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Are you interested in finding out more about the German Shepherd Malamute mix? This dog is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
They make great pets and are very versatile. This post will cover everything you need to know about this mixed-breed dog.
I will discuss their history, what they were bred for, physical appearance and size, coat colors, temperament, and many other frequently asked questions.
If you are considering adding a Malamute Shepherd to your family, then this post is for you.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is a Malamute Shepherd?
The Malamute Shepherd is a mix between the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. These two breeds were bred for very different purposes, which has resulted in a dog that is both strong and intelligent.
The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog, while the Alaskan Malamute was bred as a sled dog. As a result, the Malamute Shepherd is a very versatile breed that can be used for a variety of purposes.
They also go by a couple different names, including the German Malamute and the Alaskan Shepherd.
Where Do Malamute Shepherds Come From?
The Malamute Shepherd is a relatively new breed that was first developed in the United States not long ago.
While there is no definitive answer as to how or why this mixed breed was created, it is believed that it was done in an attempt to get the best qualities from two lovable working dogs.
Because they have little history, let’s take a quick look at their parent breed’s past to better understand why they are the way they are.
Brief German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. German Shepherds are characterized by their loyalty, courage, and obedience.
They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are often used as working dogs in various settings, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and disability assistance.
The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the late 1800s by Captain Max von Stephanitz. Von Stephanitz was looking for a dog that could be used for herding and guarding, and he found his perfect match in a dog named Horand von Grafrath.
Since then, the German Shepherd breed has undergone significant development, with various bloodlines bred for different purposes.
Today, German Shepherds are widely recognized as intelligent, versatile, and loyal companions.
Brief Alaskan Malamute History
The Alaskan Malamute is a sturdy, powerful dog that was originally bred for hauling heavy loads over long distances in harsh conditions.
Today, these dogs are still prized for their strength and endurance and are also popular companions and family pets.
While the exact origins of the Alaskan Malamute are unknown, it is believed that the breed descends from the Mahlemut people of Alaska, who bred them for pulling sleds and hunting seal and walrus.
The Mahlemut were nomadic people who relied on their dogs for transportation and survival and treated them with great care and respect.
Over time, the Alaskan Malamute became an important part of Inuit culture, appearing in art and mythology as well as serving a practical purpose. In the early 1900s, the breed was introduced to the Lower 48 states, where they quickly became popular as working dogs and family pets.
Today, the Alaskan Malamute is still prized for its strength, loyalty, and gentle nature and continues to be a popular choice for families.
Are Alaskan Shepherds Good Guard Dogs?
The Malamute Shepherd can be an excellent guard dog. They are very loyal and protective of their family and home. They will bark to alert you of any strangers or potential threats. However, they are not aggressive dogs and will only use force if necessary.
They are primarily used as companion dogs, but given their parent breed’s history and size, they could be trained to be reliable guard dogs.
German Shepherd Malamute Mix Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a large dog. They can weigh anywhere from 75 to 100 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
As with other breeds, males are typically larger than females.
Coat Colors & Texture
The German Shepherd Malamute mix can have a variety of coat colors, including black, brown, tan, red, and white. The most common coat color is black and tan, with a bit of white mixed in as well.
The coat is thick and dense, with a soft undercoat. The hair is medium to long and may be straight or wavy.
Shedding & Grooming
Do Alaskan Shepherds shed? Yes, they are heavy shedders. They will shed twice a year heavily, and they will also shed throughout the year.
To minimize their shedding, it is important to brush them regularly with a de-shedding tool or brush.
Many parents with high shedding dogs opt to get a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of all their shedding.
Also, it’s recommended to blow out their coat during the times of the year when they shed even more (generally spring and fall). This requires a blow dryer and will help get rid of a large amount of their dead or loose fur before it finds its way all over your house.
They require the same amount of maintenance as other dogs when it comes to bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning.
Are German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the German Shepherd Malamute mix is not hypoallergenic. They are heavy shedders, so they are not a good choice for people with allergies.
Ears & Tail
The ears of the German Shepherd Malamute mix are pointy and stand up when they are alert. However, their ears will flop down when they are relaxed or submissive.
Their tail is thick and bushy and is often carried over their back when walking or running.
Eye Color
The eyes of the German Shepherd Malamute mix are almond-shaped. They can be any color, including brown, green, blue, or hazel.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the German Shepherd Malamute mix is between 10 and 15 years.
Which is about average for large breeds.
Common Health Issues
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is generally a healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions.
Alaskan Shepherds’ more common health problems include hip dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism, eye problems such as hemeralopia (day blindness) and cataracts, and bloat.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint. It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, which can eventually lead to arthritis and pain. Hip dysplasia is seen more often in larger breeds of dogs, but it can affect any breed.
Allergies are also relatively common in dogs. They can be caused by a number of things, including certain foods, pollen, and dust. Allergies can cause a dog to scratch excessively, have runny eyes and nose, and lose their hair.
Hypothyroidism is a relatively common disorder in dogs. It occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormone thyroxine. This can lead to several symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss. Hypothyroidism is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs.
Eye problems, such as hemeralopia and cataracts, are relatively common in dogs. Hemeralopia is a condition that causes a dog to be partially or completely blind during the daytime. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become opaque, which can eventually lead to blindness.
Bloat is a condition that affects the stomach. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas or air and then twists around. This can be very dangerous and even fatal if not treated immediately. Bloat is most common in large, deep-chested dogs, such as the Alaskan Shepherd.
They are not guaranteed to have these issues, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.
Trainability & Intelligence
German Shepherd Malamute mixes are quite smart dogs. They are quick learners and can learn new tricks/behaviors relatively quickly.
However, they can also be stubborn at times.
This breed is best suited for an experienced dog owner who is willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute are both working dogs. Therefore, they needed to be intelligent and capable of following orders/completing tasks.
These qualities have been passed down to the German Shepherd Malamute mix, which makes them smart dogs that are eager to please.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise. Their parents were bred as working dogs, so they inherited much of their stamina and endurance.
This breed is not suitable for couch potatoes or people who live a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, they need an active owner who can keep up with their high energy level.
Ideally, they should get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of a long walk, run, hike, or playing fetch in the park.
They also enjoy activities such as agility and flyball. These activities help to keep their mind and body active and challenged.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. For example, they may start to chew on things, dig holes in the yard, or bark excessively.
So it’s important to ensure they get enough physical and mental stimulation every day.
Temperament & Behavior
Do German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Bark A Lot?
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a vocal breed. They were bred as working dogs, so they have a strong instinct to bark when they sense something is wrong or when trying to protect their pack.
However, they can learn to control their barking with proper training and socialization.
Do German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Like To Cuddle?
German Shepherd Malamute mixes can be aloof and independent at times. However, they do enjoy cuddling with their favorite people.
If you want to encourage them to be more cuddly, giving them many positive experiences when cuddling as a puppy will help them want to continue cuddling.
Although, because they have a thick, warm coat, they may choose the floor over cuddling if they get too warm.
Are German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Good With Kids?
The German Shepherd Malamute mix can be a great family dog. They are protective of their pack and make excellent guardians.
However, their size and high energy level may not be suitable for families with very young children. They may accidentally knock over a small child or jump on them in excitement.
Older children who are able to handle a high-energy dog will likely do best with this breed. But, they are smart enough to learn to be gentle around small children as well. It just may take some subtle training.
Are German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The German Shepherd Malamute mix can do well with other dogs if they are properly socialized.
Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to different people, places, and experiences in a positive way so that they learn to accept them as normal.
This breed is typically very friendly and good-natured. However, they are likely to feel anxious around new dogs if they are too isolated as puppies.
Are German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Good With Strangers?
The German Shepherd Malamute mix can be great with strangers as long as they are introduced to many new people when young.
If they are not properly socialized, they may be suspicious of strangers and bark at them.
This is why socialization is so important for these dogs (and all dogs, for that matter).
Are German Shepherd Malamute Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is not typically a good apartment dog. They are high energy and need a lot of exercise.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive or start barking excessively.
If you make it a priority to give them the physical and mental stimulation they need, they can live comfortably in an apartment.
However, it’s not their ideal living situation because of their size.
Food & Diet
German Shepherd Malamute mixes are high-energy dogs. They need a diet that is high in protein to help them maintain their muscle mass and energy levels.
A good quality dry food or raw diet will be best for this breed. Avoid foods high in fillers and grains as they will not provide the nutrition they need.
The amount of food you should give them will depend on their age, activity level, and build.
A good rule of thumb is to feed them about two to three cups of food per day, divided into two meals.
However, puppies will need to eat more frequently than adult dogs as they are constantly growing, and their body needs extra calories.
Generally, it’s best to follow the recommendations on the bag of food.
German Shepherd Malamute Mix Puppy Price
You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 for a German Shepherd Malamute mix puppy.
However, the price of a German Malamute puppy will vary depending on the breeder, their location, whether they have a unique coat and the quality of the puppies.
Breeders who are selling show quality or working dogs will charge more for their puppies.
When looking for a German Shepherd Malamute puppy, it’s important to find a reputable breeder selling healthy puppies.
Ask to see the puppies’ parents and ensure they are healthy and have a good temperament. Then, if possible, visit the breeder’s facility to see how the puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will be able to answer all of your questions and will allow you to visit their facility. In contrast, you’ll want to avoid breeders who seem uninterested in your questions or who are selling puppies that seem unhealthy.
Where Can You Find a German Shepherd Malamute Mix For Sale?
If you are looking for a German Shepherd Malamute mix for sale, there are a few options available to you.
If you want to find a breeder local to you, the best place to find a reputable breeder is through word of mouth.
Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they know of any reputable breeders in your area.
Another option is to search online for German Shepherd Malamute mix breeders.
Considering they aren’t a super popular mixed breed quite yet, the best place to look is breeder directory websites. These websites allow breeders from all over the United States to list their puppies for people to look at.
Some well-known breeder directories are Greenfield Puppies, AKC’s Marketplace, and Lancaster Puppies.
These websites don’t list German Shepherd Malamute mixes, but they list German Shepherd mixes and Alaskan Malamute mixes for you to check out.
Suppose there aren’t any Alaskan Shepherd puppies available. In that case, it’s still a good idea to contact a few breeders to see if they plan on breeding them in the future. Or if they know someone who is planning on it.
Lastly, you can also check your local shelters and rescues for German Shepherd Malamute mixes.
Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue is a great option for people looking for a cheaper alternative to purchasing a puppy from a breeder.
Similar Breeds To The German Shepherd Malamute Mix
Final Thoughts
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a relatively new mixed breed that is slowly becoming more popular.
This breed is a mix between the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute, two breeds that were originally bred for working purposes.
The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a large dog that is known for being loyal, protective, and intelligent. They are also very active dogs that need a lot of exercise.
If you are looking for a German Shepherd Malamute mix for sale, make sure to purchase from a reputable breeder that can provide healthy puppies. You can also check your local shelters and rescues if you’re okay with adopting an older dog.
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