10 Shocking Truths About The Great Pyrenees Malamute Mix (The Malanees) You Must Know In 2025

The Great Pyrenees Malamute Mix, often affectionately nicknamed the "Malanees," is a powerful and majestic designer breed cross that has captured the hearts of giant dog enthusiasts across the globe. As of late 2025, this hybrid is gaining significant attention for its imposing size, stunning double coat, and complex blend of protective loyalty and spirited athleticism. If you are considering welcoming one of these gentle giants into your home, understanding the unique combination of traits inherited from the Alaskan Malamute and the Great Pyrenees is absolutely essential before you commit to this massive, beautiful companion.

This article will dive deep into the Malanees' most crucial characteristics, from their long lifespan for a giant breed to the specific training challenges presented by their famous "hard-headed" nature. We will cover the newest and most relevant information on their health, exercise needs, and the slow developmental stages that owners must navigate to raise a well-adjusted, family-loving hybrid.

The Malanees: A Comprehensive Breed Profile and Entity Breakdown

The Malanees is a 50/50 mix of two ancient and highly respected working group dogs: the protective Great Pyrenees and the robust Alaskan Malamute. This combination creates a powerful, yet gentle and family-loving hybrid that is built for both endurance and guarding.

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• Hybrid Name: Malanees (Great Pyrenees Malamute Mix, Pyrenees Malamute cross)
• Parent Breeds: Alaskan Malamute and Great Pyrenees
• Type: Designer Breed Cross, Working Group Hybrid
• Size: Very Large/Giant
• Height: 23–30 inches (58–76 cm)
• Weight: 75–100+ pounds (34–45+ kg)
• Lifespan: 10–14 years (a relatively long life expectancy for a giant breed)
• Temperament: Loyal, Protective, Intelligent, Athletic, Stubborn, Friendly
• Coat: Thick, dense double coat (inherited from both parents)
• Key Entities: Alaskan Malamute, Great Pyrenees, Working Group Dogs, Designer Breed Cross, Double Coat, Loyalty, Protective Instinct, Endurance, Intelligence.

The Temperament Tightrope: Loyalty vs. Hard-Headedness

The temperament of a Malanees is a fascinating blend of its two parent breeds. From the Great Pyrenees, the mix inherits a deep-seated loyalty, intelligence, and a vigilant, protective nature. This makes them excellent natural guardian dogs for families and property.

However, the Alaskan Malamute contributes athleticism, endurance, and a famously independent, sometimes "hard-headed" nature. The Malanees may exhibit classic Malamute behaviors like excessive digging, loud vocalization (whining and barking), and a certain degree of stubbornness that can challenge even experienced dog owners.

Successfully owning a Malanees requires an owner who can appreciate the dog's independence while providing consistent, positive reinforcement training from the earliest Malanees puppy stage. Their friendly nature, inherited from both sides, means they generally do well with children and other pets when properly socialized, but their size and strength necessitate careful supervision.

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The 5 Pillars of Malanees Care and Training

Caring for a Giant Alaskan Malamute Great Pyrenees mix is a significant commitment that goes beyond basic feeding and walking. Their specific needs in grooming, exercise, and training are crucial to their health and your peace of mind.

1. Intensive Grooming Requirements

Both parent breeds possess a thick, dense double coat, meaning the Malanees is a heavy shedder and requires regular grooming. While bathing only needs to happen around once or twice a year (unless they get into something messy), regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and manage the shedding. Owners should invest in a high-quality rake or slicker brush to penetrate the thick outer coat and remove dead undercoat, especially during seasonal 'blows' where the shedding is most intense.

2. Significant Exercise Needs

Despite the Great Pyrenees' somewhat laid-back influence, the Malanees still requires a significant amount of daily activity to maintain their physical and mental health. This is where the Alaskan Malamute's endurance comes into play. Long walks, vigorous hikes, or runs are excellent ways to fulfill their exercise needs. They also thrive when participating in structured dog sports such as agility or obedience training, which provides vital mental stimulation.

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Due to their size, a Malanees is not ideally suited for apartment living and does best in a home with a securely fenced yard where they can patrol and play.

3. Navigating the Stubborn Streak in Training

The Pyrenees Malamute temperament is marked by a high degree of independence, which often translates into stubbornness during training. The Malanees is intelligent, but they are not a breed that lives to please; they need to understand the "why" behind a command.

The key to success is time, consistency, and a reward-based training approach. Trainers specializing in herding or guardian breeds are highly recommended, as they understand the unique mentality of a dog bred to work independently. Owners should also be mindful that these dogs can be quite sensitive, and harsh correction can damage the bond and hinder progress.

4. Slow and Steady Development Stages

As a giant breed mix, the Malanees puppy stage is prolonged. The Great Pyrenees side of the lineage dictates a slow rate of maturity. While most breeds reach maturity by 18 months, a Malanees may not be considered fully mature until 2.5 years (females) or even 3.5 to 4 years (males). This extended puppyhood means owners must remain consistent with socialization and training well past the one-year mark.

Owners should be prepared for the "teenager" phase, which typically begins between 6 and 14 months and can include a "fear period" where the dog may suddenly become fearful of new or even familiar situations. Patient guidance through these stages is vital for developing a confident adult dog.

5. Essential Health Considerations (Malanees Health)

The Malanees generally enjoys a robust lifespan of 10–14 years, which is excellent for a giant breed. However, like all large and giant breeds, they are genetically predisposed to certain health concerns that owners must monitor closely.

The most common health issues include:

• Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia: These are common joint problems in large dogs, leading to mobility issues. Regular veterinary screenings and appropriate nutrition during growth are crucial preventative measures.
• Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after eating can help mitigate this risk.
• Other Entities: Hypothyroidism, Patellar Luxation, and certain eye conditions can be inherited from the parent breeds, necessitating regular check-ups with a veterinarian.

Is the Malanees Right for You? The Final Verdict

The Great Pyrenees Malamute Mix is a truly magnificent animal—a powerful, loyal, and intelligent companion. However, the sheer Malanees size, combined with the stubborn Pyrenees Malamute temperament, means they are not suited for first-time dog owners or those who live in small spaces.

If you have experience with independent working breeds, a large, securely fenced property, and the dedication to provide consistent, firm, but gentle training throughout their slow development, the Malanees will reward you with unparalleled loyalty and a truly gentle giant family member. They are a high-commitment dog, but for the right owner, they are the best dog ever.