The canine universe is a diverse one, full of seemingly countless breeds, all with their own specific defining traits. Alaskan malamutes are big working dogs who take a little longer to physically mature than many of their tinier fellow pooches. Malamutes are sizable, but they're also jovial and loving.
Size at Maturity
Adult female Alaskan malamutes are usually slightly smaller than male specimens. Mature males usually weigh around 85 pounds and stand roughly 25 inches at the shoulder. Mature females generally weigh a good 10 pounds fewer than the boys and stand approximately 23 inches.
Size and Growth
A dog breed's general size can be helpful for determining when the individual pooches might reach their mature weights and heights. Dogs who are either small or midsize usually cease growing at approximately 12 months. Alaskan malamutes are large canines who, like most larger breeds, don't attain physical maturity until they're 2 years old or approaching it. Big dogs are definitely not the early bloomers of the canine realm.
Switching to Adult Food
Alaskan malamutes specifically generally stop growing between 18 months and 2 years old. While your pet's still a young puppy, consult the veterinarian regarding when exactly to switch him from puppy chow to adult food, as adults and puppies have different nutritional needs. It's not uncommon for Alaskan malamute puppies to switch to adult formulas well before they're technically adults, say around 10 months in age. Puppies are fast growers and call for significantly increased levels of energy compared with mature individuals. They also burn off a lot of energy with ample playing and physical activity.
Considerations
Alaskan malamute youngsters grow a lot during the first year of their lives. With proper diet and care, Alaskan malamutes often reach 80 pounds or more during that time period. At birth, the little guys generally weigh around a pound. While they're in the midst of developing into grownup dogs, Alaskan malamute puppies are often highly ungainly and klutzy in their motions -- far from graceful, although fortunately not for too long.