The Lab Malamute mix: What makes this breed so special?

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

Also known as the Alaskan Malador or Labramutes, the Lab Malamute mix is an excellent mix of its parent breeds – a sweet personality and a total “people-dog.”

If you’re wondering if your lifestyle will match this crossbreed’s size, temperament, care requirements, and even health, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to find out!

What is a Malador?

This designer dog is a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Malamute mix. Like most hybrids, there is not much info about this fido. They’re not even recognized by any major kennel clubs, except for the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).

Others say that they probably originated during the early 1800s or 1900s, given the history of its parents in the US.

Even if they’re a mixed breed, Maladors are created to be working or sporting dogs. Wondering why? Meeting this canine’s parent breeds will give you an idea.

Meet The Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest dogs with a history of over 4000 years. The breed got its name from the native people in Western Alaska – the Mahlemut Innuit tribe.

Although they were initially bred for sledding and protecting the villagers from polar bears, Malamutes are more versatile. They took on a lot of responsibilities like hauling goods over snow, as well as hunting seals.

The Alaskan Malamute and other sled dogs became more valuable and were frequently crossbred with other imported breeds, especially during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896.

Even breeders in the US mixed them with smaller canines for entertainment purposes like racing.

They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 and became Alaska’s official state dog in 2003.

Aside from being friendly and useful human companions, they can grow up to 25 inches (63.5 cm) tall and can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg).

Meet The Labrador Retriever

Simply called Labs, Labrador Retrievers share the same history with Malamutes – as a companion and working dog, but spending more time in the water. They helped fishermen retrieve fish, haul nets, and many other tasks.

For more than ten years, they consistently rank as the most popular breed of choice in the US and UK. Why wouldn’t they? Labs are excellent family pets, but they excel in the conformation ring, canine sports, and service dogs!

They have a more manageable size. They have a height of 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 55 to 79 pounds (25 to 36 kg).

Appearance: Maladors are surprisingly adorable!

Crossbreeds don’t have a standardized appearance because they can inherit any physical trait of both or either parent. One thing’s for sure, though. Lab Malamute mixes are built for speed and endurance.

They have a lean, athletic body like Labradors and the wolfy face and coloring of Alaskan Malamutes.

Generally, they’re heavily-boned and have a moderately broad chest. They have floppy or pendant ears, and a black or brown nose. Their wide, almond-shaped eyes can be brown, amber, hazel, or blue.

At the bottom end, they have a slightly curved, medium-length tail, and large, heavily padded paws to support their love for the outdoors.

For a better preview of what this hybrid can look like, check out this video of a cute 3-month old Lab Malamute mix puppy:

Size: How big will a Malamute Lab mix get?

Lab Malamute mixes are considered medium- to large-sized dogs. Male Malamute Lab mixes have a height of 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63.5 cm) and a weight of 65 to 85 pounds (29.5-38.5 kg).

Females are slightly smaller. They stand about 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) and weigh 60 to 75 pounds (27 to 34 kg).

This pooch isn’t a great choice to be an apartment dog. Not only because of their size, but also their energy level. We recommend them for suburban or rural environments that will allow them to run around freely in a safe, ample space.

A Malador’s coat color isn’t limited to chocolate, yellow, and black

This pooch comes in a wide array of colors! They may commonly have black markings on their face, just like the YouTube video you watched.

You can find Lab Malamute mixes in other shades or combinations, like gray, fox red, silver, white, cream, sable, medium-dark brown, blue, and of course, the Lab colors – black, chocolate, and yellow.

Maladors have a double-coat, where the topcoat is straight, dense, and short, while their undercoat is wooly and soft. Some of them have feathering along the ridge.

Temperament: Are Lab Malamute mixes aggressive?

Any dog that is abused or wasn’t treated properly will be aggressive. But another potential cause of aggression for a Labrador & Malamute mix is when two males are introduced. That’s why early socialization is vital for this mixed breed. For smaller pets, their prey drive is something you should be cautious of.

Other than that, Maladors are excellent family dogs. They’re friendly and loyal to their humans, plus they’re easy-going. With all that affection, they prefer to be with their pack always. This can be a real issue as over-attachment means tendency for separation anxiety.

So this hybrid is best for active owners who’re looking for a constant companion.

When it comes to children, take into consideration the size and playfulness of a Lab Malamute mix. Supervise playtime to avoid incidents, like your dog accidentally bumping your kid.

Occasional barking wouldn’t be an issue, but if you think this fido can be a watchdog, think again.

Their love of attention will be welcomed, that includes strangers.

If you want a Malador, make sure you have a high-fenced yard and that you’re prepared to train him consistently.

Active breeds who get bored will turn their attention to unwanted behavior such as digging, escaping, chewing, jumping at people, scratching, and many more quirks!

They’re people-pleasers and intelligent canines, use that to ward off bad habits, including their stubbornness. They’re great at learning tricks and commands but challenge your pup further by giving tasks or doing agility courses.

As with any dog, they respond well to positive reinforcement and yummy treats.

Caring for your own Lab Malamute mix

Maladors aren’t high maintenance dogs, but some of their care requirements need a lot of attention.

Lab Malamute mixes aren’t hypoallergenic and are considered moderate shedders. However, they shed heavily when seasons are changing.

You can brush your pet a minimum of three times a week, but we recommend daily brushing using a slicker, pin, or de-shedding brush to minimize hair in your home.

Baths should only be given once a month or when necessary, using a dog-specific shampoo. Another monthly task is trimming his nails to prevent painful overgrowth.

Ears should be cleaned weekly and plan on brushing your dog’s teeth daily to avoid dental problems.

Diet and exercise come hand in hand.

The best dog food for your Lab Malamute mix puppy should be based on his size, age, metabolism, and, if applicable, his health.

These dogs generally need about 3 cups of high-quality dry kibble divided into two meals.

And for breeds that can get this big, it’s best to give your pup a fish oil supplement, and one with glucosamine and chondroitin.

This will all be useless if you’re overfeeding your dog.

Making him gain too much weight will only exacerbate illnesses like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Physical activity should balance it out. 1 hour and 30 minutes a day should be efficient for moderately active canines like the Malador. Don’t just limit it to daily walks, though.

Take your fur buddy to hikes, play frisbee, swimming, and let him romp in large, open spaces.

Remember that one of the Malador’s parents thrives in the arctic. Lab Malamute mixes will do fine in warm climates, but not so well in hot temperatures. Just like the Malamutes, it’s excellent in tolerating the cold.

But for instances where you can’t let your dog go out, indoor games like fetching a ball with treats and puzzles are great alternatives.

Life expectancy: Are Malamute Labradors healthy?

The purpose of creating designer breeds is to produce healthier dogs than their purebred parents, but they can still develop genetic health problems. Lab Malamute mixes have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and are generally healthy.

However, here are some diseases that this crossbreed may have:

• Joint problems
• Eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Hypothyroidism
• Bloat
• Allergies
• Gastric torsion
• Epilepsy
• Chondrodysplasia
• Osteochondritis Dissecans
• Diabetes

Besides proper care, you can ensure that your puppy will grow up without any health concerns by purchasing only from breeders who provide health guarantees.

They should be open on what illnesses the parent breeds or their bloodline had and show you medical tests and clearances that their dogs are free of any sickness before breeding and once the litter was born.

Alaskan Malamute Lab mix puppies for sale

A Labrador & Malamute cross puppy has an average price of $550. Some can be more expensive, but it will depend on the breeder, the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever’s lineage, pup’s available, the kennel’s popularity, etc.

The costs don’t stop there. Think about other expenses before bringing home the pup and while raising him.

Non-medical expenses can reach $650, which include bowls, toys, collars, crates, leashes, grooming, food, training, and even boarding, and sitters can help add up to the list. Medical costs like vaccines, health insurance, and checkups can reach up to $600.

Lab Malamute mix breeders & rescues

We weren’t able to find a specific breeder or kennel specializing in Maladors, but you can check out shelters and specific Alaskan Malamute or Labrador Retriever rescues that cater to their mixes, too.

1. Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (Spokane, WA)
2. Alaskan Malamute Rescue of North Carolina, Inc. (Creedmoor, NC)
3. Lab Rescue LRCP (Annandale, VA)
4. Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue (Broomfield, CO)

Reasons why you should get a Lab Malamute mix

Maladors are excellent family dogs who are sociable, loyal, attention-loving, and people-pleasers. But every pooch comes with their own quirks.

If you’re often at home or there’s always someone to accompany your Labrador & Malamute cross, separation anxiety wouldn’t be an issue.

This dog is also the fur buddy who enjoys being on the move and will gladly join you on your outdoor escapades.

Maladors are also perfect for cuddles, as long as you can handle its fur and grooming requirements.

Sold on the Lab Malamute mix? We don’t blame you!

Share with us what you love about this doggo by leaving a comment below.