How long do Alaskan Malamutes live?

The median lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute is 11.3 years, based on the 2024 McMillan et al. study of 584,734 UK dogs.

Is the Alaskan Malamute a healthy breed?

On the Breed Health Score the Alaskan Malamute scores 63 out of 100 (grade B), compared with an average of 71 across 155 breeds.

63/ 100

Alaskan Malamute Grade B

Q: What health problems do Alaskan Malamutes have?

Commonly reported conditions in the Alaskan Malamute include Hip dysplasia, Chondrodysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Polyneuropathy, Zinc-responsive dermatosis.

Median lifespani 11.3 yr · large · 34-39 kg

⇆ Compare Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed with a median lifespan of 11.3 years, which places it among the shortest-lived third of the 155 breeds we rank for longevity. Commonly reported health conditions include Hip dysplasia, Chondrodysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Polyneuropathy. Its overall Breed Health Score is 63/100 (grade B), against an average of 71/100 across all breeds.

Score breakdown

Longevityi 65%

Conformationi 20%

100

Hereditary burdeni 15%

Higher is healthier. See methodology.

Common & hereditary conditions

Hip dysplasia Chondrodysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy Polyneuropathy Zinc-responsive dermatosis

Red marks a life-threatening or major-welfare condition. Click a condition to see which breeds it affects. This list reflects commonly reported conditions, so better-studied breeds may show more; hereditary burden is the lightest-weighted part of the score. Source: RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA (indicative).

Thinking of a Alaskan Malamute? A breed's health profile affects insurance cost. Comparing pet insurance early, before any conditions become pre-existing, usually gets the best cover.

Compare with similar-size breeds

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Data & citation. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Source. Machine-readable: developer API. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Photo: Mohan Nannapaneni via Pexels.