The breed is blessed with a sunny disposition. Happiest when treated as an intelligent partner, the Malamute highly cooperative, but never slavish or fawning. The Alaskan Malamute works and lives with you, not for you. Sometimes aggressive toward other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex, the typical Malamute is outrageously and almost universally friendly to human beings. As the dogs of a peaceful, nomadic people, Malamutes do not guard property and virtually always extend a tail-wagging, face-licking welcome to strangers. These dogs develop deep, complex attachments to their owners, but are not one-person dogs. Adult rescue Malamutes rapidly bond with their adoptive owners.

The versatile Malamute is happy to pull a sled, but is equally glad to accompany the backpacker or the casual walker. In cold weather, the Malamute makes an ideal running partner. Large and powerful, yet remarkably agile, Malamutes sometimes enjoy retrieving tennis balls and Frisbees. Some Malamutes love to swim; others have a marked aversion to water. Most enjoy car rides; the breed is not prone to motion sickness. Virtually, all Malamutes find their greatest joy in human companionship and are perfectly content to join their owners in watching television. Malamutes take an alert interest in their surroundings and are excellent company.