HISTORY OF THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE:

The Alaskan Malamute was originally used 2000 – 3000 years ago by the Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska. The dogs were the only form of transportation for the Eskimos and were highly valued.

They pulled light traveling sleds and hauled heavy loads including food supplies over short distances. Later the Malamute went with an explorer, Admiral Byrd and his expedition to the pole.

This breed has amazing strength, endurance and heart.

DESCRIPTION:

The Alaskan Malamute is a large, strong, heavy-boned arctic dog with a think coarse double coat and a well furred, plumed tail that is held over the back. The Alaskan Malamute is built for endurance and strength, not for speed. The powerful chest is about half as deep as the height at the shoulder. The feet are well furred and have tough pads. The head is broad with erect ears and brown, triangular, wide set eyes (the eyes should NEVER be blue!). There should be a slight furrow between the eyes. They have a double coat made of a coarse outer guard coat and a dense, wooly, oily undercoat. Colours are white, black and white, wolf-grey and white, wolf-sable and white (red undercoat with dark grey outer coat), red and white, seal and white and sable and white. Often with darker highlights and sometimes with a dark mask or cap on the face. White is the only solid colour allowed. All the other colours should be in combinations, with white as the predominant colour on the underbelly. A white blaze on the forehead and or collar is a plus. For every colour except the reds, the rims of the eyes, the nose, and the lips should be black. A scissors bite is standard. In some areas, dogs may be either smaller or larger than the official standard, however it is only a desirable freighting size and dogs of correct proportion and outstanding qualities should not be neglected because they may be a little too big or just under the preferred height.

COAT & GROOMING:

The Alaskan Malamute is a double coated breed. This coat consists of a wooly undercoat and longer guard hairs. Twice a year, Malamutes “blow” their undercoats. By “blow their undercoats” I mean they shed their undercoats completely leaving only the outer guard coat. It can be a very intense shedding period that can last up to three weeks from start to finish. The good news is that this only happens twice a year. The remainder of the time, Malamutes are relatively shed free (unlike smooth coated breeds). The bad news is that the shedding period can be rather messy. The hair comes out in large and small clumps. There is lots of vacuuming and brushing. It should also be noted that some owners who live in very warm climates, ones that lack “seasonal change”, have reported some shedding year round.

The Alaskan Malamute is a very clean and relatively odour free dog. It tends to clean itself like a cat, even when a Malamute becomes covered in mud, it will clean itself. Bathing needs are minimal. Some owners, not show dogs, only bath their pets once a year or less. Other than during the coat blowing season, the Malamute needs very little grooming, no trimming or shaving of the hair is required or recommended. Occasional brushing to remove the dead hair and keep the coat fresh and shiny is all that is required. Their nails should be checked and clipped periodically, including the inside dew-claw if it hasn’t been removed.

NOTES:

This breed can be difficult to housebreak because of its dominance. The Malamute likes to roam in what he considers to be his territory, so he must have a well-fenced yard.

They are massively heavy shedders during his shedding periods. The Malamutes coat allows him to withstand extreme cold, but care will be needed to keep the dog cool in hot climates. They should be given plenty of shade and plenty of cool water.

Quiet compared to most dogs, but does like to howl.

Enjoys to dig, even in the beautiful gardens. They love water too!

Alaskan Malamutes should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as he does have a strong prey instinct. They have been known to raise small kittens as their own however. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended. Both sexes can be very competitive with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed.

The Alaskan Malamute is a very hardy dog and lives to about 12 years of age. This is a fairly long life span for a large breed of dog.

They can be prone to hip-dysplaysia, but no more than any other large breed of dog and less than many others.

PERSONALITY:

A rambunctious puppy, this breed is great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally matures into a dignified and mellow adult that is very friendly and definitely not suitable as a guard dog. 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. All that damage was done in just 3 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 the love to please.

Males can be very dominant, especially when left entire. Generally speaking, the Alaskan Malamute when desexed isn’t as dominant as what he or she would be if left entire.

GROOMING & PYSICAL NEEDS:

A little grooming is needed.

No trimming or stripping needed.

Seasonal heavy shedder.

Needs exercise, definitely an excellent jogging companion.

Fairly active indoors, so not recommended for apartments.

Malamutes are best with a large yard.

Moderately long lived – 12 to 15 years of age.

TALENTS:

Search and Rescue, Sledding, Carting, Weight Pulling, Backpacking and Racing.