Alaskan Malamute

Breed summary

The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. They are freighting dogs, built to pull heavy loads for long distances. Alaskan Malamute is highly athletic with a muscular body, deep chest, strong legs, and a plume of a tail that waves over his back. An Alaskan Malamute's head is broad with prick ears and dark-brown eyes. The Alaskan Malamute is bred for power and endurance, which is its original function and what the standard of the breed requires of Alaskan Malamute breeders. They are not good guard dog because they treat all guests and people that they meets for the first time as friends.

Coat

Length: Medium

Characteristics: Double coat

Colors: Variety of colors with white

Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate

Nutrition

Alaskan Malamute needs high-quality diet appropriate according to their age (puppy, adult, senior). Keep your dog’s diet consistent and don’t give them people food. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Sometimes, treats in training can cause obesity if given in excessive amounts.

Training

Alaskan Malamutes require socialization and obedience training that is necessary in order to prevent a Malamute from becoming pushy with children and other pets, or dominant over adults he or she doesn’t respect. Malamutes are highly intelligent and independent in nature. They are trustworthy companions to humans. Certain behavior like digging makes it impossible for training sometimes.

Exercise

Alaskan Malamutes need routine care to live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. They are large, active dogs with a lot of energy. A strong, athletic dog with tremendous endurance, designed to carry heavy loads, a Mal requires daily exercise. They enjoy hiking, running, and swimming with their owners.

Health Concerns

The most common issues seen in Alaskan Malamutes are dental diseases, parasites, hip dysplasia, bloat, dwarfism, obesity, hypothyroidism, peripheral neuropathy, etc.

Country of Origin: Siberia

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 58 of 196

AKC Classification: Working Group

UKC Classification: Northern Breeds

Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day

Height: Female: 23 inches; Male: 23 inches

Weight: Female: 75 lbs; Male: 85 lbs

Physical traits: Athletic, Strong, Muscular

Personality traits/Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Playful

Energy Level: Very energetic

Tendency to Bark: Moderate

Tendency to Dig: Moderate

Social/Attention Needs: High

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Fun Fact

Alaskan Malamute is one of the rare breeds of dogs that didn't change a lot since its creation. Alaskan Malamute was used as a working dog during the WWI and WWII.

References

1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/

2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds

3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/

4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles

5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds