One of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, this breed originated in the Eskimo settlement of Malamute. Affectionate, friendly, loyal and a devoted companion this breed likes people. The broad head and obliquely set eyes add to its dignified appearance. According to the American Kennel Club, the Alaskan Malamute has a well furred tail carried over the back like a “waving plume.” Apparently in stormy conditions it will curl this tail around its eyes, protecting them from damage caused by blowing snow.
Puppy litters for this breed range from 4 to 10 puppies. Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, although a British study involving 14 dogs found the median lifespan to be 10.7 years. The discrepancy may be due to the size of the study, or the fact that it took place in Britain which is a warmer climate than Alaska where the breed originated from.
To survive Alaskan temperatures and pull a heavy sled at a steady speed this breed needs to be powerful and heavily boned. An Alaskan Malamute's weight is 85 to 125 pounds (38-56 Kg) and its height 23 to 28 inches (58-71 cm).
The Alaskan Malamute is a good family dog because it is great around children and it is very protective of them. As a result, it is not a good idea to discipline children around the dog.
Unfortunately, it has a tendency to show aggression toward other dogs. Its size and strength require that it be handled firmly and carefully.
Its thick double coat ranges from light grey to black or from gold through shades of red to liver, always with white on its face, chest, under body, legs, feet and underside of tail. The only solid colour permissible for this breed is white.
Apparently the Alaskan Malamute is difficult to train, so training sessions should be kept short and fun for the dog, or it will lose interest.
They make good house dogs as they are nimble around furniture and small objects, but they require plenty of time outdoors getting large amounts of exercise. If kept as an outdoor dog, they must have plenty of shade in the summer and should be provided with a paddling pool of cold water so they can lay in it to cool off. They love snow.
The Alaskan Malamute has a tendency to run off, so they should either be on a leash or within a fenced in area. They are a fairly quiet dog as they do not bark very much, although they do “talk” using a “woo woo” sound and they also have a tendency to howl like a wolf on occasion.
Known health problems include cancer, hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
My Dad's mom had an Alaskan Malamute whose father was a beautiful gold colour. "Rocky" took after his mother and ended up black with some white on him. He looked like a black bear and was nearly as big weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. He liked other dogs and even cats, but he was a great watch dog. He loved children and adored my Grandma. Whenever anyone came to the door, he would stand between the open door and Grandma. If Grandma invited them in, he would lay beside her chair. Once when dad was visiting, he came in the door quickly and "Rocky" came to meet him. Grandma yelled, "It's OK, it's Bert, and "Rocky" skidded to a stop and laid his head on Dad's foot and whined quietly, almost like he was apologizing to dad. Unfortunately he got cancer and had to be put down.
If you are looking for a loyal dog with plenty of stamina that enjoys activity and exercise of all kinds, then the Alaskan Malamute is the dog for you.
Until next time,
Teia
No comments:
Post a Comment