Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Alaskan Malamutes Live. Alaskan Malamute Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Alaskan Malamute, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Alaskan Malamutes
- How Old is Your Alaskan Malamute in Human Years
- How Long Do Alaskan Malamutes Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Alaskan Malamute Live Long
- Conclusion on Alaskan Malamute Life Expectancy
How Long Alaskan Malamutes Live. Alaskan Malamute Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 14 pet Alaskan Malamutes lived.
From the study, it was found that Alaskan Malamutes have a average lifespan of 10.7 years. Furthermore, the study found that Alaskan Malamutes can live for as long as 13.5 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Alaskan Malamutes.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Alaskan Malamutes are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Hematopoietic Disease: Problems having to do with platelets, blood vessels, or clotting factors.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Alaskan Malamute to make your Alaskan Malamute live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Alaskan Malamute have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Alaskan Malamute is in human years? Then, check out our Alaskan Malamute age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Terrier Lifespan | 15.40 |
| Norwegian Elkhound Lifespan | 13.10 |
| Vizsla Lifespan | 12.90 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Lifespan | 12.70 |
| Belgian Sheepdog Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Chihuahua Lifespan | 12.40 |
| Sealyham Terrier Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Irish Setter Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Australian Terrier Lifespan | 12.00 |
| English Setter Lifespan | 11.50 |
| Finnish Spitz Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Skye Terrier Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Alaskan Malamute Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Doberman Pinscher Lifespan | 10.50 |
| Glen of Imaal Terrier Lifespan | 10.40 |
| Giant Schnauzer Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Wirehaired Vizsla Lifespan | 9.83 |
| Japanese Chin Lifespan | 9.25 |
| Australian Shepherd Lifespan | 9.00 |
| Sloughi Lifespan | 5.00 |
Common Causes of Death in Alaskan Malamute, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Alaskan Malamute, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Alaskan Malamute.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 34.2 percent of all deaths in Alaskan Malamutes.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Alaskan Malamute
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Alaskan Malamutes (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Alaskan Malamutes is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Alaskan Malamutes is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Alaskan Malamutes is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Alaskan Malamutes with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Alaskan Malamute. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Alaskan Malamute`s gums look pale.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 15.2 percent of all deaths in Alaskan Malamutes.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Alaskan Malamute
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Alaskan Malamutes are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Alaskan Malamutes can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
One way that you can help improve your Alaskan Malamute`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Alaskan Malamute joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Alaskan Malamute to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Alaskan Malamutes a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Alaskan Malamute`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Alaskan Malamute eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Alaskan Malamute is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Alaskan Malamute is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Alaskan Malamute on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 13.5 percent of all deaths in Alaskan Malamutes.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Alaskan Malamute
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Alaskan Malamute eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Alaskan Malamute stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Alaskan Malamute is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Alaskan Malamute has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Alaskan Malamute`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Neurologic Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 11.3 percent of all deaths in Alaskan Malamutes.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Alaskan Malamute
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Hematopoietic Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Normally, the body can regulate its own blood pressure and fluid volume without outside help. However, issues in hematopoesis can cause high or low blood pressure, blood clots, edema (fluid where it`s not supposed to be, like in the lungs), and even shock.
Hematopoietic Disease is responsible for 9.9 percent of all deaths in Alaskan Malamutes.
Causes of Hematopoietic Disease in Alaskan Malamute
The causes of hematopoietic problems usually involve inflammation and immune responses gone wrong. This can cause congestion, hemorrhage, and many more problems.
How to Prevent Hematopoietic Disease in Alaskan Malamutes
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog`s gums or skin look very pale or very red. It`s also a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing exercise intolerance. Many parasites can cause internal bleeding, so you should have your dog on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives all year round. Here is a good flea and tick prevention medication (buy the box associated with your pet`s weight!).
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Alaskan Malamutes
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Alaskan Malamute is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Alaskan Malamute`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Alaskan Malamute`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Alaskan Malamute offsprings by only breeding Alaskan Malamute that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Alaskan Malamute puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Alaskan Malamute breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Alaskan Malamute has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Alaskan Malamute for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Alaskan Malamute a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Alaskan Malamutes for:
How Old is Your Alaskan Malamute in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Alaskan Malamute. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Alaskan Malamute is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute is 10.7 years.
Alaskan Malamutes are large-sized dogs. Alaskan Malamutes weigh 75 to 100 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Alaskan Malamute in converting Alaskan Malamute age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Alaskan Malamute`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Alaskan Malamute`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Alaskan Malamute`s human age. If you do not know your Alaskan Malamute`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Alaskan Malamute is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Alaskan Malamute`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Alaskan Malamute`s up-to-date human age.
Alaskan Malamute Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Alaskan Malamute age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Alaskan Malamute`s human age based on your Alaskan Malamute`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Alaskan Malamute`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Alaskan Malamute Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 34 |
| 5 | 39 |
| 6 | 43 |
| 7 | 48 |
| 8 | 52 |
| 9 | 57 |
| 10 | 61 |
| 11 | 66 |
| 12 | 70 |
| 13 | 75 |
| 14 | 80 |
| 15 | 86 |
| 16 | 92 |
How Long Do Alaskan Malamutes Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Alaskan Malamute is 10.7 years. In human years, the Alaskan Malamute lives for 64 years.
How Old is 1-year-old Alaskan Malamute in Human Years?
A 1-year old Alaskan Malamute is 16 years old in human years.
How Old is 2-year-old Alaskan Malamute in Human Years?
A 2-year old Alaskan Malamute is 22 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Alaskan Malamute in Human Years?
A 5-year old Alaskan Malamute is 39 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old Alaskan Malamute in Human Years?
A 8-year old Alaskan Malamute is 52 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Alaskan Malamute Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Alaskan Malamute live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Alaskan Malamute fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Alaskan Malamute does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Alaskan Malamute will have a shorter lifespan than a Alaskan Malamute that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Alaskan Malamute high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Alaskan Malamute. Check out our Alaskan Malamute feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Alaskan Malamute from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Alaskan Malamute existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Alaskan Malamute has access to clean water whenever your Alaskan Malamute needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Alaskan Malamute. See our Alaskan Malamute water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Alaskan Malamute.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Alaskan Malamute might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Alaskan Malamute.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Alaskan Malamute is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Alaskan Malamute’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Alaskan Malamute teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Alaskan Malamute Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Alaskan Malamute`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.