in the long run.
High-quality dog foods can help prevent health issues in the future.
That means you'll save plenty of cash on vet visits.
The Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog that will need large amounts of food.
It is recommended to feed Alaskan malamutes twice a day with 7-8 hours intervals between mealtimes.
It is advised to give them 3 to 4 cups of dog food rich in carbs and protein per day.
Dog food ranges from around $50 a month for a bag of food, which can cost around $200 to $700 annually.
Grooming
Grooming an Alaskan Malamute will also be more costly than usual as they are large-sized dogs and filled with fluffy fur.
Grooming packages usually start at $35, which includes bathing, blow-drying, nail trimming, brushing, and ear cleaning.
Healthcare
Just like any other dog breed, Alaskan Malamutes are prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, cataracts, inherited polyneuropathy, hemeralopia (day blindness), and hypothyroidism.
Again, you'll see the benefit of adopting from a reputable breeder since these breeders only use healthy dogs to breed healthy puppies.
However, it's still advised to have annual check-ups.
The average national fee for a dog's routine check-up is about $50 to $250.
Training
Training is one of the most important aspects of raising a puppy.
A well-trained dog can go a long way to helping the dog grow into a well-behaved pup.
There are many classes to choose from.
You can try group training classes where they can socialize with other dogs, or you can try private lessons.
On average, training can cost anywhere between $40 to $250 per session.
Other Additional Costs
There are rare instances where there will be other additional costs, but it will all be just for preference or emergencies only.
Other additional costs for caring for Alaskan Malamutes are:
Pet Insurance
Pet owners have mixed feelings about pet insurance.
But if you prefer to invest in Pet insurance, expect an annual expense of $400 to $4,000.
This kind of insurance can be a great help with vet bills or during times of emergencies.
Dog Walker
Hiring a dog walker is advised for pet owners who spend most of their time at work.
If you're planning a vacation without Fido, you can hire a dog sitter or a dog walker, which will cost around $15 to $25 for 30-minute walks.
Dog Boarding
If you can't bring your Malamute on vacation, it's best to plan ahead and research the best possible dog boarding facilities in your area.
The cost of dog boarding will depend on the location, but it usually costs around $25 to $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaskan Malamute a good pet?
Yes, the Alaskan Malamute makes good family pets.
They are affectionate, loyal, and smart dogs.
They also do well with children. However, early socialization and training are crucial.
What is the most expensive dog?
The most expensive dog in the world is the Tibetan mastiff. In 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy was sold for over $2 million in China!
Tibetan Mastiff costs around $3,000 to $5,000.
Do Malamute dogs bark?
The Alaskan Malamute usually doesn't bark that much.
However, they are still vocal dogs and will talk with their owners.
Keep in mind that these dogs will also howl.
Alaskan Malamute Price: Before You Go…
If you plan to adopt an Alaskan Malamute, well, you're in for a treat.
These dogs are loving, loyal, and great family companions.
They are one of the oldest sled dog breeds in the Arctic, and some believe that they are descendants of domesticated wolf dogs.
If you're looking to adopt an Alaskan Malamute, it's best advised to keep them in cooler environments as they don't do well in the heat.
The Alaskan Malamute price will be hard to estimate, but adopting an Alaskan Malamute can cost around $500 to $2500 on average.
However, there are still plenty of financial responsibilities that you should take into consideration.
You have to think about some one-time costs such as beds, crates, toys, and initial vet visits.
There are also recurring costs such as food, grooming, healthcare, and more.
Owning a pet is costly, but it is worth it.
Our pets have become part of our families, and we are thankful and grateful that we get to spend our days with them.
