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The Alaskan Goldenmute is a mixed breed that combines the Alaskan Malamute and the Golden Retriever. It is a lively and energetic ball of fun that is also loving, loyal, and affectionate.
Because it is a cross, you could end up with something closer to the incredibly affectionate Golden Retriever or the intensely energetic Malamute. In either case, potential owners need to be prepared for the high exercise and grooming requirements, as well as the potential for somewhat destructive behavior and constant vocalizations. They make great pets for very active families but are not ideal for those who are out at work all day or who can’t dedicate a lot of time to their canine companion.
Breed Overview
Colors:
White, tan, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Active families with a lot of time to dedicate to their dog
Temperament:
Loving, affectionate, very energetic, playful, intelligent
The Golden Malamute is a cross between the energetic Golden Retriever and the very energetic Alaskan Malamute, which means owners should expect a crossbreed with bundles of energy. Energy requirements must be met to ensure a well-rounded and well-behaved dog, but the family will be rewarded with a loyal and loving dog that is happy to spend as much time as possible with its humans.
Another potentially challenging aspect of owning this breed is that it does require a lot of grooming and will shed excessively at times during the year.
Alaskan Goldenmute Characteristics
Alaskan Goldenmute Puppies
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a mixed breed and it isn’t a popular hybrid breed, yet, which means it can be difficult to find breeders. It is worth looking around, though, if you have your heart set on the breed. Check social media and ask any breed groups you can find. If you have seen one in your neighborhood, ask the owner to see where they got their dogs. You can also try asking Golden Retriever and Malamute breeders to see if they know of any crossbreed litters.
If you do find a breeder, do your due diligence. Ask about the parents and visit the site. Meet the puppy and at least the mother before committing to take one of a litter, and check they are physically healthy and emotionally balanced. Puppies take their early social development cues from their mother, so if the mom is confident and friendly, there is a good chance that the puppy will start to develop similarly.
It will also be difficult to find this cross in shelters and rescues because they aren’t commonplace. Get as much history about the dog as possible, and ask how they are with other dogs and visitors in the shelter. The shelter workers might also know how the dog reacts around cats.
Alaskan Goldenmute puppies will be lively and very active. They require plenty of stimulation, as well as exercise, and you will want to start training and socializing from a young age.
Alaskan Goldenmute Dog Breed Origin & History
The Alaskan Goldenmute may have been bred unintentionally, but there is no history of intentional breeding. This may change if the crossbreed becomes more popular, but both parent breeds do have long and well-documented histories.
The Malamute was originally used to hunt large animals and has a history dating back thousands of years. Over time, it also became popular as a sledding dog and modern Malamutes still excel in this area.
The Golden Retriever became popular in the 19th Century when it was used as a hunting dog. Specifically, it is a retriever, which means it would retrieve downed birds and bring them back to their handler.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Alaskan Goldenmute 🧠
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a mix of two lively breeds, which means you can expect this crossbreed to be a very likely pet that will enjoy playing, walking, and taking part in activities and sports. The Golden Retriever in the breed also means that it not only enjoys but needs regular interaction with its humans, so it might not be the best choice of dog for puppy parents who go out to work all day. If you are out of the house for long periods, you should consider getting a walker or a pet sitter to come in at times to check on the dog and ensure it gets a decent walk and some exercise.
The breed is playful and can grow to be quite large so it is not recommended to life in an apartment. If you do keep one in an apartment, be prepared to provide plenty of walks and other forms of exercise, and consider putting rugs down on hard floors to prevent noise traveling, and doggy daycare a couple of times per week.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Overall, the Alaskan Goldenmute can make a very good family dog. It will get along with and form strong bonds with its humans. The breed should not be aggressive, but it is very lively and active, and this can lead to accidents with small children, so ground rules need to be set early to minimize the risk of such accidents, and parents should never leave their children alone with dogs because even a small accident can cause serious injuries. The Alaskan Goldenmute will get along with visitors, generally welcoming anybody to the house, and isn’t usually prone to barking at neighbors or passers-by.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Golden Retriever is especially known for getting along with other dogs, making friends on walks, and generally settling in well with other dogs in the house. The Malamute runs as part of a pack, too, which means it should be easy to introduce one to existing dogs and potentially even cats within the house. Never leave dogs, no matter how placid they are, unattended with small animals. While the Alaskan Goldenmute can get along with cats, they do love to play and can prove too much of a handful for some cats.
Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Goldenmute
The Alaskan Goldenmute can make a very good family pet, will get along with most people, and can even be kept with other dogs. However, no breed is ideal for all potential owners. The Goldenmute can suffer separation anxiety, needs a lot of regular exercise, and its playful nature can make training a little more challenging than some owners would like. Below, we look at some of the most important factors to consider when thinking about getting an Alaskan Goldenmute.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Alaskan Goldenmute needs a good diet consisting of high-quality food. Its high energy level means the Goldenmute benefits from a high-protein diet. Ideally, most of the protein should come from meat sources, and the diet needs to contain all essential vitamins and minerals. Check the feeding guidelines of any food given, and make adjustments according to how much exercise your dog gets, whether it has any special dietary requirements, and your vet’s advice. Generally, though, you should expect to feed between two and three cups of dry kibble.
Exercise 🐕
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a very active and very energetic mixed breed and it needs a lot of exercise. Both parent breeds have plenty of stamina, which means you should be providing at least 90 minutes of exercise per day, including but not limited to walks. The intensity of the breed means that the Goldenmute will enjoy taking part in canine sports and it will especially do well at events like sledding and dry sledding as well as nose work. Canine sports classes are a good way to exercise, train, and socialize your dog, and they will also help to build a strong bond between you both.
Training 🦮
Start at puppy classes when your Goldenmute is young. Puppy classes help learn some basic commands and you will need to teach good recall as well as a stop or no command. Continue with training outside puppy classes and consider canine sports not only as a means of providing intense exercise but also as a good way to supplement training. It is also a good way to socialize your pup, which is an important part of their development.
Socialization doesn’t just mean meeting other dogs and people: it also means introducing them to new and unusual situations. Try to change up walk times and routes and ensure your dog comes into contact with as many different groups of people as possible.
Grooming ✂️
Both parent breeds need regular grooming so it is safe to assume that the Alaskan Goldenmute is going to need similar treatment. For most of the year, a good brush once or twice a week should be enough. But, during shedding season, you will need to brush daily. Daily brushing helps get rid of dead hairs to prevent matting and knotting of the fur. The double coat also helps your dog regulate temperature, and any collection of dead hair can prevent cool air from flowing in the hot weather and prevent warmth in the cold weather.
You will also need to trim their nails when they get long, typically every two or three months, and brush their teeth at least three times a week. Dental disease is a major problem in dogs, and dental sticks aren’t enough to properly maintain good dental hygiene.
Health and Conditions ❤️
This crossbreed is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to some of the ailments that its parent breeds are prone to. In particular look for signs of elbow and hip dysplasia, including lameness and poor mobility. Glaucoma can also be a problem, so monitor your dog’s eyes to look for signs of this problem and have them regularly checked when you visit the vet.
Serious Conditions
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hyperthyroidism
Male vs Female
The male Alaskan Goldenmute will grow a little taller and heavier than the female. Although anecdotal, some owners report that male dogs are more prone to wandering and tend to be more lively and playful. They can also be more challenging to train. Females are moody and may not be as affectionately loving but they are less likely to show signs of aggression or bullishness.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Alaskan Goldenmute
1. Golden Retrievers Are Hard Workers
Golden Retrievers originated from Scotland, UK, where they were bred to work with hunters. In particular, they were used to retrieve birds and other game that their handlers had downed. They still enjoy hard work today and are often used for search and rescue, as police dogs, and in a host of other service roles.
2. Alaskan Malamutes Date Back 5,000 Years
The Alaskan Malamute is widely considered a sledding breed, although it was originally bred as a hunting dog. It dates back to the first North American settlers who kept Malamutes as companions and working dogs.
3. Alaskan Goldenmutes Need Lots Of Exercise
Alaskan Goldenmutes are bred from Golden Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes, both of which are high-energy breeds that need lots of exercise. You can expect the crossbreed to be similarly intense, and prospective owners should expect to have to provide at least 90 minutes of exercise every day.
Final Thoughts
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a crossbreed that combines the Golden Retriever and the Alaskan Malamute. It is an energetic and lively dog that enjoys playing as well as spending time with its humans. As well as needing a lot of exercise, owners should be prepared for regular grooming as the double coat will shed quite heavily once or twice a year. However, families that enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors and that have the time and energy to dedicate to the breed will find a playful, spirited dog that does well at canine sports, and, thanks to the intelligence and responsiveness of the Golden Retriever, can also be trained to perform jobs and tasks.
