Alaskan Malamute - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
There is only one known health survey of Alaskan Malamutes, a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey. The median lifespan of 10.7 years measured in the survey is very typical of a breed their size. The major cause of death was cancer.
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Lifespan
There is only one known health survey of Alaskan Malamutes, a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey. The median lifespan of 10.7 years measured in the survey is very typical of a breed their size. The major cause of death was cancer.
Common Health Problems
The most commonly reported health problems of Alaskan Malamutes in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey were musculoskeletal (tendon injury, patellar luxation, fracture, arthritis, cruciate ligament rupture, hip dysplasia), dermatological (dermatitis, interdigital cysts, hair loss, fading nose pigment), and reproductive disorders.
Other health issues in Malamutes include inherited polyneuropathy, chondrodysplasia, and eye problems (particularly cataract and progressive retinal atrophy).
Climate and Malamutes
While Malamutes have been successfully raised in places such as Arizona, their dense coats generally make them unsuited for hot climates. When the weather gets hot, like any other breed of dog, the Malamute needs plenty of water and shade. They will grow a winter coat and subsequently, come spring, shed it again.