The prospective adopter who has never before owned any dog should consider a sedate older Malamute instead of a spunky young dog, as should anyone without the physical strength to handle a vigorous youngster. Fortunately, the Alaskan Malamute has a life-span of about 12 to 14 years. Malamutes can bark, but seldom do. The neglected Malamute inappropriately chained in a back yard will loudly and indefatigably protest his situation, but happy Malamutes are exceptionally quiet dogs. The breed's double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat and an outer coat of coarse guard hair.
Malamutes shed profusely about twice a year.
Except at those times, they require very little grooming. A few Malamutes have long coats that are unacceptable in the show ring - but spectacular elsewhere. Prospective adopters should bear in mind that even a carefully groomed relatively short-coated Malamute that is not actively shedding will nonetheless deposit some fur on carpets and in automobiles. The inherent health problems of any large breed is usually exacerbated by this breeding strategy. Malamutes can withstand a wide range of temperatures and live happily.