How long does a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Alaskan Malamute (10–14 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix easy to train?

Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix

A Australian Shepherd Malamute mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Alaskan Malamute. Most grow into large dogs of 60–75 lb and live 11–14 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Alaskan Malamute, a purebred dog — Alaskan MalamutePhoto: SCMW, CC BY 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight60–75 lbcan be 40–85 lb

Height20–24 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–14 years

SizeLarge

How big does a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix60–75 lb

Alaskan Malamute75–85 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 20–24 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 23–25 in for the Alaskan Malamute.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Low to very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Alaskan Malamute low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Moderate

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Alaskan Malamute as affectionate, loyal, playful. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Malamute vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix	Alaskan Malamute
Weight	40–65 lb	60–75 lb	75–85 lb
Height	18–23 in	20–24 in	23–25 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	11–14 yr	10–14 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	moderate
Energy	high	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Working

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix get?: Most grow to 60–75 pounds and 20–24 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 40–85 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Alaskan Malamute (10–14 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Australian Shepherd Malamute Mix easy to train?: Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Malamute mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.