The Alaskan malamute is a large and strong dog, also known as the "locomotive of the north". Although it was made to survive in extremely cold and harsh conditions, it can now be found in homes all over the world. He is a wonderful, faithful and caring companion for the whole family.
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the dog breeds that has not changed much since its creation. DNA tests date its origin to approximately 2000 - 3000 years ago. The Alaskan Malamute belongs to a group of Spitz dogs bred by the Eskimo tribe called Mahlemuts (which is where its name comes from). The Alaskan comes from an original dog that traveled thousands of years ago with prehistoric humans, from Asia to the Americas. Initially, it was used as a working dog, whose main task was to pull heavily loaded sleds. It was also used to hunt seals and protect against polar bears. Alaskan also worked during World War I and II. Thanks to its endurance and strength, it was able to cover longer distances and pull loads weighing 0,5–1 ton.
According to FCI classification No. 243, the Alaskan malamute belongs to Group 5: Spitz and Primitive Breed Dogs, Section 1: Nordic Sled Dogs. He is a wolf type quadruped and is not subject to working trial. It can reach 58 to 63 cm in height and weigh between 34 and 38 kg.
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
A representative of this breed is adapted to life in low temperatures. It has thick, double fur. The undercoat has a greasy and woolly structure, up to 5 cm thick. The Alaskan's outer coat is thick and spiky. The standard standards allow for sable coat color, with all shades, and red-red. The Alaskan's head is covered with white hair a distinctive mask. Sometimes you can see a white arrow or collar on it. Alaskan's limbs and abdomen are also dominated by white.
The Alaskan Malamute is a well-built, well-proportioned dog. Its head is large with a pointed muzzle, and its ears are small and pointed. This dog's paws are adapted to cover long distances in bad weather conditions. The paw pads are thick, hard and covered with hair (between the toes). The eyes of a Malamute are almond-shaped and set obliquely. Their dominant color is brown, but they should always be dark. Unlike the Siberian Husky, with which the Alaskan Malamute is confused, its eyes are not blue.
The Alaskan's tail is highly hairy in a spiral shape, curled over the back. In snow and in low temperatures, it acts as a shawl with which a lying dog wraps its nose.
The Alaskan malamute is a very affectionate dog that attaches strongly to humans. He feels best in a large family. He can be very gentle and loving towards household members. It is a great companion for children, friendly and affectionate.
Sometimes it happens that a representative of this breed instinctively tries to achieve the "alpha" position in the family. However, it depends largely on whether the owner is able to confirm his domination over the dog. Unfortunately, if left unchecked, this trait can result in the dog's disobedience. Despite its size and strength, the Alaskan is not aggressive, although it must be taken into account that it may not tolerate other quadrupeds.
The Alaskan Malamute requires a lot of activity: running, pulling a bicycle or a stroller with a child, or carrying supplies. Because he is a working dog, he likes being engaged and then he is happy. He also likes to dig in the ground.
The representative of this breed rarely bark, but communicates expressively with its owner through a characteristic whine or howl, making a "woo-woo" sound.
The Alaskan malamute is a healthy and extremely hardy breed. Nevertheless, like any large breed, it is prone to hip dysplasia (less often elbow joints). In addition, it is burdened with a genetic eye disease, including cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy.
Dog dwarfism and disease are sometimes noted in breeding of this breed coat funk, which is manifested by brittleness and hair loss. Since the hair does not grow back, the dog is at risk of becoming bald.
A female Alaskan malamute gives birth to an average of 6 puppies. Representatives of this breed live between 12 and 15 years on average.
The thick, dense coat of the Malamute sheds intensively all year round. This process is exacerbated twice a year when she loses large clumps of hair. So it requires daily brushing to keep the coat in perfect condition. The Alaskan Malamute is an odorless breed and cleans just like a cat. For this reason, it does not require frequent baths (once or twice a year).
Malamutes have thick, strong claws that need to be trimmed monthly. This should be done from a puppy so that your pet gets used to these treatments. Brushing your teeth is another very good habit to introduce in young dogs and should be done at least four times a week.
Photo in the entry: Carina Wicke Photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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