The Malamute, a breed of dog known for its robust build and playful nature, is admired for its enduring strength. Their luxurious coats, designed to withstand harsh winters, symbolize resilience, adding to their raw and noble allure. Filipinos may find these Arctic charms more than just pets; they could see them as symbols of fortitude and adaptability.
Their love and loyalty reflect the Filipinos’ spirit of communal unity, making them great companions for families with children. While they might not be a typical choice in this paradise, their endearing traits make them a worthy consideration for a loyal, loving, and resilient friend.
This guide provides valuable insights, including their pricing and the various factors influencing cost. You’ll also gain an understanding of the yearly expenses associated with this breed, how to identify an authentic Malamute, and where to find trustworthy breeders. Additionally, we delve into the pros and cons of owning this breed and explore other breeds that share similar characteristics.
How Much Does a Malamute Cost in the Philippines?
The Alaskan Malamute is known for its majestic appearance and delightful personality. With prices ranging from ₱60,000 to ₱150,000, these Arctic beauties are one of the pricier breeds in our tropical paradise. However, the prices of this breed’s ‘Giant’ and ‘Wooly’ variants tend to be higher.
It’s essential to note that while these variants may be more visually striking, the additional costs also come with increased grooming needs, especially for the Wooly variant. Therefore, potential owners should consider these factors when deciding which type of Malamute fits their lifestyle and budget.
Moreover, the authenticity of the breed should be a top priority when buying a Malamute. Numerous cases of unscrupulous sellers passing off other or mixed breeds as purebreds have been reported. In the following sections, learn how to ensure you buy from a legitimate breeder.
Factors Affecting the Price
The cost is a crucial factor in pursuing a new furry companion. Understanding the elements influencing the price becomes even more essential when it involves a breed as majestic as the Alaskan Malamute.
a. The Breeder’s Reputation and Experience
Revered breeders, known for their commitment to producing quality pups, often demand higher prices. Their investment in ensuring the health and temperament of their dogs justifies this cost.
b. Health and Age of the Puppy
Their health status and age significantly influence the price of these adorable furballs. Puppies in optimal health and at the ideal age for adoption command higher prices.
c. Impact of Gender and Location
The puppy’s gender can also affect its price, with males sometimes fetching slightly higher prices than females. The location also plays a role, with prices varying based on local demand, regulations, and cost of living.
d. Unique Traits: A Price Enhancer
Distinct traits such as coat color, size, or lineage can increase the cost of a Malamute. Uniqueness, after all, comes with its price tag.
Understanding these elements is critical to making an informed decision when bringing home this beautiful breed.
The Yearly Expenses
The allure of the Alaskan Malamute, with its wolf-like appearance and playful demeanor, is undeniable. However, owning such a majestic breed in the Philippines entails a significant financial commitment. This section sheds light on the yearly costs associated with owning a Malamute.
1. Food
A robust breed like the Malamute requires a nutritious diet to maintain health and energy levels. The monthly food expenses range from ₱3,000 to ₱4,000.
2. Veterinary Care
Yearly vaccinations and regular check-ups are crucial for the well-being of the Malamute. These can add approximately ₱1,000 per month to the overall expenses.
3. Grooming
With their thick double coats, Malamutes require regular grooming. Professional grooming services can cost between ₱500 and ₱1,000 per month.
4. Miscellaneous
Alongside these expenses are additional costs for essential items such as toys, a leash, a bed, etc. These contribute to your Malamute’s well-being and entertainment. The yearly fee for these items is estimated at ₱10,000.
Total Yearly Expenses
Add these costs up, and the estimated monthly expenses are between ₱5,500 and ₱7,000. In a year, this amounts to ₱64,000 to ₱82,000.
First Year Expenses
Expense | Cost |
Malamute’s Price | ₱60,000 to ₱150,000 |
Food | ₱36,000 to ₱48,000 |
Veterinary Care | ₱12,000 |
Grooming | ₱6,000 to ₱12,000 |
Miscellaneous Costs | ₱10,000 |
TOTAL | ₱124,000 to ₱232,000 |
While the Malamute’s charm is captivating, prospective owners should know the financial commitment involved. By understanding these costs, you can ensure your new furry friend receives the care and attention they deserve, leading to a fulfilling companionship.
Determining an Authentic Alaskan Malamute
The grandeur of this breed is a sight to behold. These dogs are known for their strength, endurance, and unique physical traits that set them apart. Here’s a list to help identify an authentic Malamute:
- Sturdy and Well-Built: A purebred Malamute carries a sturdy and robust build for stamina and strength.
- Size Matters: Males stand 25 inches at the shoulder and females 23 inches. Their weight ranges from 75 to 85 pounds.
- Eyes of Ice: Their eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, and brown. Blue eyes are a disqualifying characteristic in the breed standard.
- Coat of Many Colors: Malamutes have a thick, coarse guard coat and a dense, woolly undercoat. The colors range from light gray to black, sable, and shades of sable to red.
- Tail Tells a Tale: The tail is carried over the back and has a plume-like appearance. When the dog is at attention, it resembles a waving flag.
- Ear Orientation: The ears are triangular, and when viewed from the side, they give the impression of standing erect.
By understanding these unique physical traits, one can ensure they’re bringing home an authentic Alaskan Malamute, a companion that embodies strength and beauty in equal measure.
Questions to Ask Your Breeder
Bringing a Malamute into your home is a decision that requires ample research and preparation. In pursuing authenticity, asking the right questions can be your compass. Here’s a guide to the inquiries that will shed light on the legitimacy of your potential pet breeder.
- Meet the Parents: Requesting to meet your prospective pup’s parents can offer insight into the puppy’s future appearance and temperament.
- Health Tests: Ensure the breeder has conducted health tests on the parents. This is crucial for these dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems.
- Breeding Experience: A breeder’s experience demonstrates their knowledge and commitment to ethical breeding practices.
- Socialization Practices: These Arctic charmers are known for their friendly nature. Understanding how breeders socialize their puppies can provide a glimpse into your future pet’s behavior.
- Clean Environment: A clean environment indicates the care and attention the breeder provides.
- Fenced Yard: Malamutes are active dogs. They require plenty of space to play and exercise.
- PCCI Registration: In the Philippines, breeders registered with the Philippine Canine Club Inc. (PCCI) affirm their adherence to ethical breeding standards.
With these questions in your arsenal, the quest for an authentic Alaskan Malamute becomes less daunting. Remember, a legitimate breeder will welcome your queries and prioritize the welfare of their dogs.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Owning a Malamute
In the land of eternal summer, owning an Alaskan Malamute presents a unique set of joys and challenges. This breed, known for its strength, endurance, and playful nature, has specific needs that may pose particular difficulties. Let’s discuss the intricacies of having these dogs as pets in the Philippines.
Pros
- Unrivaled Loyalty: A Malamute forms strong bonds with its human family. Their loyalty is legendary, and they provide an incredibly heartwarming sense of companionship.
- Playful and Sociable: Their sociable nature makes them great playmates, whether it’s a game of fetch or a leisurely walk.
- Intelligent and Trainable: These dogs are known for their intelligence. With proper training, they can learn commands quickly and even perform tricks.
- Sturdy and Healthy: They are generally a robust breed with fewer health issues than other breeds, making them a long-term companion.
Cons
- Heat Sensitivity: The tropical climate can be challenging for this breed, originally bred for the frosty Alaskan wilderness. Owners need to ensure they stay cool and hydrated.
- High Energy Levels: Given their origins as sled dogs, they require ample exercise. Meeting this need in an urban setting can be a challenge.
- Grooming Needs: Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, which can be time-consuming and potentially costly.
- Size and Space: Malamutes are large dogs that need space to roam and play. This can pose a problem in densely populated areas.
A pet owner’s life is filled with joy and challenges. Having a Malamute in our tropical country can be a rewarding experience. Still, weighing these pros and cons is essential to ensure that both owner and pet can enjoy a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.
Other Breeds Similar to the Alaskan Malamute
One may be drawn to the majestic Alaskan Malamute in the quest for a furry companion. This breed’s unique blend of strength, endurance, and playful nature is unique. Yet other breeds echo these qualities, presenting potential pet owners with a broader palette of choices.
- Siberian Husky: The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky share a strikingly similar physical appearance, with their wolf-like features, erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes. Personality-wise, they exhibit high energy levels, intelligence, and loyalty to their families, making them excellent companions. Check out the Philippine price of a Husky here.
- Samoyed: Both dogs are large, sturdy, and have thick double coats that protect them in cold climates. While the Malamute often sports darker hues, the Samoyed is known for its white coat. Regarding personality, both breeds are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. However, the Samoyed’s signature ‘smile’ often makes it appear even more jovial and welcoming. Learn more about how much Samoyed costs in the Philippines here.
- Akita Inu: Both showcase robust, sturdy builds and wolf-like features that underscore their northern breed heritage. Personality-wise, they are known for their intelligence and energy, often demonstrating solid loyalty to their families. However, the Akita Inu tends to be more reserved and wary of strangers.
These breeds, each with their distinct charm, mirror the allure of the Malamute while offering their unique traits. Choosing a pet is a personal journey, colored by individual preferences and lifestyle.