This breed of dogs can live up to 12 to 15 years if you give them the proper love and care they deserve. Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull sleds in harsh winter climates, so they require plenty of exercise. So going for walkies (or rather runnies) is not negotiable! Unless you enjoy hearing your canine howling in frustration, give it plenty of movement.

Malamutes are great with kids. Just keep in mind, they’re large dogs, so it’s still important to supervise playtime between them and your toddlers. Sometimes, dogs don’t realize how big and powerful they are.

But before you go jogging off to your local shelter or dog breeder to rescue an Alaskan Malamute, you should be aware of some health issues that this breed has. These adorable animals are at risk of a genetic deformity called hip dysplasia where their hip sockets require surgery to correct. That can be expensive and, if untreated, can lead to arthritis later on. That’s why you should make sure that you have documents showing you that the dog’s parents don’t have this genetic disease.

Alaskan Malamutes are also at-risk when it comes to inheriting polyneuropathy. This means that their nervous system becomes disorderly and can lead to a lack of coordination and weakness. However, if your Malamute’s parents are healthy, your doggo should be, too. So remember to do thorough research beforehand! That way, you’ll have a healthy, happy dog that can bring a smile to your face every day for a long, long time.