Alaskan Malamute Breed Guide
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Alaskan malamute breed description:
Appearance:
What draws most potential owners to the Alaskan malamute is their wolf like appearance. Their similarities to wolves is due to their direct lineage, but although their appearance superficially resembles the wolf, physically they are different. Alaskan malamutes weigh can vary hugely from 38kg - 56kg (please note that the accurate weight of an Alaskan malamute is extremely hard to determine due to their heavy coats) and stand at a height of roughly 58cm - 71cm. the size of Alaskan Malamutes can wildly vary and it have been known for the breed to reach 81cm before. That said, there is a vast difference in size between the female and male Alaskan malamute. Females are often on the smaller size with height ranging from the bottom mark of 58cm to a mere 66cm. Like other sled dogs the Alaskan malamute has a dense double northern coat. It’s a little harsher than that of the Siberian Husky and allowed them to survive the harsh cold winter and subzero temperatures. They, like their wolf cousins, display very ‘woody’ colourings, such as: gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white or pure white. The Alaskan malamute’s eyes are almond shaped and not to be confused with the Siberian husky’s. Alaskan malamute’s eyes should never be blue; their eyes should be various shades of brown from dark to light, honey or hazel. The Alaskan malamute has a plume like tail, in that it is very well furred and hangs just over the back. This lovely tail is an aid in keeping them warm when they curl up in the snow. They wrap the tail around their nose and face to help protect themselves from harsh weather. The tail might well give away a mixing of the breed’s blood. Corkscrew tails can now be seen in the malamute but a corkscrew tail is commonly seen in Akitas, which might suggest cross breeding. The physical build of the Malamute is compact with heavy bones, giving them the strength to pull and as many an owner has found out, the pulling power of an Alaskan malamute is tremendous.
Temperament:
Alaskan malamutes are affectionate, loving and people orientated dogs. They’re highly intelligent and very wilful so this breed is not recommended for a novice trainer. These dogs, although quick to learn, will often not follow commands given if they do not feel like it. They also love to run and for this reason, sadly, cannot be left of the lead in public places as they will not necessarily respond to a return call and could be lost. The way the Alaskan malamute has been ‘raised’ over the years of it’s development means it has a strong pack instinct and, although happy to be outside, will become very depressed and unhappy if not given large amounts of human attention and interaction. They can become destructive if left without entertainment and cannot be trusted with small animals, even if they were brought up alongside other family animals such as cats. Due to the Alaskan malamutes love of people it makes for an awful guard dog. It will greet a complete stranger with the same happy kisses that it receives its family with. This trait however, also makes the Alaskan malamute good with young children. It should also be noted that although Alaskan malamutes do not have a tendency to bark they are vocal dogs and will sometimes display very human 'speech' like grunts or moans. Their favourite vocalisation however is to howl, like their wolf cousins.
Sadly, many Alaskan malamutes end up in rescue centres and even having to be put to sleep because people fall in love with the cute puppy but could not control the large, wilful, powerful adult. For this reason it is strong recommended that you honestly weigh up your skills as a trainer and your home environment before you consider an Alaskan malamute, these dogs live long lives (16 years) and therefore are not to be taken into a home in ignorance.
Exercise:
Alaskan malamutes need a good walk of over an hour a day to keep them fit and healthy. But it must also be noted that over exercise can be a huge risk to a malamute. Because of their heavy coats they can over heat.
Alaskan malamutes love the great outdoors and enjoy playing in the garden with their families. However their wild instincts are still very much in place and it is important that any outside space this dog has access to should be secure and have fences that are both high (6 feet should be enough, in theory) and continue a meter of so below ground (malamutes are exceptional diggers).
While a few Malamutes are still in use as sled dogs some are used for the recreational pursuit of sledding (also known as mushing, also skijoring, bikejoring, and canicross.) However, most Malamutes today are kept as family pets or show dogs.
These dogs, due to their size and exercise requirements, are not suitable for apartments. And it should be noted that if you want a ‘civilized’ dog that will obey your commands, it is better not to get an Alaskan malamute, there’s just too much of the great outdoors in their veins.
Grooming:
It should be noted that Alaskan malamutes have very thick coats that need attention. An Alaskan malamute will need a good brush once a week. Twice a year however this dog sheds its coat and during these times grooming will have to be increased to once a day. The dogs fur however is nearly odorless so at least when it’s all over the carpets and furniture you won’t be able to smell it!
Health:
The most commonly reported health problems of Alaskan Malamutes in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey (based on a sample size of 64 dogs) were musculoskeletal i.e. hip dysplasia, and hereditary cataracts.
Other health issues that are known to affect the Alaskan malamute is hyperthyroidism, Gastric Dilation (GDV) and hot spots (raw patches of skin) The breed itself is relatively healthy in the UK apart from the above mentioned problems. However, the breed’s American counterparts have been known prone to the following health issues: Coat Funk (where the guard hairs break away revealing the delicate undercoat) and Chondrodysplasia (Dwarfism).
Climate and Malamutes
While Malamutes have been successfully raised in warmer climates but their dense coats generally make them unsuited for hot climates. They are snow dogs born and bred and taking them into a hot climate is cruel. When the weather gets hot, like any other breed of dog, the malamute needs plenty of water and shade. They will grow a winter coat and subsequently, come spring, shed it again.
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Suitable for apartment:
no
Height:
10 - 15 inches
Weight:
80-95 Ib
Overall Size:
Large
Life Expectancy:
12-15 yrs
Origin of breed:
Alaska (used for transportation by eskimos) |
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