Alaskan Malamute: Personality, Exercise, Grooming
Group: Working
Dog.
AKC Ranking: 57
Also Known As:
Malamute
About
Alaskan Malamute
From Nordic dogs and the
Arctic wolf, the Alaskan Malamute got its
name from the Mahlemuts Alaskan tribe that
raised and cared for them. The Mahlemuit Eskimos
used them as their only form of transportation.
They pulled light traveling sleds and hauled
heavy loads of food and supplies.
The Malamute went with Admiral
Byrd’s expeditions to the pole. They
are known for their endurance and strength.
Many packs of Malamutes have pulled sleds
for polar expeditions because they have tenacity,
sense of direction, and an excellent sense
of smell.
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Alaskan Malamutes have been used
for sledding, carting, search and rescue, weight
pulling and racing although they are not speed dogs.
A General Appearance of
the Dog
Alaskan Malamute is a heavily
boned, powerful dog with a heavy medium short coat
and a plumed tail that curls up over his back. His
head is broad with triangular, erect ears. The Malamute
has distinctive facial markings that include a cap
over the head. The face can either be all white
or marked with a bar or mask. He appears proud,
well built, strong, and steady. His alert expression
also indicates the boundless energy he possesses.
The feet are furry and have very tough pads. Brown
eyes give him the look of a sweet wolf. The AKC
does not accept blue eyes.
Coat Color
The Malamute coat colors range
from white, black and white, wolf gray, wolf sable
(red undercoat with dark gray outer coat), or red
– with darker highlights. The only solid color
allowed is all white. White is always the predominant
color on underbody, parts of legs, feet, and part
of face markings. The Malamute has distinctive facial
markings that include a cap over the head. The face
can either be all white or marked with a bar or
mask.
Coat Type
The coat is one to three inches
in length. It is very dense. It is shed profusely
throughout the year with twice a year full shedding
of the coat. The Malamute is clean and odorless.
Height
Male: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Weight
Male: 80-95 lbs
Female: 70-85 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The energetic Alaskan Malamute
youngster is always ready to play. Friendly and
affectionate, they are good with older children.
Adult Malamutes are quieter and
more dignified; however, they remain active indoors
and outdoors. Males are very dominant.
Malamutes need plenty of attention
and early, firm training to keep them from becoming
destructive when they need to be left alone.
The Alaskan Malamute does not
need as much food as you might think; however, he
will gulp everything he is given. Therefore, he
is prone to bloat and obesity. Knowing this should
help the owner to be careful to feed a couple of
small meals a day.
Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?
The Alaskan Malamute loves to
be outdoors, especially in cool weather. In hot
weather he needs to be in the air conditioning.
He loves a large yard and is not suited to apartment
living. Make sure the fencing is tall and the base
of it is buried. If in an appropriate climate, he
is happy to live outdoors as long as he gets plenty
of “people time” with his human pack
members. Companionship and pack time are important
to them.
Outdoor games and activities that
you and your Malamute can do together will make
him happy.
Are they suited to homes with kids?
Malamutes can live with older
children who learn to handle and play with them
appropriately.
Training
Malamutes may be slow with housebreaking
because they are primarily an outdoor dog. Socialization
needs to start early. If you want your Malamute
to get along with cats or other small animals, introduce
them when he is a puppy. It is not hard to teach
Malamutes to be well-mannered since they love to
please.
Formal obedience training is important
for this breed, but they may be difficult and need
a firm hand. They can be stubborn.
Activity
Level
How Active is the Breed?
Alaskan Malamutes are a fairly
active breed. They love to play. They desire a long
walk each day at the very least, but cannot do much
in hot weather. Make sure they have shade and cool
water to drink if the weather is warm. They love
cool and cold weather.
How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at
every stage of its Life?
The Alaskan Malamute is not recommended
for apartment living. They love to play both indoors
and outdoors.
A tall fence with the base buried
and secured is necessary for the Malamute.
Grooming
The Alaskan Malamute will require
twice a week brushing. He is a massively heavy shedder.
Twice a year he will need a shedding blade several
times.
Health
and Care
Alaskan Malamute is prone to obesity
and bloat. Feed a couple of small meals a day. They
do not need as much food as you would expect.
Genetic Problems
They are prone to hip dysplasia,
but no more than any other large breed and less
than many others. Some are prone to chondrodysplasia,
which is dwarfism. Some clubs require OFA, CERF,
and CHD (dwarfism test) certification of both parents.
Litter Size
Litters average 6 puppies.
Life Span
Alaskan Malamutes live 12-15 years.
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National Breed Clubs
British – The Alaskan Malamute Club of the
UK – www.alaskanmalamute.org.uk
US – Alaskan Malamute Club of America - www.alaskanmalamute.org
Other Recognition – classifications
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI,
ACR
Rescue Link
www.malamuterescue.org
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