Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

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

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Parent Breeds of Samoyed Malamute Mix

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute mix is a unique hybrid that has gained attention in the last few years. They are beloved pets for large-breed lovers due to their majestic appearance and playful and affectionate personality.

If you are looking at becoming a pet parent to a Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix, we have all the information you need to determine if this mix is right for you and how you can provide this impressive breed with the best care possible.

Breed Overview

Height: 20–24 inches
Weight: 45–75 pounds
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Colors: White, cream, black & white, gray & white, sable & white, agouti & white, seal & white, black & white, red & white, silver & white, blue & white
Suitable for: Active families, outdoor lovers,
Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, playful, friendly, social, mischievous, affectionate

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix is a cross between two gorgeous arctic dog breeds: the Samoyed and an Alaskan Malamute. It’s no surprise that the resulting mix very quickly became popular among mushers, and more recently, among many dog lovers.

The beautiful canine inherits the best traits from both parents, including their renowned thick fur coat and prized qualities of strength, loyalty, endurance, and affection. The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute also has a reputation for being sociable and good with kids, which makes them great family pets.

They are also incredibly adaptable and strong, which makes them the perfect working dog for pulling sleds in frigid climates. Samoyed Alaskan Malamutes are also incredibly lively and enjoy being around people, whether playing outside or cuddling up on the couch.

Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

hepper-dog-paw-divider 3

Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Puppies

An Arctic dog breeder is the ideal person to acquire a Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix puppy. However, you must ensure you do your research about the breeder, make arrangements to meet the parent breeds and breeder, and be sure to ask questions.

Rescues and shelters may also have Samoyed Alaskan Malamutes available, but they will typically be older as they are usually surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. Sometimes, their history and exact mix may be unknown.

Either way, research is necessary before deciding whether to adopt or visit a breeder for your new Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix puppy. Typically, like all puppies, your Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix pup will be energetic and curious. will need extra attention and care and require a specific diet for puppies. They will also require more time as you begin training and socialization.

Large breed puppies such as this one not only take longer to reach adult size, but they also take longer to develop emotionally. That means you should expect to have a pet with the enthusiasm and personality of a puppy for at least a year.

Parent Breeds of the Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix
Photo Credit: (L) Beate, Pixabay | (R) Mohan Nannapaneni, Pixabay

Temperament & Intelligence of the Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix

Although it is impossible to predict the temperament your dog will have, you can learn enough about each parent to come to a general conclusion. They are lively and active, eager to run, and love to go on adventures every day. Children love playing with the gregarious and affectionate dogs because of their friendliness, which also makes them excellent companions for kids.

However, they are independent thinkers, which means they occasionally engage in challenging and stubborn behavior. A well-behaved Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix is an affectionate, playful, loyal, and smart dog who demands love and attention. They have a complex personality that requires the right owner to bring forth their greatest qualities.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix is a great companion for many families.  Their size and friendliness make them excellent with kids of all ages. They require an active family that enjoys the outdoors and are unsuitable for busy families or seniors.

They also need a large yard to run around in, so apartment living is not ideal. Although they are great with children, tiny kids need to be supervised around the large and energetic breed. Not only are they great companions, but they are also known to be protective and loyal to their humans, making them excellent watchdogs.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

Both parent breeds are known for being kind and gentle, so it stands to reason that a cross between the two will also be like that. Their strong hunting instincts may mean that they will typically get along better with other large-breed dogs that can play and match their energy.

They may be a little too boisterous for smaller dogs and cats, but given the reputation of both breeds for being trainable, a Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix should be pretty easy to train not to chase or harm cats or smaller dogs.

However, it’s crucial to be proactive with socialization and training to lower the chance of potential future problems.

Divider 1-Dog bone- New

Things to Know When Owning a Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix’s diet will vary depending on their age, amount of exercise, and general health, but they require high-quality, well-balanced, and age and breed-appropriate food. Your veterinarian is the best source of information when choosing the appropriate brand and diet. Your vet can also help determine your dog’s caloric needs, portion sizes, and any supplements your dog may need.

They also appreciate the occasional treat, such as a cooked chicken piece or cheese, but it should never make up more than 10% of their overall diet. Be careful not to overfeed your dog since it can cause health issues such as obesity and joint issues. Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water.

Exercise 🐕

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix is an energetic canine that requires a lot of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They need 1 ½ to 2 hours of exercise daily to stay fit and happy. They love to run and make excellent jogging partners.

They enjoy spending time with their family and friends, playing with their owner in a fenced-in yard, and love swimming and hiking. Like any breed, the Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix will also require daily mental stimulation, which can be provided with puzzle feeders, training, and sniffing around while walking.

Like all dogs, they need plenty of mental and physical exercise. If they become bored, it can lead to destructive behaviors, so it’s crucial to provide them with plenty of activities and toys to keep them busy and entertained.

Training 🎾

Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mixes are extremely intelligent and trainable dogs that frequently do well in sports and obedience competitions. They have strong family bonds, and although they tend to think independently, they are also eager to please their owners, which makes them highly trainable.

Starting early and employing positive reinforcement is essential for success. You can train your Samoyed Malamute mix using the techniques to perform anything from simple commands to more complex tricks.

Grooming ✂️

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute’s thick, waterproof double coat is a stunning adaptation to the harsh Arctic lifestyle but needs continual maintenance. They constantly shed, but once or twice a year, during shedding season, they shed considerably more.

Daily brushing with a slicker brush or metal comb will help remove dirt, loose hairs, and knots. Daily brushing can also help you detect matted fur that could harbor fungus and hot spots that may become infected.

While Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mixes kept as pets can go 6 to 8 weeks without a bath, show dogs are frequently bathed every week.  If the coat seems dry, you can use conditioner sparingly.

Every 3 to 4 weeks, or as necessary, their nails should be clipped, and their teeth should be brushed regularly using pet-friendly toothpaste.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The average life expectancy of the Samoyed Alaskan Malamute is 10 to 14 years. They live long lives on average, but their lifespan can vary based on factors like nutrition and lifestyle. However, there are still predisposed health issues that every owner should be aware of.

Minor Conditions
  • Canine thrombophilia
  • Chondrodysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Cardiac disorders

Regular veterinary checkups, parasite management, and necessary vaccine nations are recommended to ensure your dog has a long and healthy life.

hepper-dog-paw-divider2

Male vs Female

While males and females have some differences, their upbringing and environment typically determine their temperament. Some generalizations include males being more affectionate and clingier while females are more aloof and independent.

Intact males and females will also have different behaviors. Intact males may be more territorial and display unwanted behaviors such as mounting and marking territory. They may also wander off in search of a female in heat. Intact females can display some similar behaviors and experience a heat cycle twice a year.

Dogs of different sexes typically get along better. When male dogs are present together, they may engage in dominance conflicts. This is typically less problematic with two female dogs, but they may have trouble deciding who will be the alpha dog.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix

1. The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix Is Genetically and Physically Similar to Wolves

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute is one of the breeds that are closest to wolves, and it only takes one look at this beautiful breed to see the resemblance. The genetic makeup of the two parents is similar to wolves and has not been significantly altered by human selective breeding.


2. There Is a Reason for the Samoyed’s Smile

One of the distinctive features of a Samoyed is the upturned corners of the mouth, which gives the appearance of a happy, permanent smile. Your Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix may very likely have this trait, and although it is adorable, it does have a logical purpose. In cold weather, their mouth is designed to stop drool from turning into icicles.


3. The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix Has a Rich History

The first people to arrive in North America 5,000 years ago kept Alaskan malamutes and Samoyeds as companions and working dogs. They have historically been employed in Arctic missions since they are made to endure freezing conditions. They assisted settlers in moving goods across snowy terrain by pulling heavy sleds as they hunted, tracked, and kept an eye out for bears.

Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

Final Thoughts

The Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix is an excellent family companion that loves kids and is not too difficult to train. They are highly intelligent and love being a significant part of their owner’s lives. They may not be ideal for small homes or apartments since they demand a lot of exercise.

They will be most happy with an active family that loves the great outdoors. They require the best care to live a long and healthy life, so any prospective owner needs to be able to provide a high-quality diet, ongoing health care, grooming, training, and exercise.

While each dog is unique, you will undoubtedly be getting a loyal, smart, active, and loving dog if you decide to adopt a Samoyed Alaskan Malamute Mix. With proper care, they will bring you love and companionship for many years to come.

See also: 


Featured Image Credit: (L) Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock | (R) Happy monkey, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping