How long does a German Shepherd Malamute Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 8–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Alaskan Malamute (10–14 years).

Is a German 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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German Shepherd Malamute Mix

A German Shepherd Malamute mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Alaskan Malamute. Most grow into large dogs of 60–90 lb and live 8–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.

Weight60–90 lbcan be 50–90 lb

Height22–26 inat the shoulder

Lifespan8–12 years

SizeLarge

How big does a German Shepherd Malamute Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix60–90 lb

Alaskan Malamute75–85 lb

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

Height runs 22–26 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 23–25 in for the Alaskan Malamute.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

High

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 German 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 German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Malamute vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Malamute Mix	Alaskan Malamute
Weight	50–90 lb	60–90 lb	75–85 lb
Height	22–26 in	22–26 in	23–25 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	8–12 yr	10–14 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Working

Questions about the German Shepherd Malamute Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Malamute Mix get?: Most grow to 60–90 pounds and 22–26 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 50–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Malamute Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 8–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Alaskan Malamute (10–14 years).
Does a German Shepherd Malamute Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German 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 German Shepherd mixes

Other Malamute mixes

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