Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute, native to the North Pole, is one of the longest-lived breeds in the history of sleds. His imposing and super presence gives a false picture of his true personality. Its wolf-like appearance has made this breed attract the attention of all dog lovers, due to its impressive size and beautiful coat that does not go unnoticed. At times, this breed is often confused with a Siberian Husky, however, as we will see, there are noticeable differences between the two. 

The stories surrounding the Alaskan Malamute also helped to carve the idea of a resistant, loyal, hardworking, and a very noble breed in the popular imagination. If you want to learn more things about this breed, keep reading this DOG 57 article, where we talk in-depth about Alaskan Malamute characteristics, origin, temperament, and prime care. 

What breeds make an Alaskan Malamute? 

The Alaskan Malamute originated in the Arctic and has the Arctic wolf among its ancestors. These dogs were used by the people of Mahle to pull their sleds and cooperate in hunting activities. The word "Malamut" may be derived from "Mahli Moi" which means "people of the locality". The English phonetics of these two terms would have given rise to the breed's name. 

Over time, transportation in the Arctic changed, and dogs became less important. However, Alaskans still use the adorable Alaskan Malamutes which are common in many countries around the world as pets. 

What are the traits of a Malamute? 

The Alaskan Malamute is a large, very strong, and powerful dog that is adapted to pulling very heavy loads such as sleds and up to 40 kg. The length at the withers of males is about 63.5 cm, while that of females is about 58.5 cm. It weighs about 38 kilograms in males and 34 kilograms in females. His chest is deep and powerful, his body is muscular, not enlarged. The Alaskan Malamute influence shows dignity, pride, and nobility. 

According to the characteristics of the Alaskan Malamute, the head of this dog is wide and deep, but well proportioned to the body. Facial expressions are friendly and affectionate. The muzzle is long and bulging, well proportioned with the rest of the skull, and tapering slightly from its base to the tip of the nose. It should never be sharp. Teeth lock into scissors. The eyes of the Alaskan Malamute are medium in size, brown in color, almond-shaped, and obliquely set. The malamute must not have light blue eyes (this is considered a bug). Malamute ears are medium, but small about the head. It is triangular and slightly rounded at the tip. The neck is muscular and slightly arched. He does not have a double chin. 

The Malamute's body is strong and compact, but not short. This dog is strong, and although it is not light, it should not be overly heavy. The tail is thick and has thick fur. It is inserted moderately, with the line of the spine continuing. The Alaskan Malamute should carry it curved on the back when not working.

 

Alaskan malamute colors 

This breed has two coats and for this reason, it is ready to withstand cold temperatures. The outer shell is thick and rough and is the protective coat of Malamute. The inner mantle is very dense, oily, and has a woolly texture. As for the colors of the Alaskan Malamute, the most common are black and white, however, the acceptable colors are much more, so we can find them in shades ranging from light gray to black and red. Combinations of colors in the inner layer of the casing and the face are also accepted. 

Solid colors are not accepted except for white. Likewise, irregular colors are not accepted either. In general, the appearance of the coat of the Alaskan Malamute is similar to that of a blanket. 

Alaskan Malamute Character 

It may not seem like it, but the Alaskan Malamute is an obedient, sociable, and affectionate dog, especially with its owners and even with strangers. It is very important that someone Malamute has experience as their owner and that they have been made aware of the breed's characteristics because they need to be disciplined. He is a very intelligent and independent dog that will not accept requests just to feed them every day. They are looking in their leader for a responsible and stable friend that they can follow. It shows a calm, relaxed and calm character.

He is a cheerful dog, loyal to his master and protector of the little ones in the house. Although it is not a protection dog per se, it will serve as a watchdog. With good socialization and a weekly dose of training, we will get a well-balanced dog due to its high educational potential.

 

Regarding the behavior of the Alaskan Malamute with other pets, it should always be under the supervision of the owner because, due to its strong hierarchical instinct, it can engage in aggression with other animals, which is another reason why it needs an experienced owner. 

It is very important that we educate our children and pets on the playground because the large size of the Alaskan Malamute can be a problem if the game is incorrect. We will avoid pulling on the pet's tail and ears, as well as violent games or excessive body movement. For the rest, you need to be careful in the first days of interaction. Overall, the Alaskan Malamute is a breed that gets along wonderfully with children and can risk their lives to protect the little ones in the home. Simply, you have to remember the correct rules of the game for both. 

How to Care for an Alaskan Malamute - Daily Puppy

The Alaskan Malamute requires daily practice. This exercise does not need to be intense, but it should be at least moderate. Extreme care must be taken to Are Malamutes hard to take care of?avoid heat shock when exercising the malamute in a hot climate.

High temperatures can be a very serious problem for malamutes, just like any other breed of a sled dog. This is important to keep in mind to avoid thermal shocks that can be fatal.

A small apartment or house is not the ideal place for this breed. It is preferable to have a garden or patio where the malamute can unload its energy every day. This does not mean isolating him but allowing him to "move the skeleton" every day.

This breed does not need frequent baths but does require frequent brushing. Depending on the weather, the Malamute can lose a lot of hair, so it is recommended to brush it twice a day, wetting its fur a little to facilitate this task and using a soft, long-bristled brush.

For the rest, we must have the same kind of care that we would with another dog: we will take care of his nails and eyes, as well as his ears. 

Training Alaska Malmute 

The Alaskan Malamute is a fairly independent dog but is very intelligent. You will enjoy learning commands of all kinds and also household chores around the house. In addition to being used as a sled or weight-carrying dog, it is also a good rescue dog, as well as for people with physical disabilities. 

Are Malamutes hard to take care of? 

The Alaskan Malamute is certainly a fairly healthy and very resistant breed, and although it is not prone to diseases, the most common ones that affect the breed are: 

hip joint abnormalities

Renal insufficiency

Himalia 

For the rest, we will keep our Alaskan Malamute healthy if we keep our vaccination history up to date and go to the vet when we notice strange symptoms that don't belong to him. 

curiosity 

They are descended from the Inuit tribe, the Mahmalmut. Famous for eating raw meat, they developed a very close relationship with a breed of social and affectionate traits that also helped them haul large goods through the snow.

They are relatives of the Siberian husky.

They were used as rescue dogs in World War II.