Alaskan Malamute
Description: Alaskan Malamute is a friendly, affectionate, intelligent, loyal and a noble breed. And they could have a mind of their own. They are easy to train, a fast learner dog and has a good stamina. This breed is large, a powerful built dog of Nordic breed type It is slightly longer than it is tall. It is heavy-boned and compact, designed for strength and endurance. This is an affectionate dog which is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and noble, but they have a mind of their own. The Alaskan Malamute is a fast learner breed and has a high stamina and full of energy. They are strong, large dog with a thick coarse double coat and plumed tail held over the back. They are well built with a solid body, wide head, are furry and have tough pads. Their ears are erected and eyes and eyes are dark,small, brown, almond shaped and they are obliquely positioned but with a sweet and friendly expression.
The coat averages one to three inches in length and comes in white, black & white, wolf gray, wolf sable (red undercoat with dark gray outer coat), or red, often with darker highlights and sometimes with a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are almost always white. In some areas, dogs may be either smaller or larger than the official standard.
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerfully built dog of Nordic breed type, developed to haul heavy loads rather than race. It is slightly longer than it is tall. It is heavy-boned and compact, designed for strength and endurance. Its gait is steady, balanced and tireless. Its coat is thick and double, with a coarse outer coat and dense, woolly, oily undercoat, providing the ultimate in insulation. Although its eyes have a “wolf-like” appearance, its expression is soft.
Dynamics: The Alaskan Malamute is like a rambunctious puppy. Extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward it’s master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally they mature into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dogs. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human “pack” lives. Without attention, these dogs may become destructive nuisances. In one case, a single dog ruined an entire living room of furniture valued at $15,000 in just three hours! Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant. Some dogs may be difficult to housebreak. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig. This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong pry instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals. Some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed. Firm handling and training are necessary. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended.
Breed Group: Working
Weight: males 80-95 pounds (36-43 kg), females 70-85 pounds (32-38 kg)
Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Color: The Alaskan Malamute’s coat color ranges from light gray through to black, with white shading and a white mask or cap; also shades of sable or red with shading, or all white.
Country of Origin: The Alaskan Malamute came from Alaska, where it was named after the Mahlemuts, the tribe that developed the breed. It is a Nordic dog that descended from the Arctic wolf.
Activities: Alaskan Malamutes are very energetic and active. If you have the space they will run and play outside all day. Make sure to monitor them if the conditions are too hot.
Grooming: They have double coat which will need to be bushed around twice weekly to keep them in good condition. Yearly, they shed twice and at other times of the yea they still shed although not much. Therefore not recommended for those with allergy.
Other Info: Their life span is around 10-12 years. Here are some health pobleme to look out for this breed: Bleeding, thyroid problems, cataracts, ligament poblems, skin conditions and autoimmune problems.
Tags: alaskan malamute, breeds, dogs