Group 5 · Spitz & primitive types
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, wolf-like sled dog built to haul heavy loads over long distances. It is friendly to people but independent and strong, and needs plenty of exercise, cool conditions and an experienced owner.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Alaskan Malamute by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
The breeding programme also recommends 6 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Alaskan Malamute polyneuropathy (AMPN)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NDRG1: NM_001284434.1:c.293G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NME5: XM_003639378.4:c.43delA
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (6)
-
Achromatopsia 3 (cone degeneration) (ACHM3)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CNGB3: gross deletion
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Early-onset progressive polyneuropathy (EOPP)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NGRD1: c.1080_1089del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Alaskan Malamute, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Alaskan Malamute polyneuropathy (AMPN), Hip dysplasia (HD) and Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Achromatopsia 3 (cone degeneration) (ACHM3), Early-onset progressive polyneuropathy (EOPP), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Patellar luxation (PT) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. An Alaskan Malamute needs plenty of exercise, ideally pulling work such as canicross or sledding. In warm weather, plan hard exercise for the cooler parts of the day. Its thick double coat sheds heavily when moulting.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Malamute is friendly to people, but strong, independent and not always tolerant of other dogs. Its prey drive makes letting it off the lead rarely safe, and it likes to dig and escape.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
