One of the most beautiful, heavy-built dog breeds that are designed for pulling sleds is the Alaskan Malamute that was made for hauling in the Arctic.
The dog was protected with a dense double coat of hair and was of a robust frame, thus being a very loyal working dog and strong in endurance.
Families in search of an energetic friend have been attracted to its very affectionate, yet a little independent personality.
About the Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are known to be very clever and strong work dogs that were mainly used for hauling sleds by the Mahlemut people. They have double fur, ears which stand up, and a tail that looks like a plume. They can be very friendly and devoted but they also need a lot of exercise, to be socialized early and to be trained in a consistent manner
Breed Sound
Breed Details
Physical Characteristics
Alaskan Malamutes are large, heavy-boned dogs having a dense, clean muscular frame.
Their undercoat is dense, oily and they have coarse guard hairs that are raised from the body, hence they are very well insulated.
Their wolf-like appearance is complemented with their almond-shaped brown eyes and ears that are triangular and erect.
Temperament / Personality
Such dogs are very affectionate and loyal, they can hardly stand in the absence of their family.
However, they can be very independent and even stubborn, just like the working heritage which they have gotten.
The early socialization is the key to clearing up any issues of dominance with other dogs and ensuring balanced interactions.
Health
The usual life span of an Alaskan Malamute is between 10 and 14 years, while they can be affected with hip and elbow dysplasia as well as hereditary cataracts.
They are also at risk of developing hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, and inherited polyneuropathy. Periodic checks with a vet give the opportunity for the issues to be found early and treated if possible.
Grooming
Twice a year, Malamutes molt their fur heavily and during these periods daily brushing is necessary to get rid of the loose undercoat.
Their double coat, which is water and dirt resistant, means that baths should be infrequent to maintain natural oils.
Their grooming regime is completed by regular nail trimming and ear checking.
Exercise
Alaskan Malamutes are high-energy dogs, and they definitely need a minimum of 60 minutes of intense exercise daily, like hiking or pulling a sled, for instance.
If they don’t get the right physical and mental stimulation, they can become destructive.
Things that need a lot of energy such as using them for carting or agility are good outlets for their endurance drive.
Training
Malamutes are clever but independent, they make up their minds alone and prefer leadership based on positive reinforcement, consistent firm leadership.
Short and different training sessions prevent boredom and keep focus.
An early startup of obedience classes constitutes the ground for acquiring the skills of setting limits as well as for learning social skills.
Nutrition
High-quality protein and fat from a balanced diet cover their muscular frame and energy needs.
Portion control is very important that can prevent obesity which acts as a negative factor in joint conditions.
Providing additional joint-support substances such as glucosamine might be a good idea for hip and elbow health.
Suitability
The Alaskan Malamutes are the best with active families and they handle well with older children who know how to handle them safely.
Their size and energy make them less suited for living in the apartments or small houses.
Those who are going to purchase these dogs should be very careful to have plenty of space in the yard for the dog to move around and be ready to exercise as well as grooming the dog regularly.
Notable Facts or Fun Facts
Alaskan Malamutes are the Arctic sled dog breeds which were the oldest and they have been known for more than 4000 years.
They were named after the Mahlemut Inuit tribe. Their power was the reason why the Star Wars character Chewbacca’s fur was so fluffy.
Sometimes long-haired “woolly” Malamutes are those that have a recessive gene for the very long guard hairs