Alaskan Malamute

Group Classification: Working
Country of Origin: United States
Date of Origin: Antiquity
Weight M: 80 -95 pounds (36-41 kg)
Height M: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Weight F: 70-85 pounds (32-39 kg)
Height F: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

History

The Alaskan Malamute is a descendant of dogs that were used by the Mahlemuts tribe in Western Alaska. The dogs were considered equal companions by the tribe members, thus were not only used as working dogs. The dogs were used as means of transportation where they were used to pull traveling sleds. The dogs were also used for explorations and expeditions in the arctic, notable among them helping Admiral Richard Byrd get to the South Pole.

Description

The Alaskan Malamute is a strong and large Arctic dog. It has a double coat in which the topcoat is coarse and differs in length with the soft, wooly, and oily undercoat. The Alaskan Malamute’s only solid color is white, but in some dogs it comes with shadings of white and black, gray, red, or sable. The dog’s face usually has a white blaze or mask. Its long body is well- muscled and powerful throughout, heavy boned with very strong legs and a straight back. The dog has strong furry feet with large pads that enable it to trudge easily through snow. The head is large with small, rounded, and triangular ears set wide apart at the edges of the skull. The dog’s brown eyes are almond shaped and medium sized giving it a kind and charming expression.

Temperament

Alaskan Malamutes are extremely intelligent, affectionate, sweet, and loyal to its owners. They are great playmates for children who are old enough to play safely with them. They are very friendly and warm easily to strangers and thus they do not make great guard dogs. Despite this they can be aggressive towards other dogs or animals. Due to the nature of their work as working dogs, the Alaskan Malamutes are team oriented and highly sociable. The dog’s are happy living outdoors, though once in a while they will appreciate being indoors in the company of the rest of the family. The dogs are not difficult to train since they prefer pleasing and obeying their masters. This does not mean that it will always follow the commands of the owner. If its master’s commands are contrary to its instincts, it will disobey the owner and make its own independent decision. They should be adequately trained for them to know who the boss is.

Health and Care

The Alaskan Malamute is very susceptible to hip dysplasia, but not as much as other breeds. Some dogs tend to suffer from chondrodysplasia also known as dwarfism. The dogs are not suitable for living in apartments, but will be happy in homes with a fairly large yard. To prevent them from straying and jumping over the fence, a large fence is required. Bury the fence’s base since they are likely to dig under the fence. This breed does well in cold weather and will need to be kept cool in hot weather, so ensure they receive adequate supply of clean water. The dogs are active and will require regular exercise to make them fit.

Grooming

The Alaskan Malamute has a thick coat, which requires to be brushed a minimum of two times a week. The dog’s coat is able to shed dirt on its own thus eliminating the need to wash it.

Pets4You offers listings of Alaskan Malamute breeders with puppies for sale.