Pets

An Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Alaskan Malamute is a medium to large sized dog in the sled dog family. The dog measures 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and the bitch 22 to 24 inches. The dog will weigh approximately 80 to 95 pounds and the female dog between 70 and 85 pounds. The Alaskan Malamute’s coat has a very dense double coat that is 2 to 3 inches long. This dense coat is what allows the Alaskan Malamute to stay outdoors in arctic winter conditions. The coat is usually gray, white and black, wolf gray or red. White is the only solid color allowed. The Alaskan Malamute generally lives 12 to 15 years.

History: The Alaskan Malamute has been used by the Inuit for over 2000 years. This is a very old breed that shows its wolf ancestry in its appearance. This dog got its name from the tribe called Mahlemuts, which had come from Siberia to settle in what is now Alaska. The dogs provided the Mahlemuts with a reliable means of transportation in a very challenging climate. Used not only as sled dogs, the Malamute was also used in hunting polar bears.

Temperament: The Alaskan Malamute is an even-tempered dog that enjoys being with its human family. This is a friendly dog ​​that is not a good watchdog. The Malamute is mainly used today as a dog, although some are still used for mushing. This dog is quite intelligent and can learn quickly, however training should start early. The Malamute is good with children and likes to play with them, but make sure the child is large enough to safely play with this rather large dog. Some dogs, male and female alike, despite socialization, remain hostile to dogs of the same sex.

Health Issues: The Alaskan Malamute is subject to bloating or twisting of the stomach. If your dog experiences this, it is vital to get him to an animal hospital right away for treatment. This dog can also suffer from hip dysplasia. Cancer is found, especially in older dogs, and this breed can exhibit inherited dwarfism. Eye problems can arise in the form of cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy.

Grooming: As the Alaskan Malamute is a heavy fur, it is necessary to brush the fur at least twice a week. This dog will blow his coat twice a year, and it’s probably a good idea to brush it more during these times. A dry shampoo is all that is needed for bathing.

Living conditions: As the Alaskan Malamute is kept today primarily as a companion dog, it will generally be kept in the house. It is perfectly capable of living outdoors as long as it is visited by its owner during the day. The Malamute is not a dog that should be kept in an apartment, it is too active for such a small space and needs a lot of exercise to stay in shape. This dog will become extremely destructive of his environment if he is not given enough exercise.

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