How much exercise does an Alaskan Malamute need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Alaskan Malamutes need about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session.

HighEnergy

2–4.5 miDaily distance

LowHeat tolerance

GoodCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Alaskan Malamute's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Alaskan Malamutes need this much exercise

Malamutes were bred by the Mahlemiut people of Alaska to haul heavy freight sleds. They were built for strength and stamina rather than speed.

Alaskan Malamute exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	60–90 min	2 walks, plus a play or training session
Senior (7+ years)	30–70 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Alaskan Malamute puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 40 min	up to 80 min
10 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min
12 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 12–18 months for a large breed.

Best exercise for Alaskan Malamutes

Pulling sports
Long hikes (cool weather)
Snow play
Brisk leash walks

Walking tips for Alaskan Malamutes

Pulling sports and long cold-weather hikes are what Malamutes live for.
Their heavy coat makes summer dangerous. Walk only in the coolest hours and keep it short.
Strong prey drive and a love of roaming call for a secure harness and fencing.
Protect growing joints: no forced running or repetitive jumping until growth plates close, around 12 to 18 months.

Alaskan Malamutes in hot and cold weather

Heat: Alaskan Malamutes don’t handle heat well. Their heavy coat traps heat. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C). Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Alaskan Malamutes are built for cold weather and usually enjoy it. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more. Check today's cold risk.

Alaskan Malamute exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Alaskan Malamute?

A healthy adult Alaskan Malamute needs about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can an Alaskan Malamute walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 2–4.5 miles (3–7 km) a day for a healthy adult. Fit adult Alaskan Malamutes can build up to longer hikes. Increase distance gradually and check paws and joints.

When can an Alaskan Malamute puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 12–18 months for a large breed like the Alaskan Malamute. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Alaskan Malamutes handle hot weather?

Not well. Their heavy coat traps heat. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C).

Do Alaskan Malamutes need a coat in winter?

Rarely. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.