Alaskan Malamute Prices 2023: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Adopting any dog is a huge financial commitment. Not only do you have to purchase a puppy, but you also have to pay for all that dog’s needs for the rest of their life. Luckily, Alaskan Malamutes prices are not exceptionally high. You can purchase a quality Alaskan Malamute for around $800 to $3,000.

Of course, that price doesn’t include any of the items the dog needs, such as a bed and food. You’ll also have to consider their medical costs, which can be higher for larger dogs like Alaskan Malamutes.

We’ll take a look at everything you need to know about the initial cost of purchasing a Malamute, as well as the ongoing expenses of owning this breed.

How Much Does an Alaskan Malamute Puppy Cost?

Alaskan Malamute puppies can vary somewhat in cost. To purchase from a quality breeder, you can expect to pay between $800 to $3,000. Show-quality puppies are often more expensive than pet-quality puppies.

However, if you don’t plan on showing your dog, there is no reason to purchase a show-quality puppy. These puppies do not make better pets. They simply have more specific physical traits that may make them perform better in conformation shows.

We highly recommend always purchasing from a quality breeder. While this is more expensive than purchasing from a hobby breeder or pet store, they typically perform needed genetic tests before breeding two Malamutes together and spend more time and money on their puppies. In the end, this results in healthier puppies and helps improve the whole breed.

You may also be able to find a cheaper puppy from a rescue agency. However, finding a puppy at a shelter is rare, especially a purebred one. Therefore, we wouldn’t bet on finding a purebred Malamute puppy at your local shelter.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of an Alaskan Malamute

There are tons of factors that affect the purchase price of an Alaskan Malamute. Some of these may not apply to every dog, but they do explain why the price can vary so much from breeder to breeder.

• Pedigree: The linage of the puppy is one of the biggest factors affecting the price. Puppies with stronger pedigrees will cost more, as their bloodline has a higher chance of performing well in shows.
• Age: The age of the puppy may also affect the price. Older puppies tend to be less expensive than younger ones. Often, this is due to demand. People simply want younger puppies.
• Health Screenings: Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on the parent dogs to ensure they aren’t carrying any genetic conditions that may be passed onto the puppies. These screenings cost money, so the resulting puppy costs more, too.
• Location: Where you’re located also matters. In areas with a higher cost of living, puppies tend to be more expensive.
• Registration: Puppies that come with registration papers from reputable kennel clubs (e.g., AKC or UKC) may be more expensive than those without papers. However, it’s important to realize that these papers don’t necessarily mean much.
• Colors and Markings: Some colors and markings are rarer, so they may affect the puppy’s price. However, most breeders do not charge more or less for colorings, as they prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs.
• Training and Socialization: Puppies that have received early socialization and basic training may be priced higher due to the extra care and effort put into their upbringing.
• Breeder’s Reputation: Breeders with a strong reputation may charge more, as they’re known for producing healthy, quality puppies. You’re paying for their expertise and track record.
• Demand: If the demand for Malamute puppies outpaces the puppies produced, the price may go up in your area.
• Included Services: Many quality breeders include a variety of services, like initial vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and sometimes even a puppy starter kit.
• Contracts and Guarantees: The terms of the purchase contract, including any health guarantees or conditions, can impact the price. More extensive guarantees may result in a higher initial cost.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Alaskan Malamute

Medical expenses like vaccinations vary in cost a lot, depending on your location. In areas with a higher cost of living, vet bills tend to be much higher. However, we can provide some general guidelines below.

You’ll need to start your puppy on a series of vaccinations as soon as you bring them home. While the exact vaccinations your puppy needs may vary, you can expect them to give your puppy distemper, parvovirus, and rabies vaccinations. Depending on where you live, they may need even more.

The cost of these vaccinations typically costs from $75 to $150 per set, and your puppy will require several sets. You’ll also need to pay for annual vaccinations. Some vaccines need to be re-done every year, while others may not need to be done until every three years. Either way, you can expect to pay around $25 to $75 per year for boosters.

You’ll likely want to spay and neuter your dog, as well. The cost can vary widely depending on the services you use and where you live. Low-cost clinics may only cost $25 to $50, while private vet services may charge up to $500.

Like all dogs, Alaskan Malamutes can be susceptible to heartworm disease, too. The cost of heartworm prevention often costs around $5 to $15 a month, depending on the brand. You’ll also need to pay for flea and tick prevention, which costs around $10 to $20 monthly.

All dogs need dental cleanings, including Alaskan Malamutes. The cost of dental care can range from $100 to $500, depending on the services your dog needs.

You’ll also have to pay for regular check-ups and preventative care. Often, this will cost around $50 to $100 a year, though it doesn’t include the cost of vaccinations, which we discussed above.

Don’t forget to set aside money to pay for unexpected medical expenses, like accidents and illnesses. The cost of these vet bills can vary from a couple of hundred to several thousand.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Alaskan Malamute

The cost of food and supplies for an Alaskan Malamute can vary a bit. If you shop around for a discount, you can save quite a bit of money. However, you typically have to spend some amount of money.

The cost of dog food can vary widely depending on whether you choose a high-quality, premium brand or a more budget-friendly option. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $100 or more per month on dog food. These dogs are pretty large, so they eat a lot.

You’ll need something to put this food in, too. A set of stainless steel bowls (which we recommend for cleanliness) can cost around $10 to $30.

A collar and leash are also necessary. The price of this set can cost between $10 to $50 or more. You’ll probably have to purchase several leashes and collars as your puppy gets older, so plan accordingly.

A crate is highly recommended. These crates help teach your dog how to be alone, and they can assist you in potty training, too. We recommend purchasing a bed, whether you place it in the crate or somewhere else. A cheaper $30 bed is a great option, but you’ll need to upgrade to a $100 bed once they get larger.

Toys are necessary for exercise and mental stimulation. The cost of toys isn’t huge per toy. However, all together, you may spend close to $100 on toys the first month you have your dog. You’ll have to replace and upgrade toys as you go, too.

Alaskan Malamutes do require some brushing and grooming, and you’ll need to purchase supplies to do so. Luckily, you can find brushes and dog shampoo for less than $30, and you won’t need to replace these very often.

The cost of treats can vary depending on the type and quality. You will want some treats for training, so plan on spending around $20 a month.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an Alaskan Malamute

The cost of pet insurance for an Alaskan Malamute can vary depending on several factors, particularly where you live. Vet costs vary widely from area to area, which affects the price of vet insurance.

Younger dogs often have lower premium payments than older dogs. Puppy insurance is much more affordable as they are less likely to develop health issues. Alaskan Malamute are typically not any more expensive to insure than other breeds.

The coverage type also matters. Generally, you can expect basic coverage to cost less, but it also covers less. Comprehensive coverage is often much more expensive.

You can adjust your premium depending on the other factors you adjust. For instance, higher deductibles will lower your premium, but they will also increase the amount you’ll have to pay at each vet cost. Reimbursement rates also matter, but it will increase your pay per vet bill.

In the end, you can expect to pay around $30 to $60 per month for basic coverage. If your dog has a pre-existing condition, you may not be able to get insurance, or it may be much more expensive.

How Much Does It Cost to Train an Alaskan Malamute

The cost of training an Alaskan Malamute can vary widely depending on several factors. We recommend puppy obedience classes, which teach your puppy the basics and socialize them a bit. It can cost between $200 to $500 for a series of classes.

These classes are cheaper than private classes, and they provide some extra socialization. Therefore, they’re a much better option for dogs that can be around others.

If your dog cannot be around others, private classes are necessary. These will be offered per hour, at around $50 to $150 per session. The point of these classes should be to work up to group classes by teaching your dog basic commands and socializing them slowly.

If you want to train your Alaskan Malamute in more advanced skills, such as agility, advanced obedience, or specialized tasks, the cost can increase significantly. These programs can range from $150 to $300 or more per session. These are usually private, though they may be small group classes sometimes.

Some trainers offer board-and-train programs, where you send your dog for them to train. These programs can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more for a few weeks of training. Of course, this is your most expensive option.

In rare cases, your dog may need behavioral therapy. Specific behavioral issues and aggression problems may require specialized training. This cost can vary widely depending on the severity of the issue and the duration of training.