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Pet Insurance for Alaskan Malamutes

Find out all about Alaskan Malamutes and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 14th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,200–$1,500

Height

58–71cm

Weight

38kg - 56kg

Personality

Strong-willed, friendly, affectionate

Coat type

Medium to long, thick double coat

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes, but not near babies or small children

Life expectancy

10 - 12 years

Alaskan Malamute

Overview

The Alaskan Malamute, a breed originating from the frozen arctic, is known for its power and endurance. Originally bred for heavy hauling by the Mahlemuit Innuit people over 3,000 years ago, Malamutes possess a gentle and friendly disposition. Despite their appearance, they are not directly related to wolves, although they do share a large proportion of wolf DNA. They are cousins of Alaskan Huskies, Samoyed and American Eskimo dogs. 

Their thick double coat is well-suited for freezing cold climates, but they require regular grooming to keep it in good condition. In Australia, they may need to be kept cool in extreme summer heat and have been known to suffer from heat stroke. 

Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent but can be independent, requiring consistent training and early socialisation. They thrive in families that appreciate their playful energy and can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.  

Common Alaskan Malamute diseases and conditions

  • Hip Dysplasia: A common orthopedic condition affecting the hip joint's development, which can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Alaskan Malamutes can be prone to eye conditions such as PRA, which may result in vision impairment or blindness.
  • Copper and zinc deficiencies: Some Malamutes experience copper and zinc deficiencies, which can impact their overall health and may require diet supplementation.

Breed-specific issues:

Malamutes are known for their stubbornness and may challenge authority at times. Owners should be prepared for firm but positive training techniques to establish themselves as the pack leader. Although Malamutes don’t bark much, they are inclined to howl to stretch their vocal chords, a nod to their ancestors, the wolves. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an Alaskan Malamute?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Alaskan Malamute, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.  
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.   

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Alaskan Malamutes

  How big can Alaskan Malamutes get?

Alaskan Malamutes are a very large breed of dog with males typically weighing 45kg to 56kg and females weighing around 37kg to 45kg. However, in ideal conditions, Malamutes have been known to weigh over 60kg and stand more than 65cm tall.

How much exercise do Alaskan Malamutes need?

Alaskan Malamutes are a very high-energy breed and require regular exercise of a minimum of an hour a day. They thrive doing activities like long distance running, hiking, sledding, and weight pulling. 

Do Alaskan Malamutes shed a lot?

Yes, Alaskan Malamutes have a dense double coat that sheds year-round and experiences heavier seasonal shedding in spring and autumn. Regular grooming and brushing are necessary to manage their shedding and keep their coat healthy.  

Are Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies basically the same breed?

No, Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies are distinct breeds. Malamutes are larger and were originally bred by the indigenous people of Alaska for heavy hauling and as a sled dog, while Siberian Huskies are smaller and bred by the Chukchi people for endurance sledding. 

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Alaskan Malamute

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