Alaskan Malamute Corgi Mix: Care, Pictures, Traits & More

Magic is bound to occur when you cross two of the canine kingdom’s happiest-looking members. The Alaskan Malamute Corgi mix is a fluffy, cuddly bundle of joy, pairing two adorable dogs in one irresistible package.

One look will make you fall in love, but like any dog, this entertaining hybrid isn’t the best match for some would-be pet owners. Find out if this is the designer dog for you as we look at the care and characteristics of the Alaskan Malamute Corgi mix.

Breed Overview

The Alaskan Malamute Corgi mix combines two labor-loving dogs from opposite sides of the pond and opposite ends of the working dog spectrum. In the Malamute, you get a hardy sled-puller. The independent yet determined ancient breed was vital for the Inuit in Alaska’s frigid climate, helping them haul cargo, hunt, and keep warm thanks to their plush coats.

As another spitz-type dog, the Corgi boasts a similar pointed snout, fluffy double coat, and pointed ears, but their radar dish-like ears are far more defined than the Mal’s. Though small, this nimble herding dog was traditionally a capable all-around farm hand. They made exceptional cow herders. Their undersized bodies and quick legs could dodge the kicks of moving cattle while their heel-nipping directed the cows from the pasture to the pen.

Alaskan Malmute Characteristics

Alaskan Malamute Corgi Puppies

Alaskan Malamute Corgi puppies are highly active, curious, and playful. They have an excellent energy to bring into the home that can undoubtedly excite a family with kids. But between the Malamute’s high prey drive and the Corgi’s potential reservations with strangers, they also benefit substantially from early socialization and training to overcome issues with other pets in the home and people outside it.

Since the Alaskan Malamute Corgi isn’t a well-known or in-demand designer dog, breeding for them is rare. Finding one online at Petfinder, Adopt a Pet, or national Malamute and Corgi rescues is possible, but narrowing the search to that particular mix isn’t easy. Local shelters are some of the best places to look first, primarily due to the convenience of meeting and assessing the dog first-hand.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Alaskan Malamute Corgi Mix

The Alaskan Malamute Corgi’s broad grin betrays their outgoing, playful, and affectionate nature. Since they’re energetic and ready to befriend strangers, they’re always game for play and often need it to stave off unwanted behaviors in the house.

As working dogs, both parent breeds are highly intelligent and aware. While that leaves loads of potential for training and socializing, it also demands a capable, assertive owner who can earn their respect and keep them in line.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Corgi and Malamute are not always the best fit in a house with kids. On the Corgi’s side, you have a herding dog and a potential ankle nipper. Although this is less common in Corgis than in other herders, small children can react negatively to a forceful dog, and Corgis can likewise find a child’s overaggressive play or loud noises to be stressful. Put together, there’s a decent risk of a poor dynamic in the home without supervision and attentive training.

While the Corgi’s bold nature can be problematic, the Malamute’s size may cause issues for small children. Malamutes are patient, gentle, fun, joyous, and cuddly, which is everything you want in a family companion. Due to their power and determination, there’s often a chance of a playful pup causing an injury.

Despite their drawbacks, Corgis and Mals love their people and bring unique benefits to the home. When paired, their offspring can bring out the best of both worlds. Alaskan Malamute Corgi mixes often have a Corgi-like stature, eliminating the size and strength issue.

If the Malamute’s family-friendly temperament supersedes the Corgi’s herding tendency, the dog may be a perfect playmate and snuggle buddy for your children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Alaskan Malamute Corgis can get along well with other pets in the house as long as you prioritize socialization. Malamutes aren’t easy to introduce to other pets due to their high prey drive and combativeness with dogs of the same sex.

Corgis can also be standoffish with other pets or exhibit herding behavior, and both breeds can be aloof with outside animals. If you plan to get a Corgi Malamute mix, try introducing other pets at a young age so they can bond by growing together.

Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Malamute Corgi Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Alaskan Malamute Corgi mixes can vary in size due to the disparity between the parent breeds. In many cases, they fall between the two, giving you a medium-sized adult dog. For an average-sized Malamute Corgi, 2 ½–3 ½ cups of food daily should keep them at a proper weight with adequate exercise.

Alaskan Malamute Corgi mixes should be on a high-quality diet appropriate for their developmental stage. Protein should be the first ingredient, and food should be rich in healthy fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals.

Because they have a unique body type, work with your vet to formulate the best dietary plan to ensure healthy growth. Your vet may also recommend zinc supplements, as some Malamutes inherit a genetic disorder that hampers zinc absorption.

Exercise 🐕

Corgis are lively dogs, while the Malamute is slightly less so, but since each breed has a hard-working pedigree, both have a healthy tolerance for activity. An Alaskan Malamute Corgi will need at least an hour of exercise daily.

Since they usually have the Corgi’s short legs, intense hiking or biking may be more than they’ll want to handle. Walks and play in a fenced-in backyard are perfect outlets for their limitless energy and will help you avoid any destructive habits in the house.

Training 🎾

Corgis and Malamutes are hard-working and intelligent, giving their mixed offspring a high ceiling for training. It’s fortunate because they often need extra help in the early years to iron out some of their undesirable tendencies.

Corgis are prone to barking, nipping, and general excitability, while Malamutes carry a hefty prey drive that can spell trouble around other animals in the home and outside. In both breeds, you have the stubbornness and independence that requires added effort and patience.

Although you need poise and positivity, trainers must exert dominance to overcome the mischief, independence, and downright disrespect this mix might show to a meeker leader. Training and frequent socialization will be essential in overcoming many of these challenges.

With early action and positive reinforcement, you can establish standards and prevent poor behaviors from becoming unmanageable habits. However, keeping an Alaskan Malamute Corgi obedient and calm is an ongoing effort. Daily enrichment, bonding, and a comfortable routine are fundamental to maintaining a well-behaved dog.

Grooming ✂️

Shedding will be a challenge with the Alaskan Malamute Corgi mix, as both parents sport a double coat that will shed continuously and blow significantly in the spring and fall. Although this translates to a need for daily brushing and frequent vacuuming, they are otherwise easy-to-maintain dogs.

The double coat is relatively dirt-resistant and low-odor, which requires fewer baths and won’t need haircuts.

Daily brushing with a pin brush and slicker brush to remove tangles, mats, loose fur, and dirt will keep the coat and skin healthy. You may need a de-shedding tool during the seasonal coat-blowing period. Beyond that, the tooth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning practices apply without too much concern over unique grooming-related health issues.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Hybrids often avoid genetic diseases unique to one parent breed, as they are typically linked to recessive genes. But Corgis and Alaskan Malamutes also share several susceptibilities to some health issues. While many breeders screen for problems like hip dysplasia in their dogs, a mix isn’t likely to have the same purposeful breeder-ship behind them.

Getting as much information as possible about the dog’s health history and parental background is no less crucial with a hybrid than their purebred parents.

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Male vs Female

Male and female Alaskan Malamute Corgi mixes don’t vary significantly, though the males will generally be a couple of inches taller and up to 10 pounds heavier. Both genders are people-oriented, loving, and undeniably charming. However, the distinction may be crucial if you plan to bring another pet into the house, as they can show some aggression towards dogs of the same sex.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Alaskan Malamute Corgi Mix

1. Alaskan Malamute Corgis Are Extremely Vocal

Although every dog is unique, there’s a decent chance that your Alaskan Malamute Corgi mix will be a vocal addition to the household. They’re ever-alert, loyal, and ready to react to even the slightest sound or movement, and they’re big barkers and great watchdogs.

Unfortunately, that often makes them less than ideal in an apartment with nearby neighbors. Meanwhile, the wolf-like Malamute trades the barking for a primitive howl, which may take some training to reduce.

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2. Dwarf Malamutes Can Look Like Alaskan Malamute Corgis

A short-legged Malamute may seem like an apparent Corgi mix, but identifying a hybrid isn’t always easy. Alaskan Malamutes are among the most common sufferers of chondrodysplasia, an abnormal development of the leg’s growth plates that causes dwarfism. Though rare, these dogs trot about on short legs, making them resemble a Corgi crossbreed.

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3. There Are Two Types of Alaskan Malamute Corgis

Due to the popularity of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, it’s easy to forget that an Alaskan Malamute Corgi could have a Cardigan Welsh Corgi for a parent. The Cardigan is an older breed that grows larger than the Pembroke. Personality-wise, Cardigans can be more laid back and reserved than the enthusiastically energetic, affectionate, and friendly Pembroke. Although these traits are often diluted in the Malamute mix, they can have a notable effect on the look and temperament of your dog.

Conclusion

One look at the Alaskan Malamute Corgi’s infectious smile is sure to uplift anyone’s spirits. They’re loyal, loving, and fully focused on sharing the moment with their people. These unique mixes are a rare opportunity for a devoted owner and make excellent pets when properly trained and cared for. Shedding aside, there’s little reason to overlook the delightful Alaskan Malamute Corgi mix for your next pet.

See Also:

• Alaskan Malamute Rottweiler Mix: Care, Pictures, Traits & Characteristics
• Alaskan Malador: Care, Pictures, Traits & Characteristics

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Happy monkey, Shutterstock | (R) Ivana La, Unsplash