How to Select an Alaskan Malamute

Choose an Alaskan malamute if you're looking for a dog that's great with children. When properly raised with children, malamutes can be very affectionate and playful with them.

Reconsider getting a malamute if you plan to keep it exclusively outdoors. This breed does well in a climate-controlled environment with its human family and will find trouble if left alone outside for too long.

Realize that due to the malamute's sweet nature, she will probably not be a very good watchdog.

Understand that malamutes are not for everyone, as they require much supervision and training. They tend to be very aggressive with other dogs of the same gender, regardless of breed. Many have a strong prey instinct, which means they'll chase most small animals.

Consider a malamute's features before you choose your dog. Her body should be muscular and well-built, with a thick, furry coat. Her eyes will be almond-shaped and brown, and her coat will be either white, black and white, gray, sable or red. The dog's face will sometimes have a cap on it. A white face might have a mask or bars.

Expect male malamutes to grow to 24 to 26 inches. Females will grow to 22 to 24 inches. Most malamutes weigh around 85 lbs., although some grow to be more than 100 lbs.

Look at potential breeders very carefully. Be sure to ask if they're members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. You can check references through clubs to make sure that a breeder doesn't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain - without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

Think about adopting a malamute from a pet rescue organization, but check the dog's personality carefully. A full-grown dog that has not been trained can be difficult to control, especially since malamutes have a stubborn streak.

Know that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred Alaskan malamute.

Note that malamutes typically live 12 to 15 years (giant malamutes live 8 to 9 years).