The Alaskan Malamute is a devoted , outgoing stock that enjoys lock in playful activity and staying active . This could be the breed for you if you ’re reckon for a large breed that ’s eager to participate in outdoor activities . They ’re not often suggest for home with small children or those who do n’t endure an active modus vivendi due to the breed ’s rank exponent , enormous physique , and springy disposition .
Where Did the Alaskan Malamute Come From?
Alaskan Malamutes arebelieved to have descendedfrom heel that come into North America with Paleolithic tribes around 4,000 old age ago , score their origin as among the oldest subsist breeds . While they have a wolfish appearance , they are not wolves or wolf - dog loan-blend , though the breed may have developed in the origin with some cross in their bloodline . Their principal purpose was hale lowering supply and helping their owners search seal .
Breed Characteristics
Like other spitz breeds , Alaskan Malamuteshave the characteristic surcharge keister and a compact , hardy chassis . They are hefty heel that are clearly built for activities postulate strength and endurance . They have broad skulls , lowly triangular and erect ears , and a long beak . They average 25 inches mellow at the shoulder and 85 pound for males and 23 inches in high spirits and 75 pounds for females .
The coat ranges from short to medium length with a coarse , heavy greatcoat and a dense , muzzy primer . Their coat is design for extreme cold temperature and you could wait these dogs to vaunt their coats during the warmer months . Their coating also makes them less well-heeled in hotter climate . They are definitely a richly - moult breed , so they ’re not a good choice if you dislike cleaning up dog hair everywhere . pelage colors are a mix of whitened and gray , smutty , sable or cherry-red , or substantial white . Theyrequire a bathevery one to six weeks and hebdomadal brushings , as mat can occur without regular grooming .
Temperament
Alaskan Malamutes are known for being outgoing , friendly dogs with a puppy - like demeanor . They enjoy play and are a effective pet to have with children , although they are best suited to households with older kid because of their size and long suit . They can display high prey force around small animals and may not do well with cats , though some can live with them if kindle around felid . They also can be aggressive to other dog and have been involved in some incident with aggression to people , though this can often be assign to pitiful socialisation and care rather than a general trait of the breed . Malamutes are also known for enjoying a good howl and can be " talkative . "
Exercise Needs
This breed is definitely not a good selection for a couch potato . malamute need a lot of exercise and are high - zip dogs . They can be destructive in the home if they ’re bored and under - stimulated . They can surpass at any case of athletic activity , such as jogging , hiking , skijoringand dog sport such asagilityand weight drag . They also love snow and tolerate the coldness very well . You may hear Malamute owners complain about how hard it is to get them to make out in from frolicking in the snow on an frosty wintertime day .
What’s the Difference Between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky?
Alaskan malamute and Huskies are often false for each other , and these two distinct breeds share many trait . The Malamute be given to be larger and compact compared to the lean and more nimble Husky . Their differences are based on their original education purpose . Malamutes were designed to pull heavy loads at a slow , steady tread , while Huskies were cover to pull lighter sleds as fast as possible .
Training
malamute are sleep with for their cutting intelligence and main nature , which may be more difficult for a first - time proprietor to wield . Positive reenforcement trainingis a must , as these dogs need to work in cooperation with you to learn to the effective of their power . They alsoshould be socializedand enrol in a puppy stratum as soon as possible so they do n’t develop into large , uncontrollable grownup .
Health Concerns
The Malamute has a lifespan of approximately 10 to 14 years . They have a fewmedical issuesendemic to the breed .
Where Can You Get an Alaskan Malamute?
If you ’re looking for an Alaskan Malamute puppy , a good place to set off is the website of the Alaska Malamute Club of America ( AMCA ) . They have abreeder directoryavailable for download as an Excel file , as well as helpful tips on how to find responsible stock breeder with caliber dogs . TheAKC PuppyFinderpage also has a breeder lookup . Expect to make up around$900 to $ 1,000 , although high - end show Canis familiaris from champion lines can be as much as $ 6,500 .
You may see some stock breeder publicize " Giant Alaskan Malamutes , " which is not a recognized breed . These dog are bred to be enceinte than the standard for the breed , and can consider as much as 190 pounds , standing up to 35 inches gamey at the berm . This can be knotty for dogs that already digest from joint issues such as pelvic arch dysplasia , as well as other health trouble exacerbated by poor reproduction and their excessively magnanimous size .
Reputable Rescue Organizations
If you would choose a rescue blackguard , the stock breeder list on the AMCA website lists breeders who are involve in rescuing the breed . you could also contact these strain - specific Malamute rescues :
Is This Breed Right Dog For You?
If you are an active person who want a high - energy , intelligent companion who love cold-blooded climate , the Alaskan Malamute is an splendid pick . They ’re not the good breed for apartments , those with sedentary modus vivendi , homes with little children and favourite , or for people who are not lancinate on dealing with mint of hotdog hair . Training and socialising is also a must , so you should be uncoerced to put in the time to be a responsible Malamute proprietor before bringing one household .
