Alaskan Malamute | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Pets Feed

The Alaskan Malamute is a dog native to the Arctic and is considered one of the oldest breeds in the history of sled dogs. Its imposing and sober presence gives a false image of its true character.

Its appearance similar to that of a wolf has caused this breed to attract the attention of many people who love dogs and many people who, without loving dogs, have a passion for nature. Sometimes it can be confused with the Siberian husky.

It is one of the oldest breeds used as sled dogs due to its. These specimens are solid and capable of transporting relatively heavy weights over a multitude of kilometers without showing fatigue, which is why they are known as the “Arctic locomotive”. Unlike other breeds, this one has a unique purity, because it is not the result of a cross.

The stories surrounding the Alaskan Malamute have also helped to popularize the idea of ​​a resistant, loyal, hardworking and very noble breed. If you want to know a lot more about this breed of dog, keep reading this ‘ Pets Feed ‘ breed sheet.

Breed Name	Life expectancy
Native country	USA
Weight	35 – 50 kg
Height (at the withers)	51-63 cm
Life expectancy	14 years
Body	Big

Alaskan Malamute photos

Breed standards

Among the existing sled species, the Malamutes of Alaska are the largest. Adults weigh between 38 and 50 kg, with a height of 51-63 distinctive characteristic is well developed muscles and a powerful skeleton. This dog is a real heavy line, a little slow, but stubborn and robust, with a heavy load it is able to browse considerable distances.

• The male must measure between 51 and 63 cm and the females between 57 and 59 cm.
• Alaska Malamute has a compact but powerful body, a solid build and a deep chest.
• The dog’s coat must be hard outside and inside, it has a soft undercoat. At the same time, wool is covered with moisture resistant fat.
• A dog should not normally weigh less than 35 kg and not more than 50 kg.
• The malamute head is proportional to the body and fairly wide.
• The animal’s muzzle is very bulky, it should not be pointed or elongated.
• The ears are well removed and triangular in shape. The ends of the ears are rounded and do not hang.
• The dog has an impressive jaw and large sharp teeth. The bite is like scissors. The lips are closely closed to each other.
• The eyes are slightly tilted, not very large, almond -shaped. Brown color.
• If the dog has a red color, a brown nose is allowed. All other dogs are black.
• The dog looks great: the back is straight, the chest is wide and there are elastic muscles in the lower back.
• The tail always rises above the back and looks like a loop.
• Malamute’s legs resemble those of a bear. They are very powerful and strong.

Similar breeds:

Siberian Husky | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

Eyes of Alaskan Malamute

Since they tend to be confused with the Siberian husky, it is common for some people to ask questions about the blue or two-tone eyes of the malamute. A total error, because, between the differences of this breed with the husky, it is the color of the eyes, which can only be brown because of its genetics. Indeed, a blue-eyed malamute will be directly disqualified from a dog show.

How are the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute different?

It is quite common that there is confusion between the Siberian husky and the Alaskan Malamute due to their physical similarity, but the truth is that they are two very different breeds. Certainly, these are two Nordic breeds with fairly similar fur, but it is easy to discover their differences if you see specimens of the two breeds. The Siberian Husky is smaller in size and dimensions, and less bulky than the Alaskan Malamute.

Its proportions are reminiscent of those of a wolf, while in the case of the malamute, its shapes are much more rounded and similar to those of molosoid dogs. The husky and malamute’s bodies are similar in that they are very friendly and affectionate animals. However, the husky is a much more active dog with very high needs for exercise, which outweighs the malamute.

To make a decision on the best breed for you, you will need to think about their needs for space and activity, as well as their temperament. And it is that the Nordics in general, and in particular the Siberian husky, have a behavior which must be understood and understood to make them really happy and maintain a perfect relationship between the animal and its owner.

Alaskan Malamute character

It’s true that the Alaskan Malamute may look like a wolf, but that’s far from it. The Alaskan Malamute is a friendly and loving companion, although it may not be the ideal breed for someone who has their first dog.

• Alaskan Malamute is an agile and friendly dog with great intelligence. Dogs find a common language perfectly with a person.
• The animal does not like submission, is characterized by its independence. For the formation of obedience in the Alaskan Malamute, it is immediately necessary to pay particular attention to the education process.
• The dog is not aggressive, gets along well with children. He is not even able to scare people by barking because he practically does not show his voice.
• The presence of a pack instinct, anchored in antiquity, since the representatives of this race had to work in a team. In the family, the animal feels good.
• This dog does not tolerate loneliness.
• Race representatives are not hunters and are absolutely not suitable for protection.

Health

With proper maintenance and a balanced diet, the Alaskan Malamute can live up to 14-15 years. All Alaskan dogs are naturally endowed with good health and endurance, malamutes are no exception. But problems in this regard are still observed. Most often, the representatives of the breed have the following diseases:

• Diabetes mellitus is not treatable, but with proper nutrition and medication prescribed by your doctor, diabetes can be controlled.
• Eye diseases – cataract, glaucoma, retinal atrophy, etc.
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a dangerous disease that leads to a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Oncological diseases.
• Epilepsy is extremely difficult to treat, accompanied by seizures.
• Bloating – happens due to poor nutrition. If the assistance is not provided on time, the dog may die.
• Chondrodysplasia is dwarfism.
• Skin diseases.
• Dysplasia of the hip joints – leads to impaired motor function of the limbs.
• Hypothyroidism – can happen due to long-term lack of thyroid hormones.

It is possible to detect the disease in time and start treatment thanks to regular preventive examinations at the veterinary clinic. It is also important to do routine vaccination and treatment of the pet for skin parasites.

Basic care

The Alaskan Malamute has no problem taking a bath, as this dog is very fond of swimming. The main thing in this procedure is to wash off all the shampoo foam from the thick layer. In order for the coat to be even and neat when it dries, it must be dried and combed at the same time.

• During the moult, you just have to comb these stuffed animals as often as possible. And then you will have hairs everywhere in your apartment.
• It is imperative to cut her nails regularly and wipe her eyes once a week. Clean your dog’s ears once a month.
• The dog must have his own bed. Sofa or unparalleled armchair. It should only be his.
• When the Alaskan Malamute changes teeth, be sure to buy a safe toy, so that it does not chew furniture and shoes.

The best place to live for the Alaskan Malamute is, of course, a house or a chalet. Because the dog loves freedom. The apartment will be cramped for him. You have to remember that this race likes to dig the ground. Therefore, prepare for an unearthed lawn. And it is also necessary to ensure that the animal does not dig and run away because of its free character.

Feeding

To keep your dog healthy, you need to provide him with a complete diet. It can be either dry food or natural. Due to its impressive size, it may seem that the Alaskan Malamute eats a lot, but this is not the case. Its daily food intake is much less than that of other dogs of the same size. If you prefer to feed your dog ready-made food, then, of course, in this case, you should use high quality holistic or at least super premium food.

Exercise

The Alaskan Malamute needs at least two hours a day of exercise, preferably more. He loves to run, so early training on the leash is essential. Many like to practice canicross, an activity in which they run with their masters.

Exercise doesn’t have to be extreme, but it should at least be moderate. Care should be taken to avoid thermal shock when exercising the malamute in a hot climate. High temperatures can be a very serious problem for malamutes, as with any other breed of sled dog.

It is important to keep this in mind to avoid potentially fatal thermal shocks. A small apartment or a house is not the ideal place for this breed. It is better to have a garden or a large terrace where the malamute can discharge his energy every day. This does not mean that he is isolated, but gives him the opportunity to “move the skeleton” every day.

Alaskan Malamute Fun Facts

• Malamutes are very fond of digging. Getting such a dog, get ready for dug flower beds, lawns and any areas of land available to dig.
• The language of Malamutes is not the usual barking or howling, but a kind of grunt or grumble.
• Do not be surprised if in the middle of the night the malamute wants to howl at the moon.
• In the summer, malamutes actively shed and this fluff can really be used to knit medical socks and not only from dog hair!
• They are very fond of tactile sensations, sitting on handles and physical contact with the owner. An adult malamute can easily perch on the arms like a small cat.
• Alaskan Malamutes are very kind and sociable by nature.
• Bathing an Alaskan Malamute is not an easy task. Their undercoat does not let water through, so getting the dog wet is still a challenge.
• The mature age of the Malamute is 3 years. It was at this time that he begins to actively listen, to be more restrained and educated.
• The Malamute foot is designed for walking in the snow. These are a kind of snowshoes that allow you to walk in deep snow and not fall through.
• The claws of Alaskan Malamute, when pressed on the pad of the fingers, come out like those of cats.
• Trained Malamute is able to pull up to 400 kg.
• Malamutes do not belong to likes. They are included in the Spitz group, Section 1 Sled dogs. As a rule, they are not suitable for hunting.
• If an Alaskan Malamute wants something, he will achieve it, whether you want it or not.
• Malamutes do not tolerate heat well, but can withstand -50 degrees of frost.
• Most Malamutes do not like to swim. They say that water and ice are associated with wormwood in these dogs – that is, in their habitats, with death. But it looks like some Malamutes are unfamiliar …
• Would you like an Alaskan Malamute to bring you a stick? Pray him! Maybe it will ride.

History of the breed

Alaskan Malamutes first appeared in the Malmute Eskimo tribes who lived along the Anvik River in Alaska. The Eskimos used these dogs to carry heavy loads in extreme arctic conditions.

Breeders distinguish between two types of Alaskan Malamutes: M’Loot and Kotzebue. M’Loots are distinguished by their large size and different colors – from wolf to white. Kotzebue has only one color – wolf, while they are less aggressive and highly mobile.

Breeder Paul Volcker was committed to the M’Lut line, he did not officially register his dogs. Kotzebue was bred by Arthur Walden and spouses Milton and Eva Seeley: they developed breed standards and officially registered him in 1935. And although breeders still argue which of the Alaskan Malamutes is “correct” , both species are very popular worldwide.