Alaskan Malamute

Description: The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, compact body. They are the oldest of the Arctic dogs, a native to Alaska and according to stories this dog is a decendent of wolves. Whether or not that is true they have good stamina and speed like wolves though they are mainly built for power. Their body is slightly longer then their height which moves their center of gravity back giving them more pulling power. The Alaskan Malamute is clean, quiet, and an affectionate companion though they need a firm owner to show them who is boss. Alaskan Malamutes are family oriented and love to be with people. They make a wonderful companion and they do well with children. They are well suited for colder climates, and do not like hot, humid weather. The Alaskan Malamute is happiest drawing a sled or a wheeled cart.

Type: Northern Breeds

Height: 23 – 28 inches Weight: 85 – 125 lbs.

Colors: From light grey to shadings of black or from gold through shades of red to liver. Underbody is always white, with white on their legs, feet and mask. Coat: Harsh, thick coarse medium topcoat and heavy plush undercoat.

Temperament: Alaskan Malamutes are independent, strong-willed, fun-loving, active, exuberant, and friendly. They love to pull, run and roan. They love to dig and sometimes will howl, they are friendly with humans but can be aggressive towards other animals. With Children: Yes. Supervise with young children With Pets: No. High aggression towards other dogs. Not recommended in homes with other small pets. Special Skills: Sled dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: Medium Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: Alaskan Malamutes require weekly brushing of their coat. Carefully attention should be paid to keeping them free from parasites. They sheds in warm weather. Alaskan Malamutes need vigorous daily exercise and attention. Obedience training is very important to maintain a well balanced dog. Special Needs: Cool climate, lots of exercise, lots of grooming, and training. Learning Rate: Low. Learn quickly but, bore easily.

Activity: Very High Living Environment: Lots of space, does much better in a country environment. Needs cool climate.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, cataracts, chondrodysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), skin problems, eye problems and sometimes they suffers from a condition where the growth of the limbs is reduced.

Life Span: 10-14 years Litter Size: 4 – 10

Country of Origin: USA History: The Alaskan Malamute was developed by a tribe of nomadic Inuit people called Mahlemuts who lived in the upper part of western Alaska. Possible mixing wolves with other dogs. They had wanted a large, strong, sled-pulling dog that was not a speedster but a heavy hauler so that they could use them as draft animals. During the white man’s settling of Alaska the dogs were used for hunting and hauling in large numbers.

First Registered by the AKC: 1935 AKC Group: Working Class: Working Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 5), KC,(GB), UKC