The costs associated with a new pet can be hard to put a finger on, and if you are looking to raise an Alaskan Malamute, you’ll need to take a number of things into consideration – the cost of the dog itself, veterinary expenses, training, food, supplies, insurance, licensing, grooming and more. To give you a good estimation, we have developed a cost calculator that will inform you on the accurate cost of purchasing and maintaining an Alaskan Malamute.
An Alaskan Malamute puppy is likely to cost between $500-$2,500 with the average price being $975. First-year expenses are around $4,275 and will be about $1,850/year (or $154/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an Alaskan Malamute is $24,625.
These figures consider all essentials. However, extra costs such as spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures, pet insurance, as well as dog walking and boarding services that can be necessary, are not included. If you take those into consideration, especially if you need a dog walker five times a week, your expenses are likely to rise to the $6,510-$14,820 range for the first year and $5,150-$10,745 mark for each subsequent year. This would put the cost range at $63,160-$133,015, with an average cost of $94,515 for the entirety of your Malamute’s lifetime.
The high range is relevant for owners living in expensive areas and/or looking for high-end products and services. On the contrary, the low end of the range is suitable for cheaper areas, products, and services.
Below, we have compiled a ton of information, analyses and professional recommendations that are sure to help with raising an Alaskan Malamute as well as planning your finances. You will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your requirements to help generate a much more accurate estimate when it comes to determining the overall cost of raising an Alaskan Malamute puppy.
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
Alaskan Malamute puppy price
After reviewing over 207 ads from sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, we have found that the price of an Alaskan Malamute puppy (6-month-old and younger) ranges from $500-$2,500. This puts the average cost at $975, with 80% of the prices found falling within the previous range.
Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Alaskan Malamute | $500 – $2,500 | $975 |
For a purebred with documents, expect to pay as high as $3,500. On the other hand, adoption prices are considerably lower, with rehoming or adoption fees typically falling between $50 and $500 across the board. Always give your business to reputable breeders and shelters to increase your chances to raise a healthy and happy dog.
Also, keep in mind that prices vary according to location, so you might be able to save money if you locate a shelter or breeder in a cheaper locality.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND AN ALASKAN MALAMUTE PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet. You can also check our Alaskan Malamute breeders directory to find a breeder in your state.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$200 – $750 | 60 |
$751 – $1,300 | 83 |
$1,301 – $1,850 | 30 |
$1,851 – $2,400 | 8 |
$2,401 – $2,950 | 23 |
$2,951 – $3,500 | 3 |
Total | 207 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that Alaskan Malamute breeders have their breeding dogs evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout the course of their breeding years: hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test), eye examination by an ophthalmologist, polyneuropathy DNA test. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
What supplies should you buy for an Alaskan Malamute?
Our team has filtered over 250 items across the best-sellers lists on Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart to help gauge your expenses when it comes to supplies needed for a large dog like the Alaskan Malamute. From these figures, the cost of supplies for the first year should fall within the $245-$925 range, with an average cost of $495.
Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Food & Water Bowls | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Dog Collars (x2) | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Leash | $10 – $30 | $15 |
ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Dog Bed (48″ or 60″) | $30 – $110 | $60 |
Dog Crate (48″ or 60″) | $50 – $165 | $90 |
Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Toys | $50 – $155 | $90 |
First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
Toenail Clippers | $5 – $30 | $15 |
Obviously, you will spend more on supplies for your Alaskan Malamute the first year. For each subsequent year, expect to pay $105-$410 on supplies, or $225 on average. It considers items that warrant repurchase, such as toys, hygiene-related products, and a dog bed. Prices can vary from store to store and depend on quality and location as well.
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $245 – $925 | $495 |
Subsequent Years | $105 – $410 | $225 |
Keep in mind that we have not accounted for things like muzzles, harnesses, clothing and shoes, fences, doggy playpens, anti-chew sprays as the need for these products varies on a case-by-case basis. Finally, to find potentially better deals, consider checking second-hand websites and stores to save big.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
The cost of training an Alaskan Malamute
According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz (Ph.D.), as large and high-energy dogs, Malamutes would benefit from professional training. To this end, Alexa highly recommends private training for positive leadership, crate/potty training, and group lessons to help make your dog more obedient and comfortable in the presence of humans and other dogs.
Generally, 7-9 private lessons should be enough for an Alaskan Malamute and will cost $900-$1,200 to which you should add five 1-hour group sessions that will likely be $150 to $200.
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Alaskan Malamute | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
Picking up training books can be an inexpensive help, provided you have the time to commit to training your Alaskan Malamute.
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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Malamutes have high intelligence and tend to bond to one person. They can be aloof and like to be independent and do their own thing. They are always ready for adventures and like to be on the go.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
Medical costs to consider for a Malamute
Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, shared her knowledge and experience to establish the medical expenses related to raising an Alaskan Malamute. The following figures can obviously vary depending on many factors such as location but still give a reliable and trustworthy picture of what a Malamute owner should expect.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $425 – $830 | $630 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $450 | $250 |
Gastropexy (optional) | $200 – $400 | $300 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $475 – $925 | $700 |
Vet cost for an Alaskan Malamute puppy
According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, an Alaskan Malamute puppy will require three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. This will include all the essential: physical exam, essential vaccines, fecal examination to make sure no deworming is needed as well as heartworm and flea prevention first three doses.
She would also advise purchasing heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They respectively cost $75-$120 and $85-$125 for a puppy.
Moreover, your puppy may require some additional vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activity. If your Malamute spends a ton of time camping or hiking and is generally exposed to wildlife and standing water a lot, Leptospirosis vaccine ($15-25) can be recommended.
If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot).
The yearly costs will therefore range from $425-$830.
A neuter (male) or spay (female) procedure on a Malamute, generally cost $150 to $450. Depending on the location, it is possible to find low cost clinics that will charge as low as $50-$100.
As Malamutes tend to be large, deep-chested dogs, Leslie Brooks recommends a Gastropexy procedure, which usually costs $200-$400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach to twist on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life threatening and would require an expensive surgery to be corrected.
Medical expenses for the following years
According to veterinarians like Leslie Brooks, DVM, for each subsequent year, you should make an annual trip to the vet for an exam, vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (for middle aged and senior dogs) to find potential hidden problems. This should run you $125-$265 depending on location. Leslie also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $125-$200 and $225-$300 for the year, respectively.
The lifestyle vaccines, Leptospirosis ($15-$25), Influenza ($35-$45) and/or Lyme ($30-$40) may also require annual booster shots. Finally, if your Malamute is regularly in contact with other pets or shows inconsistent stool quality, a fecal examination ($40-$50) will be recommended.
Alaskan Malamute potential health issues
The table below introduces some of the potential health problems a Malamute owner might have to deal with during the course of his dog’s life according to licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Hypothyroidism | Medium | $350 – $800 |
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture | High | $150 – $3,500* |
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) | Medium | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Autoimmune Skin Disorders | Medium | $500 – $2,500 |
Polyneuropathy | Medium | $500 – $1,500 |
* $2,000-$3,500 total for surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This is usually the ideal treatment recommendation; however, diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work would be additional costs of $200-$400. 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would require a duplicate of the costs mentioned above.
If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, the cost should be $50-$300 per month for 3-4 months. It takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and will likely develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs, if this route is taken.
“Alaskan Malamutes are very large dogs so if they do develop a joint abnormality or genetic condition, it will be expensive to treat them merely due to their size, so keeping some funds set aside for unexpected health conditions is a good idea.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Pet insurance price
Some dog owners will get pet insurance for their dog. Know that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report put the average price of accident and illness coverage plans for dogs at $565. If you opt for an accident-only plan, expect to pay around $190 per annum.
These prices will obviously vary a lot depending on many factors and you will need to contact insurance companies or brokers to get a more precise estimate.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
Feeding an Alaskan Malamute
On average, adult Malamutes will grow to be as big as 80 lb. (usually 75 to 85 lb.). After carefully reviewing some of the best-selling dry food brands such as Purina, Purina One, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo we estimate the average cost at $295 for the first year, and $310 for each adult year. Note that there is an important price difference between standard and premium brands.
Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $205 – $395 | $295 |
Adult Dog | $160 – $540 | $310 |
Treats cannot be ignored when budgeting dog food. A review of more than 25 best sellers for large dogs on Walmart, PetSmart and Amazon shows that one can expect to spend around $345 every year on treats for their Alaskan Malamute.
Treats Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Yearly Treats | $125 – $715 | $345 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
Your Malamute puppy will likely need around 260 lb. of food for the first year.
Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 8 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $222.24 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 16 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $351.68 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 8 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $206.64 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 9 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $396.72 |
Adult Alaskan Malamutes typically consume around 340 lb. of food a year.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 7 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $160.86 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 9 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $363.24 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 7 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $180.81 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 12 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $539.76 |
As dog food is cheaper in bulk and can be stored sparingly, we recommend making bulk purchases for the best savings, especially for large-sized dogs. Additionally, you should discuss the kind of dog food your Malamute should be eating with your veterinarian, as they have the best understanding of your dog’s needs.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Large Puppy | 35 lb. | 8 | $73.99 (PetSmart) | $591.92 |
Large Adult | 35 lb. | 10 | $68.99 (PetSmart) | $689.90 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Alaskan Malamute grooming prices
According to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, an Alaskan Malamute could be groomed by its owner as it is not a very complicated task.
Otherwise, the dog should be professionally groomed 6 times a year on average. If left to a professional, each visit is likely to cost between $60 and $85 depending on your locality, the services requested, the dog size, behavior, coat condition, health, and age.
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Alaskan Malamute | $0 – $510 | $255 |
Most professional groomers will bath and shampoo your dog, remove (if needed), brush and style its hair, trim its nail and clean its teeth, eyes, and ears as part of their offer.
If you have the time to do the grooming yourself, all-inclusive kits available online generally cost between $25-$250, with an average price of $75. They come with everything you will need to take care of your Alaskan Malamute and are the most affordable solution.
Additional costs to consider for your dog
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
License
Licenses generally cost between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A, varying on a state-to-state basis. If your Alaskan Malamute is not spayed or neutered, this could be a bit more. Moreover, many states have banned owning unlicensed pets, so we strongly recommend licensing your Alaskan Malamute as soon as possible.
Microchip
Microchips create a unique identity for your dog, allowing medical information to be shared easily. Moreover, in the case of any emergency, locating your Alaskan Malamute is much easier with a microchip, which is why many states require your dog to be microchipped. On average, this costs between $25-$50.
Dog walking for a Malamute
Dog walking professionals like Tamaria Reddick suggest that Alaskan Malamutes get plenty of exercise, as they are big, energetic dogs. If you cannot cater to their needs, a dog walker might be a good idea. Generally, dog walkers on apps like Rover and Wag charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1-hour sessions).
These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so plan if you need a dog walker. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.
Traveling
Malamutes are energetic and attention-seeking dogs, and so, it is not advisable to leave them alone when going away. Dog boarding services are generally available for $25-$85 per day, depending on your location.
It is a good idea to plan and book in advance, especially during busy parts of the year, such as the holiday season. So be sure to book a dog boarding or dog sitting service as soon as possible, as you are likely to get much better rates. Additionally, try to see if you have any friends and/or family who are willing to host your Alaskan Malamute, as it could prove to be a much more pocket-friendly option!
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on many variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your dog.
Yearly and monthly cost of an Alaskan Malamute
The first year with your Malamute puppy
On average, the first-year cost that comes with an Alaskan Malamute puppy ranges between $2,585 and $7,345. This comes down to an average cost of $4,275, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $500 – $2,500 | $975 |
Supplies | $245 – $925 | $495 |
Training | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
Medical | $425 – $830 | $630 |
Food & Treats | $330 – $1,110 | $640 |
Grooming | $0 – $510 | $255 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $2,585 – $7,345 | $4,275 |
You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 | $250 |
Gastropexy | $200 – $400 | $300 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and have a gastropexy performed as well as get pet insurance, the cost rises to $5,390 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $9,870.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $3,185 – $8,975 | $5,390 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,510 – $14,820 | $9,870 |
Yearly and monthly cost of an Alaskan Malamute for the following years
The costs that come with owning a dog do go down after the first year. For each subsequent year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $875 and $3,120, with an average cost of $1,850 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $73-$260 range and averages $154/month).
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $105 – $410 | $225 |
Medical | $475 – $925 | $700 |
Food & Treats | $285 – $1,255 | $655 |
Grooming | $0 – $510 | $255 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $875 – $3,120 | $1,850 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $73 – $260 | $154 |
With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $7,695 for the year (or $641 every month).
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $1,225 – $3,900 | $2,415 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,150 – $10,745 | $7,695 |
Cost of ownership of a Malamute
In total, the cost of owning and raising an Alaskan Malamute for 12 years boils down to the $12,210-$41,665 range, with the average cost being $24,625.
Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Alaskan Malamute | $12,210 – $41,665 | $24,625 |
With additional expenses tacked on, such as the medical procedures mentioned earlier, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising an Alaskan Malamute falls in the $63,160 to $133,015 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average will be 12 years (usually 10 to 14 years). The average price of raising an Alaskan Malamute can then be estimated to be $94,515.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $16,660 – $51,875 | $31,955 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $63,160 – $133,015 | $94,515 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Alaskan Malamute cost calculator
The cost of an Alaskan Malamute – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is an Alaskan Malamute puppy?
On average an Alaskan Malamute puppy will cost $975 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $2,500. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 – How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does an Alaskan Malamute need training and how much will it cost?
Having an Alaskan Malamute professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $1,050 to $1,400. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, potty training, crate training, and positive leadership.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for an Alaskan Malamute?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $830 for an Alaskan Malamute puppy during the first year and around $475 to $925 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively).
5 – How much food does an Alaskan Malamute eat and how much will it cost?
An Alaskan Malamute puppy will eat around 260 lb. and an adult close to 340 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $205 and $595 for a puppy and $160 to $690 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should an Alaskan Malamute be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming an Alaskan Malamute is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $60 to $85 depending on the dog and services needed.
7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?
In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.
A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.
Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.
A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.
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Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing an Alaskan Malamute, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising an Alaskan Malamute. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
- Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
This article is original content from PetBudget.