Many dog owners completely underestimate the cost of ownership of an Alaskan Malamute. Most of the time, they only take its initial purchase price into account.
While the price of an Alaskan Malamute puppy is important to consider, there are several other expenses to be considered as well.
In this guide, we will cover all of those expenses and help you prepare for all the financial requirements that come with having a Malamute in your life!
Price of Alaskan Malamute in the USA – What to Expect?
An Alaskan Malamute puppy from a reputed American dog breeder, costs, on average, $1000.
The first-year cost of owning this dog breed comes to $4500 or more considering costs like de-sexing surgery, food, dog training costs, etc.
After the first year, the per-year cost of owning a Malamute comes to around $3000 (only the basics like food, medical costs, etc., and without counting special costs like grooming, boarding, travel, etc.). The basic lifetime cost of owning a Malamute (having a lifespan of 10-12 years) is almost $45,000 to $50,000!
Purchase Price of an Alaskan Malamute Puppy
Our team analyzed around 50 ads to bring you the latest price of Alaskan Malamutes from different sources.
- The minimum price of an Alaskan Malamute from a reputed breeder was $650 whereas the maximum price was around $1200.
- The national average cost of an Alaskan Malamute from a top breeder is $1000. You can read more about Alaskan Malamute puppy prices here.
- If you choose to adopt an Alaskan Malamute from an animal shelter, then the price is a lot less. You won’t spend more than $300-$500 and many shelters even return your deposit of $100 if you get your Malamute spayed or neutered.
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The Cost of Basic Equipment for your Alaskan Malamute
Every dog, irrespective of its breed needs some basic items. These can ease your and your pet’s life and make you both more comfortable. These items and their costs are as follows:
- Toys and chewable bones – $20-$50
- Basic grooming tools like brush, shampoo, and hair and nail clippers – $30-$100
- Collar, tags, and leash – $15-$30
- Food and water bowls – $10-$40
- Dog bed – $30-$100
- Crate – $50-$200
- Environment maintenance costs (poop bags, urine removal spray, poop scooper) – $50
Most dog owners spend around $200 to $500 on their pet’s basic equipment in the puppy’s first year. This is usually a one-time expense, although some items may need replacement.
Veterinary Costs for Malamutes
Vet bills are typically the biggest expense for Malamute owners. Depending on where you live, here are some costs you can expect over your Alaskan’s lifetime:
- Microchipping – $25-$45
- De-sexing surgery – $200-$600. Spaying surgery usually costs more than neutering.
- Vaccinations – the first-year cost of vaccines to prevent distemper, parainfluenza, parvovirus, etc. costs $170-$200.
- Routine office visit – $50 to $75
- Tests for heartworm – $20-$100
- Deworming – $50 to $75 a year
- Flea and tick protection – $75-$200 a year
- X-rays and ultrasound – $200-$400
- Anesthesia and surgical procedures – $1000-$3000
Pet insurance can offset some of these costs. You can consider a plan that covers routine and emergency medical costs for $10-$50 per month. In most cases, the annual expense of pet insurance comes to $300-$500 a year.
Alaskan Malamute Food Costs
Another major expense after medical costs is the cost of dog food. This cost will vary depending on your Malamute’s age, activity, and, most importantly, the brand of dog food you choose.
Most Malamute parents spend about $200-$700 a month for food and dog treats. Alaskan Malamutes measure about 1-2 feet at the shoulders and weigh around 88 lb. For a dog this size, you need at least 66 lb. of food per month.
Here is a table showing the breakup of these dog food costs based on the price ranges of dog food.
| Type | Price | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| Budget food | $1.75/pound | $115 | $1380 |
| Medium priced food | $3/pound | $200 | $2500 |
| Premium food | $5/pound | $330 | $4000 |
Alaskan Malamute Dog Training Costs
Alaskan Malamutes need result-oriented obedience training. Without training, these dogs can indulge in negative behaviors which can become bad habits that are hard to overcome.
Dog training costs vary from city to city and also depend on the type of training you choose. Here are some options:
Dog Board and Train
Board and train or stay and train is an intense 2-week program. Your puppy will be house-trained and also come when called. It is a great option for busy owners who do not have the time to train their puppies. Board and train also address puppy biting/mouthing, jumping, chewing/digging, boundaries, barking/whining, and many other bad behaviors. Price – $500-$1250 per week.
In-home Training
This option is great for dog owners who want to be involved in their pet’s training. You can have one-on-one sessions with an expert trainer and these can help address specific issues too. Your Malamute will learn to come when called, overcome separation anxiety, and also get desensitized to distractions. These sessions can cost $100-$250 per session.
Group Training
You can always get your dog trained in group training at PetSmart or PetCo. These places will help your Malamute get acquainted with other puppies. Prices are between $100-$300 for 6-week packages.
If you want to save money on dog training, you can always choose to train your Malamute at home using training books and online training tips.
Miscellaneous Costs of Owning an Alaskan Malamute
You must also consider the cost of boarding your Malamute when you are away. If you travel often and choose not to take your pet with you, then these costs can add up quickly. Since most pet hostels charge between $30-$75 a night for pet boarding, a getaway of 10 days a year can cost over $300 to $750.
There also can be costs of living with your dog. Dog license registration can cost $10 to $35 a year depending on where you live and also whether your pet is neutered/spayed. Likewise, if you live in a rented home, then property owners can charge $200-$500 as pet deposits.
Grooming is another expense you need to consider. A simple bath is inexpensive and won’t cost more than $20. But if you go for full grooming with nail trimming, anal gland expression, ear cleaning, etc. then expect to pay $45-$75 per session. Special brush and trim when your dog is shedding can cost $120 in certain cities.
Malamutes need a lot of daily activity. Without it, they can get obese and depressed, and bored. A dog walker can help you exercise your Malamute daily. Most dog walkers charge between $10-$45 per short walk per dog.
Summary of How Much Does an Alaskan Malamute Cost in The USA?
While many of the above costs are optional, it is important to consider all potential costs of owning an Alaskan Malamute, before bringing one home. Here is a summary of what an Alaskan Malamute can cost in the USA:
On average, Alaskan Malamute puppies cost $1000 per pup, if you buy one with AKC papers from a reputed breeder.
The first-year expense of raising this pet comes to $4500 (considering just the basics like medical costs, food costs, etc.) while the annual expense after the first year could come to over $3000.
Since Malamutes live for 10-12 years, your lifetime cost of owning this majestic dog is nearly $45,000-$50,000. Again, these costs are just considering the basics like food, pet insurance, and medical costs.
If you opt for special services like regular grooming, dog walking, and pet boarding, then the expense of keeping an Alaskan Malamute could be a lot higher.
