Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever Mix: Everything You Need To Know

Malador, AKA Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever mix, is a high-energy and affectionate designer dog, ideal for families with active lifestyles.

On one hand, we have gentle and eager-to-please Labrador Retriever. On the other hand, we have highly active and powerful Alaskan Malamute.

From coat type to energy levels, Alaskan Malamute and Labrador have many things in common.

Wondering what would be the temperaments and physical appearance if these two breeds are mixed? Read on this post.

The exact temperaments of the Lab Malamute mix can vary depending on which breeds side the pup takes the most.

So, before talking further about the designer breed, let me give a small introduction to both breeds. This way, you will better understand what to expect from the mix dog.

About Alaskan Malamutes

Alaskan Malamute is a sturdy, powerful dog. It was originally bred to work. Malamute is one of the oldest sled dogs of the Arctic. The breed is known for its high endurance and history of working in harsh conditions.

Malamutes need vigorous exercise daily and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. Leaving them alone with no exercise will make them destructive. Because of high training and exercise needs, they are not suitable for first-time owners.

Malamutes are loyal, playful, and amazing family companions. But considering their high stamina and high prey drive, they shouldn’t be left unsupervised with children and small pets.

Early socialization is a great way to give them exposure to different people, places, other dogs, and other animals.

Malamutes are often confused with Siberian Huskies. Though both are Arctic working dogs and look almost the same, there are differences in height, weight, appearance, and temperaments.

About Labrador Retrievers

Labradors are affectionate, fun-loving, obedient, and active. They were originally bred to be working dogs and friendly companions. On the American Kennel Club’s ranking of the most popular dog breeds, Labrador ranks first since 1991.

Labs have a short, easy-to-care coat. However, they do shed. They shed moderately all year round and excessively twice every year. Regular brushing can remove loose hair from their coat and control shedding.

Considering their limited maintenance, Labradors are perfect for first-time owners. They get along well with families, kids, other dogs, other animals, and even strangers.

Another good thing is, Labs are highly intelligent. So, teaching them new commands is quite easy.

Alaskan Malador: What To Expect?

Now that you know Labs and Malamutes have many things in common like friendly nature, high energy levels, etc. We can expect the same in the Malamute Lab mix.

Heres everything you need to know about the Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever mix (Malador):

Temperaments

The exact temperaments of a hybrid dog are hard to predict because it is more about which dog parent side the dog takes the most.

Alaskan Maladors are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent. They are highly active and shouldnt be left alone for long. Hence, they arent ideal for people with a busy lifestyle.

Are Maladors ideal for families?

Maladors friendly and loyal nature makes them amazing family dogs. However, do keep in mind that they have a prey drive. If you have small pets or children, don’t leave them alone with a Malador unsupervised.

Labramutes can build separation anxiety and become destructive when left alone for long with no exercise. Therefore, its crucial to provide regular physical and mental stimulation.

Are Maladors aggressive?

Maladors are not usually aggressive. However, it also depends on how they are treated and raised. Like any other dog, if a Malador has experienced abuse in the past, it won’t be very nice.

As long as Maladors are socialized from a young age and are provided regular exercise, there shouldnt be a problem.

Note that they can be aggressive when paired with other male canines.

Physical appearance

The physical appearance isnt the same of all Maladors. It can vary from one Malador to another. It is hard to predict because appearance varies depending on which parents side the dog takes the most.

Labradors have short, dense coats; their three coat colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. Alaskan Malamutes come in different color variations, including Gray & White, Seal & White, Sable & White, White & Chocolate, Black & White, and Red & White.

Labrador Alaskan Malamute mix dogs are found in various color shades and combinations like black, yellow, chocolate, gray, fox, red, silver, and sable. The individual Malador’s color depends on the coat colors of its parents.

Like Malamutes, Maladors will have shades of two colors. Primary color on the entire body, and a second color on the legs, tail, and facial markings.

Maladors have floppy ears of Labradors with primary color. Let’s say your Malador has color shades of black & white. It will have black floppy ears and an entire body of black color. It will have white markings on the face, legs, and tail.

Maladors have the eyes of Alaskan Malamutes. Eyes color may be brown, blue, or green.

Exercise needs

Labs and Malamutes are highly energetic so expect the same energy levels in Labramutes.

To prevent unwanted behavior (like excess barking, chewing, etc.), tire them with vigorous exercises. You can involve a Malador in physical activities like running, swimming, hiking, etc.

The high energy level is the reason why Alaskan Maladors arent suitable for apartment living. It is good to have a fenced yard where your Malador can play freely and burn off its excess energy.

Now the question is, how much exercise do Maladors need?

Well, they need at least 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise daily. Note that walks won’t be enough. You need to provide strenuous activities like running, hiking, etc.

Grooming needs

Maladors do shed. They shed moderately throughout the year and excessively in shedding seasons (spring and fall).

To deal with the shedding, Maladors need to be brushed several times a week. If it is a shedding season, they should be brushed daily. You can use a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool.

Other grooming needs are regular bathing (once a month), nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning (2-3 times a week).

Trainability

Labrador Malamute mixes are intelligent. They can be eager to please and obedient if they take more from their Lab parents side. They can be stubborn and dominant if they take more from their Malamute parents side.

Teaching new commands can be easy when the right training method is used. If your Malador is dominant, reward-based training will work the best. Reward-based training method will give your canine reason to obey your commands.

Health conditions

Malamute Lab mix dogs are generally healthy, but they may inherit some health conditions from their Labrador and Malamute parents.

Here are some health conditions Maladors are prone to:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• Bloat
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Cataracts
• Gastric torsion

Price

If you have finally decided to buy an Alaskan Malamute Lab mix, it is essential to know the cost of owning and raising the puppy.

Depending on your breeder, the Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever mix puppy can cost around $550.

Thats just about owning the puppy. Dont forget about other expenses like food, toys, bowls, leash, collar/harness, dog bed, grooming, vet visits, and more.

If you go with a dog shelter, you can adopt it by paying a small fee. As this designer breed isnt much popular, you may need to check out several shelters for its availability.

Related Questions

How big do Maladors get?

A fully grown Maladors height can range between 22 to 25 inches, i.e., 56 to 63.5 cm. Talking about weight, it can range between 60 to 85 pounds.

Are Maladors good with children?

Maladors have a prey drive. So, never leave your kids unattended when they are with a Malador.

Teach your children how to approach and interact with the canine. Teach them not to tease, play rough, or disturb the dog when he/she is sleeping or eating.

Do Maladors shed?

Yes. Like their parents (Labrador Retriever and Alaskan Malamute), Maladors are double-coated and moderate shedders. They shed even more in the spring and fall seasons.

How long do Maladors live?

The average lifespan of Maladors ranges from 12 to 15 years. It may vary depending on how they are taken care of and also on the health of their parents.

Final Thoughts

Alaskan Malador is a designer breed with temperaments to be a good family dog. The breed is affectionate, outgoing, and active. Considering its exercise and other needs, Malador isnt the best option for first-time dog owners.

Depending on which parentâs side the Malador takes, you may find your canine’s personality either to be very pleasing & obedient or dominant & stubborn.

This hybrid dog has the fun-loving temperaments of Labradors, but it also carries the prey drive of Malamutes. If you have small pets and/or kids at home, dont leave them unsupervised with a Malador.

Lastly, I would like to add that Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever mixes are highly energetic. They need daily physical and mental stimulation. They arent ideal for couch potatoes or busy owners.

Also Read:

Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Mix

15 Best Companion Dogs For Labradors

15 Best Golden Retriever Mixes

TRAIN YOUR CANINE! ⬇ï¸

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