What's life like with a 13-stone dog?

Mal the dog sitting next to a man, who is also sitting down on the pavement, they are both also next to a black Labrador. Mal is a large white and black fluffy dog with a big black nose and brown eyes. — Image caption,
Mal, th 13-stone Alaskan Malamute, has become a 'local celebrity' according to his owners

14 October 2025

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What's your dream dog? Does it have fluffy ears? A waggy tail? Is it big or small?

Well for dog-mum Amy Sharp, her answer is: the bigger, the better.

She is the owner of Mal, a 13-stone (82 kg) Alaskan Malamute who is about the size of a Shetland pony.

So what is life like with such a big dog? Amy says "it's Mal's world and we're all just living in it".

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How do you groom the gentle giant?

Mal the dog and owner Amy Sharp. Mal is a large white and black fluffy dog with a big black nose and brown eyes. He is staring at his owner Amy who is holding a circular treat in her fingers. Amy has a brown top on and short hair. — Image caption,
Amy Sharp's pet is more than twice the average size of a dog of his breed

Taking care of a big dog isn't easy.

According to the animal charity PDSA, the breed mostly grows to between five or six stone (34-39kg), but Mal has tipped the scale and weighs more than double that.

"His collar is as big as someone's belt. We didn't think he'd get this big," says Amy, laughing.

The American Kennel Club says Alaskan Malamutes take their name from an Inuit tribe in Alaska.

That means Mal has a "double coat" to help keep him warm in Arctic temperatures.

With Mal's size and his extra fluffy coat, Amy had to take to social media to find a groomer that could help him.

Walking the huge hound

Mal the dog lying down. He is a large white and black fluffy dog with a big black nose and brown eyes. He has his mouth open. — Image caption,
According to Amy, Mal loves snacking on cubes of cheese

Alaskan Malamutes are used to pulling heavy weights for long distances, so that means they need lots of exercise.

Amy says you have to have "strength in mind and body" to look after the large dog breed properly.

Mal often decides that his walk isn't quite finished, and refuses to come inside.

Amy says "you can't move him" and has to call on her neighbours to try to budge him.