Alaskan Malamute

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Alaskan Malamute

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Size: Large
Other Names: Malamute, Mal
Country of Origin: United States (Alaska)
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed, often mistaken for a Siberian Husky. The physical build of the Malamute is compact (slightly longer than tall) with heavy bone. The coat is a dense double northern dog coat, somewhat harsher than that of the Siberian Husky. Eyes are almond–shaped and are always various shades of brown, from dark to light, honey or hazel brown. Blue eyes are an indication of mixed breeding. The malamute has a plume like tail that is well furred and hangs just over the back like a "plume". Some have a corkscrew tail.

A house-and-yard freighting dog with a heavy seasonal coat, a howl more than a yap, and strength that needs a fence and a job.

The Alaskan Malamute was originally bred for use as an Alaskan sled dog. The Malamute's well–furred tail aids in keeping him warm when he curls up in the snow. He wraps the tail around his nose and face, which helps protect him against harsh weather, such as blowing snow. While a few Malamutes are still in use as sled dogs for personal travel, hauling freight, or helping move heavy objects, some are used for the recreational pursuit of sledding also known as mushing, also skijoring, bikejoring, and canicross. Many are kept as family pets or show dogs. While Malamutes have been successfully raised in places such as Arizona, their dense coats generally make them unsuited for hot climates.

Height: 23–26 inches
Weight: 70–90 pounds
Color: Various shades of grey and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white
Coat: Harsh and thick, with plush undercoat
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Litter size: 4–10 puppies

Temperament

Malamutes are quite fond of people, including children. However, like all large and powerful dogs, care should be used with the Malamute around children, until you are completely familiar with your dog's behavior. Due to the Malamute's affectionate nature toward people, he does not make a good watch or guard dog. They are nimble around furniture and smaller items, making them ideal house dogs. The majority of Malamutes are also fairly quiet dogs, seldom barking. When he does vocalize, they often "talk" by vocalizing a "woo woo" sound. The vocalizations of Chewbacca in the Star War films are based upon a Malamute. He may also howl, sounding just like a wolf. In some instances, the Malamute may be friendly with smaller dogs, but not always. Monitor your Malamute around other household pets until you have become acquainted with his behavior. And, keep in mind that just because your Malamute is comfortable with your other pets, this does not mean it will be comfortable around other animals it encounters.

Training

As many an owner has found out, the pulling power of a Malamute is tremendous. The Malamute is powerful, with a deep chest and large head. Training should be achieved so your Malamute follows your commands.

Care and grooming

When the weather gets hot, like any other breed of dog, the malamute needs plenty of water and shade. A wading pool in the backyard will also help the Malamute keep cool in the summer.

Shedding

Heavy and seasonal; expect large amounts of undercoat when the coat blows.

Health

Alaskan Malamutes may develop hip dysplasia, inherited polyneuropathy, chondrodysplasia, day blindness, and hypothyroidism. They do poorly in prolonged heat without shade and water.

Crosses that include the Alaskan Malamute

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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