German Shepherd Malamute Mix : Can A German Shepherd Mate With An Alaskan Malamute?

German shepherd Malamute Mix

The German Shepherd Malamute mix or the Alaskan Shepherd is a muscular dog that makes a good family pet. Often this dog resembles a wolf; yet, it doesn’t act like one.

Additionally, as from the name, this breed mix results from breeding a German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. Quite a perfect combination since both of these dogs are hardworking, intelligent, and affectionate.

That said, this article will in depth discuss this German shepherd malamute mix. Additionally, you will understand why this breed mix makes a perfect home companion.

Quick Overview: German shepherd Vs Alaskan Malamute

German shepherd Alaskan Malamute
Origin Germany Alaska
Group Working Working
Size 22-26 inches 23-28 inches
Weight 50-80 pounds 75-90 pounds
Type of coat Double coat Double coat
Coat color Black and tan: Black and red Light grey, white color on the underbelly.
Temperament Agile, alert, protective Friendly, willful, loyal.

Not a perfect guard dog

Training East to train Easy

 

Exercise requirement High High
Level of shedding High High
Level of barking Mild Low. The dog tends to howl
health Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia Common condition: Hip and dysplasia
Life span 9-13 years 10-14 years

Can A German shepherd Mate with a Malamute? (When Large Meets Large)

Is it possible for a German Shepherd to mate with a Alaskan Malamute? Yes, it’s possible. The reason being both of these breeds are similar in terms of their body structure and genetic make-up.

However, before breeding them, legit breeders have to perform various medical evaluations before giving them a clean bill of health.

Also read: German Shepherd Yorkie Mix.

History of the German Shepherd Malamute Mix

An outline of the history of the parent breeds…

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, with its history dating back over 3000 years.  This dog migrated into northern American with the Paleolithic hunters.

Additionally, this breed derives its name from an ancient Inuit tribe that used these dogs to pull heavy sleds, hunt seals, and distract bears during hunting sessions.

The AKC officially recognized this breed recently in 1935.

Amazing fact: The Alaskan malamute is the official state dog of Alaska.Alaskan Malamute And German Shepherd Mix

Plus: German Shepherd Coyote mix.

German Shepherd

A relatively new dog breed that has gained popularity over the last one hundred years.

Captain Max von Stephanitz developed this breed of dog for herding purposes in the early 1900s. Later it was transformed into an all-round working dog.

German Shepherd Malamute Mix

This breed mix has its origin tracing back to the early 1900s. This breed’s rise is attributed to the popularity rise of both the German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute.

To date, this breed is still in use as a sled dog in the northern parts of America.

Interesting read: Why do German shepherd looks like wolves?

Can A German Shepherd Mate With A Malamute?

The Appearance of the German Shepherd Alaskan Mix

The Shepherd Alaskan mix captures the appearance of its parents. However, at times it can pick the genes of the healthier and stronger parent.

To help you forecast the resemblance of this German shepherd malamute mix, I have given an outline of how it parents resemble.

German Shepherd

A German shepherd is a well-built masculine breed of dog that is always alert. According to its breeding standards, the German shepherd can reach lengths ranging from 22 to 26 inches, whereas its weight can range from 50 to 80 pounds.

Additionally, it has a double coat with a bushy tail. Some of the acceptable color coats, according to the AKC, include black and tan, and black- red. White German shepherds are considered faulty.

Keynote: ‘Rin tin tin’ was a movie star shepherd dog who significantly popularized this dog breed.

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute

A large breed of dog that has an athletic masculine body. The Alaskan malamute has a length ranging from 23 to 28 inches. Additionally, its weight can range from 75 pounds-90 pounds. Also, it’s not uncommon to find malamutes hitting the 100-pound weight mark.

The Alaskan malamute is double coated. The outer coat has coarse guard hairs while the undercoat is soft, dense and oily.

Acceptable coat colours include light grey, black and light blue, coupled up with a white coat on its belly.

Dark eyes are the most preferred, with blue eyes considered a fault. Additionally, it has small ears compared to its head. Ears of the Alaskan malamute become erect when alert.

Additionally, it has a bushy tail that is always carried over its back.

Take away point; The Alaskan malamute has two coats. These coats keep the dog warm in the freezing temperatures.

German Shepherd Alaskan Malamute Mix

German shepherd Malamute Mix Appearance

The Alaskan Shepherd is a big masculine breed of dog that slightly resembles a wolf. It has a double coat with grey, black and red, silver- black colours being more predominant.

Eyes are darker, and the ears stand erect.

Its length can range from 22 to 28 inches, and weight can range from 50 to 90 pounds.

Highlight: The German shepherd malamute mix inherits most of the coat appearances from each parent breed.

German shepherd Malamute Mix: Personality

Temperaments or personality of a breed will depend on how you raise it from its puppyhood. A well socialized and trained puppy will portray likeable personalities.

Here is an outline of how the parents of this breed mix present. The breed mix can pick certain temperaments from an individual parent, or at-most take all personalities from both parents.

Another crossbreed: German Shepherd and Shih Tzu mix.

Alaskan Malamute Personality

Alaskan Malamute 

This dog breed is high spirited, intelligent and friendly. Additionally, it thrives well in a pack, and if left alone for long, the Alaskan malamute can turn out to be a naughty dog.

Alaskan malamutes can become stubborn and pushy as they love being the pack leader.

While on that, exert yourself as the leader of the pack. Let the dog respect the fact that you hold the top position in the house.

Remarkable Fact: The Alaskan malamute dog has featured in many movies. Check out these movies, snow buddies, the call of the wind, and Nikki the wild dog of the North.

Additionally, it’s a dog that has a strong prey drive; you will find it chasing small animals on your yard. Also, it loves engaging in every activity you are doing; if you are expecting to get a lay back kind of dog, you will be in for a rude shock.

Another key thing that malamutes love is digging. Thus ensure you have a well-fenced yard. Digging is one of the attributes that you will find hard to train out. However, you can seclude an area in the yard or create a heap of sand where it can practice its digging skills.

Additionally, this dog rarely barks. However, it is has a peculiar howling sound.

Furthermore, because of its tremendous strength, this dog can overpower or become pushy on children below the age of 5. Thus keep an eye on how both the dog and the children relate.

Key point; distant cousins of the Alaskan Malamute include the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed.

Teach your children not to come closer to this dog when it is sleeping or when it is eating.

Also, the Alaskan malamute is fond of people; they will befriend everyone they met.  Because of their friendly nature, they hardly make perfect guard dogs. (Everyone who rings the doorbell becomes an instant friend).

However, their friendly nature makes them perfect family pets.

The German Shepherd

A very active and intelligent dog breed that is always alert. Beside its masculine nature, this dog breeds does well around children and whom it calls family.

For the German Shepherd, it is always aloof and suspicious of new people. (Does not create friendship easily); hence why it’s a perfect watch and guard dog.

Additionally, it is a reserved dog that only attacks when provoked or when defending its territory.

Because of its high intelligence, the GSD is easier to train on how to perform certain tasks. In that, it can lead the blind, visit the sick, and search for explosives. Quite a workaholic and intelligent dog.

Malamute German Shepherd Mix

German Shepherd Malamute Mix

This breed mix is intelligent, loyal and affectionate. Picking from its parent’s attributes, this breed of dog will thrive perfectly when in companion with other people.

If bored, this dog can leave a trail of destruction. Get it some toys to keep it busy and engaged.

Also, this breed mix is hardworking, and utmost it will insist on being involved in every activity that you are doing.

In times that you are away for long, get a qualified pet sitter or pet walker to give this dog company.

Also, German shepherd malamutes mix are rarely vocal; they will only bark when triggered.

If well trained in this breed, mix can be a perfect watchdog in your house.

Besides that, this breed mix does well around children; however, be watchful of how they both interact.

Exercise and Training

The German shepherd malamute mix will require lots of exercise and stimulation. Attributed to its parent’s high energy levels.

The German shepherd will require ample space to exercise. Thus, don’t confine it in a small space. Engaging exercises that will be adequate for him include running, walking, jogging and swimming.

This dog has vast needs that you may be unable to quench if you are an indoor person or a couch potato.

Key point: Because this breed mix is double-coated, don’t run with it during the hot weather, it risks getting a heatstroke.

Training and socialization skills are essential as they help eliminate any aggressive or any uncharacteristic behaviours from this dog.

Start the training when the dog is at its puppyhood stage. Puppies are easier to train as compared to adults.

Mentally stimulate this bred mix by teaching it new commands and tricks.

House-train your puppy from the age of 8 weeks. First, let your dog do its business outside in a designated area.

Also, you can learn to predict when your puppy is about to do its business. The above guides will help smoothen the house training sessions. However, if you want to learn more house-training, you can check this article.

Adopt using positive training methodology when you are potty training a dog.  A perfectly house-trained dog will not a shame you in the future or when you have friends in your house.

Socialization Is the Key

Dogs need to learn various socialization skills when they are at their puppyhood.

That said, an all-round trained and socialized German shepherd malamute mix is a perfect family pet.

Gsd Malamute Mix Grooming

Grooming: German Shepherd Malamute Mix

The German Shepherd Malamute mix will require regular grooming sessions. First, you will need a good vacuum cleaner in your house since this mix is a high shedder.

Often it ‘blows out’ its coat twice a year. When it is shedding, you will need to brush its coat with a fine bristled brush daily. Brushing the coat will help in keeping it clean and as well help in spreading the natural oils on its undercoat.

Besides, you can use an undercoat rake to detangle those tough mats that can be hard to undo.

When it is not shedding, you can brush its coat twice or thrice a week.

What’s more, remember to check its ears once a week, check for debris or ear wax.

Additionally, clean its teeth twice weekly with a veterinary recommended toothbrush and toothpaste.

Again, remember to keep its nail short. The “click-clack” sound of hard claws on the floor can at times be nagging. Hoping you concur with me on that?

Trim the nails twice a month.

You can check here for some of the best grooming equipment that can do well on your Alaskan shepherd mix.

Start the grooming sessions when the dog is on its puppyhood. Let the puppy enjoy the grooming sessions. Adult dogs who have no prior grooming experience can be tough to handle.

Nutritional Requirements

The German Shepherd Malamute mix will need a high protein diet to keep up with its high energy levels.

A balanced diet will help bring up a healthy, sturdy dog.

Puppies will need to feed on puppy food for 18 months before they can start taking adult food. Let your dog eat a balanced diet full of proteins, carbohydrates, fibre and lots of nutrients. Include vegetables, boneless fish, and chicken on its diet.

However, remember not to overfeed it least it becomes obese. This dog has a ferocious appetite, it will start eating anytime food is presented to it.

Thus, let it eat in portions.

Also, check which type of food is causing allergic reactions to the dog, if there is any wean it off.

Also, remember to avail fresh and clean water for the dog to drink. Puppies can take 0.5 litres of water daily, whereas adults can sometimes take 2 litres after there are from rigorous exercise.

Lastly, you can get a structured dietary plan from your veterinarian for your German shepherd malamute mix.

Gsd Malamute Mix Grooming

German Shepherd Malamute Mix Health

This mix is also prone to health conditions. Some can be inherited from the parents, whereas some can develop on their own.

These are some diseases that your Breed mix is much susceptible.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Common to large dog breeds like the Alaskan malamute and the German shepherd. It’s a painful condition that can immobilize the dog if not treated early.

Inherited Polyneuropathy

A hereditary disease common in malamutes. This condition that affects the nervous systems in that the dog loses its coordination and stability.

Day Blindness

A problem of the sight prevalent in malamute puppies.

Dwarfism

Also known as chondrodysplasia, the disease affects the musculoskeletal system.

Von Willebrand Disease

A bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency of protein-clotting factors. Let more about this disease here.

Note: it doesn’t mean that your breed mix will acquire the above health conditions in its lifespan.  It is a highlight of some prevalent health conditions common on this breed.

Lifespan: German shepherd Malamute Mix

The lifespan of this breed mix can range from 9- 13 years.

Lifespan will depend on how you nurture this mix breed.

How to Improve the Life Quantity and Quality of This Breed Mix (How can I make my dog live for long?)

  • Feeding it well
  • Let the dog access proper vet care.
  • Grooming the dog regularly

Alaskan Malamute And Gsd

Where Do I Get a German Shepherd Alaskan Malamute Mix Puppy?

There are various sources that you can get a German shepherd malamute mix

A Kennel Club Registered Breeder

Get yourself a puppy from a registered breeder. A breeder will outline for you the temperaments and personality of each puppy. From there, you will be in a better position to choose a puppy that suits your taste.

A genuine breeder will confidently answer any of your queries. Additionally, an honest breeder is never in a hurry to sell for you a puppy.

Consequently, a genuine breeder will give you a puppy’s health evaluation certificates.

Primary health evaluation test you should consider in a German shepherd malamute puppy include.

  1. Hip evaluation test
  2. Eye evaluation test
  3. Polyneuropathy Evaluation

Consider Rescue Centers

Rescue centres are some of the places that you can get such a breed mix. However, as compared to getting from a breeder, most rescue organizations won’t be in a better position to give you the Puppy’s health certificates.

However, the good thing is that puppies from rescue centres are way cheaper.

Consider checking here for your next German shepherd malamute mix.

All shepherd rescue– USA

Siberian husky and malamute dog rescue- UK

Alaskan malamute rescue &rehoming dogs –UK

UK German shepherd Rescue– UK

Alaskan malamute Rehoming aid – Australia

Point to note: Avoid getting puppies from the Craigslist or puppy mills. Puppies from puppy farms are poorly bred, and they always have underlying conditions.

Adopt, don’t shop. Don’t keep puppy farm/mills in business by purchasing from them.

Gsd And Malamute Mix For Family

Is the German shepherd Malamute Mix the Right Breed for Me?

Consider getting this breed mix if you love exercising and you have a large space in your yard. Don’t choose this dog if you practice a sedentary lifestyle.

That said, choose the Alaskan shepherd if you are ready to provide for its vast needs, i.e. the exercise needs, dietary requirements and its overall maintenance cost.

Why Should I Get a German shepherd Malamute Mix?

Here is why I consider a German shepherd a perfect family pet

  • His masculine body and bravely makes him a perfect guard dog.
  • He is an amusing and cheerful dog who will keep every family member cheered up.
  • A perfect exercise companion- if you want an ideal furball to play hide and seek with, here is your dog, the German shepherd malamute mix.
  • The dog is not that vocal- rarely will you find this dog barking unnecessarily. The dog howls once in a while.

Maintenance Cost Of The German Shepherd Malamute

What Is the Maintenance Cost of the German shepherd Malamute?

The maintenance cost of a German shepherd malamute cost can vary. Here is a countdown of some of the expense you can incur in a year.

Adult German shepherd Malamute Mix Needs

  • Food – $660
  • Vet care (deworming, vaccines, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, micro shipping) $300
  • Obedience training- $450
  • Miscellaneous, beddings, collars and leash, feeding equipment – $300
  • Grooming- $200

NB: The above maintenance costs are estimates; the price may shoot up or down.

Final Verdict (Can A German Shepherd Get Along With A Malamute)

As from the above illustrations, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get a German shepherd malamute mix. From its compact masculine body to its loyalty and friendly nature, this is a top of the cream breed of dog that can fit in any family setting.

However, like every other dog, remember it is still an animal. It would help if you enrolled this dog in obedience classes when it’s still a puppy. Least you will get an unruly canine.

Let us hear from you, would you mind having this breed mix? Or do you have a German shepherd malamute mix in your house?

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