Dog Breeds: Alaskan Malamute

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

Dog Breeds: The Airedale Terrier

The largest of all Terriers, the Airedale Terrier hails from Yorkshire, England and the first recorded breed classes took place at the Airedale Agricultural Society show in 1864. Also called the Waterside Terrier, this dog is a powerful swimmer. It is also referred to as the “King of Terriers” because it is 22 to 24 inches ( 55-61 cm) tall at the shoulders and weighs 44 to 50 pounds (20-23 Kg). The Airedale Terrier is a muscular, active dog, readily joining in children's games. It is outgoing and friendly and is a wonderful family dog, a companion for the country or the city. Its life expectancy is 13 years, although individual dogs have lived for shorter or longer periods.

The Airedale has small dark eyes and a keen expression. Combined with its quickness of movement, the Airedale always appears to be expecting something to happen. It is alert and fearless, but not aggressive. The Airedale tail is set high on the body and it is carried proudly erect when it has been docked (cut short shortly after birth). Because of current laws in some countries, the custom of docking dog's tails in now almost a thing of the past.

The Airedale Terrier has a hard, dense, wiry double coat which is waterproof. It sheds twice yearly and in between shedding periods, its coat needs occasional stripping to alleviate tangles and mattes. The body saddle, top of the neck and surface of the tail are black and the rest of the dog is tan. No other colour combinations are acceptable.

The Airedale Terrier, like all Terrier breeds, is a great vermin hunter, but today, it is mainly used as a great family dog, although it is occasionally used as a guard dog or police dog.

Its ears are “V” shaped, the forelegs are straight and thickly boned. It has small, round, compact feet with well cushioned pads and arched toes. Thighs are muscular and powerful and the stifles are well bent. Its beard covers very powerful jaws which operate in a scissor like manner.

The Airedale Terrier is believed to have originated from the crossing of an Old English Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier with an Otterhound. This dog has a tendency to be stubborn and also to get involved in street brawls with other dogs. It likes activity and daily walks should be provided.

If you are interested in an active, outgoing friendly dog, then you may want to consider and Airedale Terrier as a pet for your family.

Until next time,

Teia