Alaskan Malamute Dogs

The Alaskan Malamute is a dog breed of generally larger size, taking on a wolf-like appearance. This type of dog was originally bred for use as an Alaskan sled dog. Often times, due to its appearance and skill set, the Alaskan Malamute is mistaken for a Siberian Husky. However, the Alaskan Malamute is actually much different than the Siberian Husky in a variety of ways. The Alaskan Malamute makes a great pet due to their quite and relaxed temperament and great loyalty to their owners.

The Alaskan Malamute came from the Spitz family, developing in the Arctic regions, which explains its love for cold climate conditions. Its specific origins are a mystery, but it is said to have been living among the Mahlemuts, native Inuit people who lived along Norton Sound in Alaska. The dogs were used as hunting partners for big animals like seals and polar bears and towed the heavy bodies back home. The Alaskan Malamute was more used for its large size and strong body as opposed to being fast. This allowed one dog to be able to do the work of many smaller dogs combined. These dogs were essential to the peoples' way of life and were treated as part of the family, yet were never spoiled as pets.

When explorers first came to the region in the 1700s, they were amazed by the strong dog and their owners love for them. A plethora of outsiders came to Alaska in 1896 when gold was discovered there. The dogs were used for entertainment by having weight pulling contests and races. The native breeds were interbred with each other and with the dogs brought by settlers to create a faster race dog or just to increase the number of dogs needs for the gold rush. The pure Alaskan Malamute started to become in danger of being lost. However, in the 1920s, a New England dog racing fanatic found some good specimens and started breeding traditional Malamutes again. Their reputation grew and the Alaskan Malamutes were used for a trek to the South Pole as well as service dogs in World War II. The breed finally received AKC recognition in 1935 and has been gradually growing in popularity as a great show dog and loyal companion as a pet.

Obvious from their appearance, the Alaskan Malamute is a large dog breed ranging from a size of 23 inches and 75 pounds for females, and 25 inches and 85 pounds for males. Heavier Alaskan Malamutes are occasionally seen, ranging from 90 pounds to upwards of 120 pounds. They are often referred to as a ‘giant Malamute'. The Alaskan Malamute's coat is a dense double northern dog coat and appears to be generally harsher than the Husky breed's coat. The Alaskan Malamute's coat color usually varies from shades of gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or even just a solid white. Blue and white coats are occasionally seen as well, but not nearly as often. This breed's eyes are generally almond-shaped and are always seen in different shades of brown, ranging from dark to light, hazel, or honey brown colors. This dog breed's physical build is very solid with heavy bones. This makes their height to length ratio slightly longer than tall. The Alaskan Malamute's tail is extremely furry and carried over its back much like a plume. Corkscrew tails are seen on occasion, but not nearly as much as the plume-like furred tails. These extremely furred tails help keep this dog breed warm when curling up in the snow. Their tail is often seen wrapped around their nose and face, which helps aid in protecting them from rough weather like blowing snow. The ears of an Alaskan Malamute are usually upright. With all of these physical aspects, the Alaskan Malamute is one of the only five breeds that are said to still look just like wolves.

The Alaskan Malamute is an extremely strong, independent, and determined dog, yet very fun loving. Its favorite pastime is pulling a sled or cart, but it also enjoys running around and roaming the outdoors. The Alaskan Malamute is very family oriented and friendly, and well-behaved inside, as long as it is able to exercise every day. If it does not get its adequate amount of exercise, the Alaskan Malamute can become very aggravated and bored, which then leads to destruction. This breed loves people and is extremely sociable and welcoming. However, when it comes to bizarre dogs, pets, or livestock, it may get aggressive. It has the tendency to sometimes have a dominant attitude and tends to enjoy digging and howling.

The Alaskan Malamute feels at home in the cold weather and particularly loves to haul a sled in the snow. This breed loves exercise and can run for miles and miles. It needs a lot of exercise with long walks or the chance to run around outside in order to release its energy. When it comes to cold weather, the Alaskan Malamute can easily live outdoors in cold climates. However, with warmer weather, it would much prefer to be inside. Its coat needs brushing about once or twice a week, and even more when it is in its shedding phase.

The Alaskan Malamute has a life span of ten to twelve years. The major health concerns associated with this breed are CHD, hereditary cataracts, and musculoskeletal, also known more commonly as hip dysplasia. Some of the minor health concerns are chondrodysplasia, hypothyroidism, and heart defects. Gastric torsion, hemeralopia, polyneuropathy, and seizures are occasionally seen in this breed. Research shows that the most common cause of death due to health in Alaskan Malamutes is cancer. In order to keep its health under control, some suggested tests to have on the Alaskan Malamute are hip, eye, thyroid, and chondrodysplasia clear rating tests. As an owner, it is extremely important to make sure you provide your Alaskan Malamute with a healthy diet and adequate exercise in order to stay in the best health condition possible.

Overall, the Alaskan Malamute is an extremely well-rounded and desirable dog breed. This breed's extremely strong and mighty appearance may suggest that it is an intimidating, aggressive breed. However, contrary to this belief, the Alaskan Malamute is actually an extremely fun loving, friendly, and family oriented dog breed. While the Alaskan Malamute's exceptional skills in sled and cart pulling are notable and the perfect skill set for a working dog, this breed also makes the perfect pet. It is not so often that you find a dog breed with both serious working skills and friendly, relaxed personality traits. With this wide range of characteristics, it is easy to see why so many people welcome the Alaskan Malamute into their lives with open arms.

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