Alaskan Goldenmutes are the result of crossbreeding Alaskan Malamutes and Golden Retrievers.
They are one of the most popular Alaskan Malamute mixes, no doubt thanks to their loving personalities and desire for companionship.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about owning and caring for an Alaskan Goldenmute!
Contents
Quick Profile
Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about Alaskan Goldenmutes. Be sure to keep reading for more in-depth information and guides.
Other Names: Golden Malamute, Golden Alaskan Retriever.
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years.
Average Height: 22-25 inches for males, 21-24 inches for females.
Average Weight: 60-85 lbs for males, 55-80 lbs for females.
Coat Appearance: Dense, medium length, straight, light brown in colour with darker browns and reds mixed in.
Eye Colour: Brown (most common), hazel, or blue.
Activity Level: Very high.
Grooming Frequency: Daily.
Typical Temperament: Gentle, friendly, active, loyal, loving.
Daily Food Consumption: 2-3 cups of dry kibble.
New Owner Friendly: No.
Alaskan Goldenmute Appearance
Alaskan Goldenmutes are a large breed with an athletic build. They have large paws that are heavily padded and perfectly suited for lots of outdoor activities.
Male Average Size: Height = 22-25 inches, Weight = 60-85 lbs
Female Average Size: Height = 21-24 inches, Weight = 55-80 lbs
Alaskan Goldenmutes are not a recognised breed by the AKC meaning they do not have an official breed standard. As a result, their appearance can vary a lot between individual puppies.
We’ve found that the coat appearance of a Goldenmute is usually more dependent on the Alaskan Malamute parent. Alaskan Malamutes can exhibit a wide range of coat colours and markings which may be passed down to their puppies, whereas Golden Retrievers usually have a more consistent appearance.
Typically, an Alaskan Goldenmute will have the iconic golden coat of a Golden Retriever but with the dark facial and body markings of an Alaskan Malamute.
It is common to see shades of red, white, grey, and black scattered throughout their coats.
Alaskan Goldenmutes have almond shaped eyes which are usually brown. Some Goldenmutes may have blue or hazel eyes if their parents do, although this is very uncommon.
Their tails are long and feathered, but they usually don’t curl over the body like an Alaskan Malamute’s would and instead hang down.
The ears of an Alaskan Goldenmute are another area where their appearance can vary quite a lot.
Some Goldenmutes may have completely floppy ears like their Golden Retriever parents, whereas others have pricked ears that resemble a Malamute’s.
It’s also possible for them to lie somewhere in between, representing a true mishmash of their parent’s genes.
Alaskan Goldenmute Grooming Guide
Alaskan Goldenmutes need daily coat maintenance to keep them looking and feeling healthy. Their dense coats shed year-round and so daily brushing with a comb is needed to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.
Goldenmutes shed the heaviest during seasonal changes and owners will need to invest in the right tools to stay on top of it.
An undercoat rake and a dematter comb are essential for preventing tangles from forming or for removing matted areas before they get out of control.
Alaskan Goldenmutes need infrequent bathing (roughly once every 2 months) and will need their ears regularly cleaning. Their teeth should be kept in good condition, either with daily dental treats or with daily brushing.
Their nails will need cutting once a month on average, but regular walking should file them down naturally and help to keep them under control.
Alaskan Goldenmutes are not a hypoallergenic breed and they are not suitable for owners with pet allergies.
Alaskan Goldenmute Temperament
Alaskan Goldenmutes are a lovely breed to own thanks to their friendly and loving nature towards both humans and other animals.
They become very attached to their owners and do well in multi-pet homes. Their need for constant companionship means that they are prone to separation anxiety.
Alaskan Goldenmutes are therefore better suited to homes where they can always be around someone.
Goldenmutes need a lot of exercise which can lead to hyperactivity if their needs go unmet. They love the outdoors and will suit an owner who can keep them engaged both mentally and physically.
You may be pleased to hear that Alaskan Goldenmutes are easier to train than their stubborn Alaskan Malamute relatives. If their training is consistent and starts from a young age, Goldenmutes can become very obedient and well-behaved pets.
Their ability to be easily trained comes from their desire to be praised. They respond very well to positive affirmations and rewards and will actively seek them any way possible.
Be warned that Goldenmutes may misinterpret negative affirmations, such as being scolded, as praise.
This could lead to them believing that negative behaviours are a way of getting attention from their owners. If your Goldenmute misbehaves, the most powerful punishment you can give them is to ignore them.
Overall, Goldenmutes need a lot of love and care. If you’re looking for an affectionate breed that’ll stay by your side, an Alaskan Goldenmute could be the one for you.
Alaskan Goldenmute Health
Note: If you have any health concerns about your Alaskan Goldenmute, please consult a registered vet.
The average life expectancy of an Alaskan Goldenmute is 10-13 years.
Alaskan Goldenmutes are prone to certain health conditions which may affect their quality of life and need intervention. The most commonly reported health problems in Alaskan Goldenmutes are listed below:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – A skeletal condition that causes the hip and elbows joints to deteriorate over time. It is commonly seen in large dog breeds and the first signs usually appear in the later years of a dog’s life.
Chondrodysplasia – An abnormal growth of cartilage that results in disproportionate dwarfism. Typically appears as excessively shortened front limbs. For more information on chondrodysplasia in Alaskan Malamutes, we highly recommend reading this article provided by the AMCA.
Cataracts – Clouding of the eye lens which may look like a white disc behind the dog’s iris. Causes worsening of eyesight and may lead to blindness in the affected eye if untreated.
Obesity – Alaskan Goldenmutes are prone to obesity due to their large appetites and tendency to eat anything and everything that is given to them.
The recommended health tests for an Alaskan Goldenmute are:
- Ophthalmologist evaluation (eyes)
- Elbow and hip evaluation
- Cardiac examination
- DNA test for von Willebrand disease
As with any puppy, we recommend you get your Alaskan Goldenmute vaccinated against preventable diseases. You should also regularly give your Alaskan Goldenmute medication to prevent them from getting fleas and worms.
Alaskan Goldenmute Exercise Needs
Alaskan Goldenmutes have very high daily exercise requirements, much like their parent breeds.
This is especially true for younger Goldenmutes who are prone to being hyperactive.
We recommend getting around 2 hours of exercise per day with your Goldenmute to keep them occupied and healthy. This can be broken down into a long walk (around 1 hour) and several shorter play sessions throughout the day.
It’s essential for owners of Alaskan Goldenmutes to have a large, enclosed yard where their pup can play as much as they need to. Goldenmutes love toys and will happily play fetch for hours on end if you’ll allow them to!
We’ve found that Goldenmutes are not particularly fussy about the exercise they get as long as they are not alone. Goldenmutes often view exercise time as a way to bond with others and will enjoy playing with both humans and other dogs.
Alaskan Goldenmutes also love to adventure and spend time in new outdoor spaces. You’ll find that long hikes or going on a run with you will quickly become their favourite activity.
In Summary
It’s clear to see why Alaskan Goldenmutes are a popular choice for people looking for an Alaskan Malamute crossbreed.
Their need for companionship makes them faithful pets, but be warned that their daily grooming and exercise requirements may make them too difficult to handle for first-time owners.
Do you own an Alaskan Goldenmute? We’d love to hear from you about your experiences in the comments below!