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 Alaskan Malamute Training and Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is boisterous, loyal and intelligent. Great with older children. Their friendliness rules them out as a guard dog. They prefer living outdoors but they do need attention. Without proper training they can be extremely destructive.
As with all dogs, Alaskan Malamute training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
First Impressions
A compact and muscular sled dog of the Spitz family with a wolf-like expression.
The History Of The Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is also known as Malamute. They originated in United States around 3000 BC.
This is a sled dog with endurance and strength, rather than speed. It gets its name from the Malamute tribe, an Inuit people of northwestern Alaska. This nomadic people used the dogs to sled their belongings between camps.
The breed was stabilized in the 1920's and was accepted for showing in the American Kennel Club in 1935. After that it gained immense respect because of its abilities as a war dog. Description Of The Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute’s unaltered tail is large, plumed and carried over the back. It’s ears are small, heavily furred, erect and not altered.
Dogs average 24 - 26 inches at the shoulder and bitches 22 - 24 inches.
Dogs weigh from 80 - 95 pounds and bitches 70 - 85 pounds.
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful Arctic dog with a thick, coarse double coat and a plumed tail held over the back. It is a powerful dog built for working in an extreme environment. Its feet are furry and have tough pads.
Eyes are brown, almond shaped and of medium size and look similar to a wolf but with less aggression. Dark eyes are preferred and blue eyes are a disqualifying fault.
Coat & Grooming
The thick double coat is of short to medium length. The outer coat is coarse and the undercoat is oily and woolly.
Permissible colors are shades of gray to black with a white under body and white marking on the legs, feet and face.
The breed sheds heavily in the spring. At other times need for grooming is moderate. Bathing is virtually unnecessary as the coat sheds dirt. Just dry shampoo occasionally. This dog is clean and odorless.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a Alaskan Malamute is around 12-15 years.
Generally healthy if from a reputable breeder. Reported health problems are:
Hip dysplasia, anemia, bloat and day blindness.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
Alaskan Malamutes are not suitable for apartment life. They are quite active indoors and prefer a large yard. If you live in a suburban area, a high fence is a must and take precautions to stop them digging their way out.
The Malamutes coat are built to protect from extreme cold. They are not suited at all for hot climates. In warmer weather ensure the dog has shade and plenty of clean cool water.
Malamutes need a reasonable amount of exercise but be careful not to overdue it in warm weather.
For More Information on the Alaskan Malamute
To get more information, check out the Alaskan Malamute web site:
www.alaskanmalamute.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.malamuterescue.org
Summary
Admiral Byrd used Alaskan Malamutes on his polar expeditions. The legendary Balto, who carried the life saving diphtheria serum to the stranded children of Nome, was an Alaskan Malamute.
Their endurance and strength is legendary. An Alaskan Malamute can carry a 50 pound pack twenty miles or more a day for extended periods. They will revert to pack instincts when in the company of other dogs. Not a breed recommended for the first time dog owner.
:: Alaskan Malamute Training ::
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