Alaskan Malamute
Important Details about Alaskan Malamutes:
- Life expectancy: 10-14 years
- Origin: Alaska.
- Speed: 28mph
- Colors: Black and white patchy fur, thick coat
- Height: 24 inches tall in general, male:- 25 inches, female:- 23 inches
- Temperament: Active, playful, and people-oriented.
- Weight: Male – 85 pounds, female- 75 pounds
About Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are a breed that originated from Alaska. They are fluffy, muscular, and have enormous energy levels. These pups have impressive physical feats.
These dogs were basically trained to pull heavy loads and practice hunting. They are strong, rugged, and have a profound sense of endurance.
They are known as the oldest arctic sled dogs who were kept as pets at the Alaskan highlands and were the most precious members of the family.
More About This Breed
- Characteristics
- History
- Personality
- Common Health Problems
- Feeding / Food / Diet
- Coat Color And Grooming
- Exercise
Characteristics
- Alaskan Malamutes are wolf-sized dogs that weigh approximately 85-75 pounds. They are larger than the Siberian Huskies as Malamutes have a high bone density.
- These dogs are often confused with Huskies. But in all honesty, they are much more robust and rigid than Huskies.
- As scary as they may look, Alaskan Malamutes are not exactly very aggressive. They are rather friendly.
- Their body is well built and muscular. This very characteristic makes them look like wolves.
- They do have very thick fur that saves them from the ice and harsh winter on the Alaskan Rockies.
- They can pull heavy loads around the snow-laden mountains. They're not very famous for their speed.
- These dogs need excessive exercise. Otherwise, they might turn furious and annoying. It is so because they need to channel their extra energy somewhere.
History
These strong and friendly dogs’ history goes back thousands of years ago. They were the most powerful dogs in the Alaskan subcontinent. Hence, they were used to pull a sled and hunt seals.
These dogs were also used as protectors from any prey, such as polar bears. They’re the oldest arctic dog sled breed.
As many theories revolve around the origin of these dogs, the most accepted theory states that Eskimos accompanied these dogs.
Around 4000 years ago, Eskimos, along with these dogs, were crossing the Siberian border. The anthropological research conducted for these dogs suggested that they basically originated from Cape Krusenstern around 1850 BC.
These Eskimos depended on their dogs to carry the heavy load. This ended up increasing the whole breed’s endurance.
The breed was on the verge of extinction during the world war and the gold rush. But they are the purest breed of dogs who were not mated and influenced by humans for any purpose.
Personality
- These dogs are otherwise cheerful when around their close circle, but they like to be left alone in their space.
- These dogs are easy to bond with and hence male excellent family dogs. They are very protective in nature, especially around children.
- The dogs are not very adaptive and may start being aggressive In slight changes.
- These Malamutes need a heavy-duty exercise session. Otherwise, they turn very aggressive. It is vital fir them to engage in activities like swimming and running.
- Alaskan Malamutes aren’t very threatening by nature. They are very people-oriented and trusting even when it comes to strangers.
- They love being around children and engaging in activities.
- Despite being so friendly in nature, they have a strong prey instinct and hence may not gel with any other pets in your house.
- They will socialize well only if trained aptly.
- They usually remain quiet, but once they start howling, it’s hard to hear the end of it.
Common Health Problems
As healthy as these fluffy friends of yours may look, sadly, they do have specific health problems. If these problems remain untreated, they may lead to the severity in no time.
Some of their common health issues are
- Hip dysplasia (a condition resulting in dwarfism)
- Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism)
- Polyneuropathy (neurological disorder)
- Cataracts
- Osteochondritis
- Luxating patella
- Progressive retinal atrophy
These may cause weakness and lack of coordination in their body.
Diet
The breed is very high maintenance. When you decide to pet one of these in your homes, make sure you have all the necessary grooming tools available at hand.
The Malamutes require brushing their coats every day to shed the extra fur. Only metal combs should be used for this.
During their bi-annual shedding season, they require an undercoat.
Coat Color and Grooming
The breed is very high maintenance. When you decide to pet one of these in your homes, make sure you have all the necessary grooming tools available at hand.
The Malamutes require brushing their coats every day to shed the extra fur. Only metal combs should be used for this.
During their bi-annual shedding season, they require an undercoat.
Exercise Needs
Minimum one-hour training sessions are mandatory for them to remain calm. If this part is neglected, they may become destructive or aggressive.
They need heavy exercise to shed their physical and mental energy. Indulging them in draining activities like running and swimming is essential to give them a long and healthy life.