The Labrador Malamute mix is a hybrid that results from crossing an Alaskan Malamute with a Labrador Retriever. Both parents of this mix have adorable traits and love human companions which makes them great pets for the right people. This crossbreed is among the rare mixes to find but it combines admirable personalities from both parents to make a good family dog.
You might be wondering whether a slim-bodied dog with a thick coat and attractive, droopy ears is right for you or if it will match your lifestyle. Well, there is a lot you need to understand about the Malamute x Labrador before committing to take them home. And if so, you are in the right place.
We have all the info you need to know including the Malamute Labrador mix temperament, personality, health issues, exercise, grooming, and training needs, among others. Keep reading to know more.
Table of Contents
What is the Malamute Lab mix called?
A Malamute Labrador cross is also known as a Malador, Alaskan Malador, or a Labramute. Unlike their purebred parents, these designer dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Check out the video below of the Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever mix
Table
| Size | 23 to 25 inches tall |
| Weight | 60 to 75 lbs. |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Grooming Needs | Sheds heavily |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Energetic |
| Coat & Colors | Straight, dense & short topcoat; comes in a variety of colors |
| Suitable for: | Active individuals & families |
History of the Breed
Not much is known about the Labrador Malamute mix like when they were first bred. But given the history of most designer dogs, the Alaskan Malador has probably existed for some decades. Despite this, the mix is gaining increased popularity as a pet among Americans as a pet.
Let us take a brief look at the parents of the Malamute Labrador mix to know what we expect of their offspring.
Parents
The Labrador Retriever – This purebred has its origin in Newfoundland and was bred for companion and working purposes. As the name suggests, Labs were waterdogs that fishermen used to retrieve fish as well as pull nets with fish in them. People with large lands also used Labs during hunting.
Currently, the Labrador is rated as the most popular dog breed of choice for most families and individuals in the United States and the United Kingdom for the last 10 years. Labs have a great dog IQ that ranks them at number 7 of the most intelligent dog breeds globally. they are very trainable. These purebreds also excel in canine sports and are among the preferred for use as service dogs. Labradors were registered in the AKC in 1917.
Labs are medium-sized dogs that stand 22 to 24 inches in height at the shoulders and weigh 55 to 80 lbs. A healthy Lab has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years. However, they are prone to common health conditions such as hip & elbow dysplasia, and bloat, among others.
The Alaskan Malamute – Native to the Mahlemut Innuit tribe of Western Alaska, the Alaskan Malamute is among the oldest dog breeds. These working dogs were bred to help haul heavy loads for long distances but at a low speed. Alaskan Malamutes were also used to keep away polar bears from the villagers as well as hunt seals.
Alaskan Malamutes are playful, affectionate, friendly, majestic, and loyal to their owners which defines the traits of a good family dog. They are highly intelligent pooches with a great score in dog IQ that allows them to be trainable, but they can be rather stubborn. The AKC recognized the Alaskan Malamute as a breed in 1935 and has been the official state dog of Alaska since 2003.
The Alaskan Malamute is created for strength and endurance. The average size of an adult Alaskan Malamute is 22 to 26 inches with a weight of between 71 and 95 lbs. These dogs can live between 10 and 12 years on average. However, they are prone to some health issues. Common health problems include bloat, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.
Appearance
Labramutes may have existed longer than most hybrids we know of but there is great physical variation between pups that come from the same litter. As such, you can’t predict the appearance of your Labrador Malamute mix until they are mature. One unique feature we are sure of that defines this mixed breed is the dark facial masks that resemble a wolf.
That being said, you expect your Malador to have an athletic physique with muscular legs and wide feet. They will have a double coat like that of the Lab parent that will be short and dense and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. These pups will have ears like those of their Lab parent and huge persuasive eyes of the Malamute parent. Expect eyes that are brown, blue, or green.
A Labrador Malamute mix is classified as medium-to-large size pooches that are 23 to 25 inches tall with a weight of between 60 and 75 lbs. It makes an excellent apartment dog. The tail of this mix is of medium size and slightly curved.
Check out this image of a yellow Lab Malamute mix
Temperament and Characteristics
Like their Labrador Retriever and Alaskan Malamute parents, Maladors are energetic and active hybrids. They will enjoy taking that adventurous hike with you and are very attached to their family. There is no greater way for you and your dog bonding! While this loyalty and affection is a good thing, it can lead to separation anxiety when they are left alone for extended periods.
Alaskan Maladors are playful and will love it when you play with them the game of fetch, or even run in the yard with your kids. Like their Lab mom, they love playing in the water so you can break the normal schedule by taking them to the local dog pool for a swim every now and then. And did we mention how this mix loves to get attention from you?
Make sure you take them out for socialization at an early stage to prevent them from nurturing unhealthy social habits.
Check out this video about the Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever mix
Ease of Training
One of the advantages of training the Labrador Malamute mix is that it is eager to please and is very intelligent. If you give them a task as part of their training, they will do it enthusiastically because it is in their nature. Another thing you will like about this hybrid is the ability to adjust to various training techniques you introduce. This makes training sessions fun and productive.
On the other hand, you might encounter some resistance during training especially if the Alaskan Malamute side of your mix is dominant. They tend to have a stubborn streak but will respond well to reward-based training tactics. Make sure you begin training them from their puppyhood unless you want to have an adorable pet that is problematic. This will also help them relate well with other pets.
Exercise
Alaskan Maladors are active and high energy dogs that require exercise at least 90 minutes daily to help them burn off excess energy. Their well-built body and legs plus wide feet are an indication that they are always ready to take off. So, engage them in lots of different activities such as hiking, running, and vigorous walking. They will also like it when you take them to swim.
On top of strenuous but enjoyable physical activities, occupy your Malador with mentally stimulating activities. For instance, they will love retrieving exercises and playing other games such as fetch and obstacle courses.
These hybrids are for people with a home that has a secure large yard space where they can play all day and spend time with family when they are at home. If your Malador does not have adequate exercises, they will chew everything you have at home.
Nutritional Requirements
Your Lab Malamute mix needs to be fed high-quality kibble that is designed for medium-to-large dogs with high energy. They should eat approx. 3 cups of dry kibble each day apportioned into 2 small meals. They do love to eat but can be overweight if you are not careful. Therefore, do not free-feed them. You can add supplements such as fish oil to their diet and cartilage for glucosamine and chondroitin.
Check your dog food for fillers and unhealthy ingredients to make sure it is high quality. If you are confused about what and how much to feed your Alaskan Malador, see your dog’s vet.
Health Issues
When compared to their purebred parents, Maladors are healthier and have a lifespan of up to 15 years. Their lifespan, however, can be compromised by health conditions such as bloat, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, eye problems, diabetes, joint problems, and more.
Make sure you take your Lab Malamute mix for vet visits as planned, feed them appropriate dog food, and groom them regularly to improve their life.
Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a Labrador Alaskan Malamute mix is between 10 and 15 years.
How to Care for them
As we have stated above, taking your Alaskan Malamute Labrador mix to a vet regularly is crucial to their health. Feed them premium age-appropriate diets that match their needs and energy levels and give them adequate exercise and training.
The next important thing to do for your Malador is proper grooming. This cross has a thick double coat that keeps them warm when it is cold. However, it sheds heavily when that season comes which means you require a good vacuum cleaner at home. During the shedding period, brush them twice daily and bathe them only when needed.
Make sure that you trim their nails regularly to keep them short and clean their ears to prevent ear infections. Oral health is crucial to your Malador’s health so brush their teeth at least 3 times a week.
Cost
The price of a Malamute x Labrador puppy ranges anywhere from $550 to $800 when buying from a reputable and responsible breeder. If you can, visit the breeder’s location for verification on the health of the mix parents and the working conditions.
Where to Adopt
It might be hard to find a Labrador Alaskan Malamute in your local shelter. Therefore, you should try your luck with rescue organizations of the Lab and Alaskan Malamute. We have a few options including the Lab Rescue LRCP, Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League, Alaskan Malamute Rescue of North Carolina, Inc., or the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue.
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