Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix-Physical Look and Lifespan

Alaskan Malamutes are beautiful dogs, and Golden Retriever are wonderfully social dogs so you may be curious about what happens when these two dogs are bred together. And maybe you’re even wondering what it’s like to have one as a pet.

The Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix (often referred to as an Alaskan Goldenmute) is a fabulous dog who makes a wonderful pet — for the right person. However, these dogs have a lot of grooming and activity needs.

The Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix brings together the best characteristics of both types of dogs. However, there are some important things you need to think about before bringing one into your family.

Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)

The Alaskan Goldenmute is obviously not a purebred dog. They were first bred from Alaskan Malamutes and Golden Retrievers back in the mid-1900s. And since they are bred as a mix of two dogs who have their own distinct characteristics it’s impossible to say what the new breed as a whole will look like.

In general, the Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix will resemble Alaskan Malamutes in stature but will have the coats and facial characteristics of a Golden Retriever, although some will have the faint black facial markings from their Alaskan Malamute lineage.

These dogs commonly have a dense coat of medium-length straight fur. Their ears are typically a cross between the two breeds and are half pricked and slightly pointed. The tails on these dogs are usually long and feathered, and they will have large, heavy paws.

These are not small dogs! Typically, male Alaskan Goldenmutes will weigh roughly 65-85 pounds and stand about 23-25 inches high, while females will weigh about 60-75 pounds and will stand 22-24 inches high.

Lifespan

With proper care, the lifespan of these dogs can range typically from about 10 to 15 years. This is about average for a dog of that size.

Grooming Needs

The Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix comes with some grooming needs which are important to keep up on for the sake of your dog’s health.

Brushing

These dogs have dense, medium length coats of fur, which can shed heavily — especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing — preferably daily — will help keep their coats soft and tangle free. Ask your veterinarian, groomer, or pet shop expert for the best brush to use for your dog.

Some owners like to have their dog’s fur trimmed if it is thicker and denser than average. This is best left to a professional groomer but you can trim your dog’s fur at home if you know what you’re doing.

Baths

It’s important to bathe your Alaskan Goldenmute on a regular basis and to ensure their ears are clean and healthy. This can be done at home but you should ask your local groomer for advice on how to do it properly as well as for the best products to use.

Nails.

Your dog’s nails should be clipped a few times a month. Ask your veterinarian for tips to do all of this yourself at home, or make arrangements for your dog to see a groomer monthly. Not keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can lead to painful ingrown nails or injuries due to them scratching themselves with their long nails. Their nails can even cause damage to your floors and furniture from their long nails catching and scratching.

Teeth.

Although it may seem strange, you should brush your Alaskan Goldenmute’s teeth regularly as well. This will help to prevent bad breath and dental issues. Again, consult with your veterinarian for the right brush, toothpaste, and method for brushing.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes are both dog breeds who strive to be “mans best friend”. So, it should go without saying that when you mix these breeds you get another dog thatis sociable and loves to make their owner happy.

They love their outdoor adventures, and their dense coats and thick paws help them thrive in cold and winter-like conditions.

Alaskan Goldenmutes love routine and are quite attached to the humans they live with, so it’s best to create a schedule you follow daily so if you must leave them alone for periods of time they’ll get to know that you’re coming back to spend time with them and play.

Young Alaskan Goldenmutes can be very hyper and active so they will require lots of activity as well as training to help them break any excessive hyperactivity. Your veterinarian or a qualified dog trainer can give you some tips to do this.

Exercise Needs

As mentioned, Alaskan Goldenmutes love to be active and do require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and satisfied. They love to play and will happily go along on long walks or runs with their owners. You should aim to give your dog at least an hour of exercise a day.

Health Risks

As with any dog, this breed comes with a higher chance of developing certain health issues. Alaskan Goldenmutes are prone to cataracts, Chondrodysplasia (CHD), as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Sometimes allergies, glaucoma, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and other issues can show up in these dogs as well.

Often these health conditions will come on as your dog ages, but these are all things that should be watched for at any age. If your dog exhibits any change in behavior or seems uncomfortable or in pain consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Often there are things you can do to help slow down the progression of these health issues and keep your dog comfortable.

Feeding Needs

Alaskan Goldenmutes can be fed in the same way as most other dogs. Please consult with your veterinarian to find out which food they recommend and exact feeding directions for your dog if you’re at all unsure, but there are some general guidelines for feeding.

What to Eat?

Your dog should always eat mainly good quality dog food. Certain table scraps (such as fish, chicken, cooked eggs, and vegetables) are usually alright on rare occasions, but actual dog food should be the main source of food for your dog most of the time.

Alaskan Malamutes need plenty of protein and vitamins in their diet which can be found in high-quality dog food brands. And don’t forget to always have plenty of fresh, clean water out for your dog.

Canned “wet food” formulas are a better choice if your Alaskan Malamute doesn’t drink a lot of water, otherwise dry food is a great option, and some dogs thrive best on a combination of both types of food.

How Much to Eat?

It’s typically recommended your dog eats 3-4 cups of high-quality dog food every day — divided into three portions. If your dog is extremely active you can likely feed them a bit more, and if they aren’t as active as they should be then you may want to cut back on their food slightly.

It’s important to not feed your dog on demand or to feed them too much. Watch your dog’s weight and consult your veterinarian if you notice your dog is becoming overweight. Often, it’s suggested to not cut your dog’s food portion but to change their food to a different less-calorie variety.

When to Eat?

It’s recommended you feed your dog three times a day. Simply take the recommended daily amount and divide it by three. However, it’s not always possible to feed your dog three times a day so once or twice is perfectly fine — but try to keep a regular feeding schedule from day to day.

Are Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mixes Protective?

Although these dogs love their owners and will do anything to socialize and be with them, they’re not known to be overly protective dogs. Their sociable nature of this breed means that although their owners are their favorite people, they enjoy being around others as well — even if they don’t know them.

So, if it’s a protective dog you’re looking for you’ll need to look elsewhere.

How Much Does An Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix Cost?

How much your Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix costs depends on where you get your dog from. Since they are not purebred, they’re often not considered prize dogs and aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). If you are buying your dog from a reputable breeder your cost may be higher than if you are purchasing from a rescue organization or another source.

Best Climate For An Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix

Because of their thick fur and dense paws, the Alaskan Goldenmute thrives in cold conditions. They love to be active and will happily play in the snow for hours.

However, although they thrive in cold weather, they certainly won’t shy away from being outside in warm or hot weather and will do just fine as long as they’re kept properly hydrated and are watched for signs of dehydration and heatstroke.

What Kind of Attention Does An Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix Need?

The Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix is a dog who is incredibly social and requires a lot of attention! They can settle down and be chill with you often, but it’s important they are given a lot of exercise and attention.

Compatible With Kids

If you are going to have an Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix around children it’s best you get one while it’s still a puppy. If you get an adult dog, they could possibly be overly excitable and not sure how to act around children so you must watch them closely and provide proper training.

Compatible With Other Animals

The Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix can certainly live in a home with other animals — but again, it’s best if you introduce them in as a puppy. Bringing an older Alaskan Malamute into a home that already has animals can be a tough transition for them all.

And unless introduced early you may want to steer clear of bringing an Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix into a home with a cat or a dog of the same sex.

And you must watch your dog closely during feeding times — if they believe other animals are getting too close to their food, they may lash out aggressively. Alaskan Malamutes can be quite protective of what is theirs.

Is An Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix Right For Me?

These are wonderful dogs to own — for the right person! You should ask yourself these questions to determine if owning an Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix is a good fit for you:

Do I Have Enough Time To Devote To Them?

If you and everyone in your family are busy and don’t have a lot of time to be with your dog, this is probably not the best choice for you. This breed is very social and needs someone who can give them the attention they crave.

Am I Active?

As mentioned, these dogs love to be active and generally need about an hour of exercise per day. If you’re not someone who likes to be active perhaps you should look for a different kind of dog.

Do I Want A Guard Dog?

If you’re looking for a dog who will bark if they see someone in your yard and generally help keep your family safe, you likely shouldn’t choose an Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix. They are very social and won’t be too quick to discourage anyone from coming onto your property — even if they’re unfamiliar with them.

Do I Want A Great Companion?

If you’re looking for a dog who is loyal, fun, and likes attention then an Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever mix is a great pick for you!

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