The beautiful Alaskan malamute is quite popular among these size dogs. On the one hand, this has to do with the robustness in combination with the size of the dog. On the other hand with the fact that the dog is, at least apparently, close to nature. The warm eye color gives this sled dog a softer appearance. What is it exactly for a dog and how can you best keep it?
Alaskan malamute, the breed
The name given to the dog breed comes from the Inuit tribe (this is the name by which the Eskimos of Greenland and Canada refer to themselves) in Alaska, namely the Mahlemuts. The dog breed has been used there for many generations to pull sleds. The sled dog is used for the transport of people and (heavy) loads. The umbrella breed name for this type of dog is polar dogs.
Dogs were not really used for breeding programs in the United States until the beginning of the 20th century. It wasn’t until 1935 that the breed was truly recognized as such by the American Kennel Club. In the same year, the Alaskan Malamute Club was founded.
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The breed characteristics
Appearance
As a sled dog you have to be quite strong, that’s a starting point. It is therefore a robust dog with a deep chest, a well-compact body and loins that are not too short. The dog always has an active posture, stands well on its legs and looks proud. The shoulder height of the male is 63.5 cm and the bitch 58.5 cm. The dog is on average between 40 and 50 kg.
The Alaskan Malamute has a relatively broad head, upright wedge-shaped ears and a good-sized muzzle (slightly tapered) with a distinct black stop. The eyes are brown in color and eyes “warm”.
The coat can be called coarse and this thick full coat comes in different shades. The usual colors range from light gray to brown or black. The dog always has white on the belly, white on part of the legs and on part of the face (part of the so-called “mask”). The only exception to the rule is the all-white version. The hairs are about two cm long (sometimes slightly longer) and they feel woolly. In the summer the coat feels a little less dense. The tail lies well in line with the back and is nicely covered with hair. The tail, as it were, lies over the back and resembles a waving plume.
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Character
The Alaskan Malamute is known for being a friendly and affectionate dog that is intelligent and willful. It is a dog that has to survive, hence that waywardness. The dog is easy to train, but it can be a bit dominant. The dog can also display this dominance with acquaintances. Yet he realizes that the world revolves around man and not about him. He does tend to push the limits of man. It is therefore important to learn more about this type of dog and how to deal with it. The dog needs a clear upbringing and as an owner you must be able to master the dog mentally and physically. But sometimes you can also get a long way with this dog with a tasty treat.
If the dog does not know someone, then the dog can completely ignore the person in question, at least that is how it often appears. But that same dog may suddenly want to hug you completely to death. With children you can say that the dog is tolerant on average. Children must also know how to handle the dog and it is therefore good with children to have the dog as a puppy. In any case, the Alaskan malamute is not a real playmate for children.
The dog can also be combined well with another dog, it is a pack animal. They like to hang out together, especially if the other dog is of the opposite sex.
Source: Skeeze, Pixabay
Bringing home the Alaskan malamute
Good preparation is always good when an animal comes into the house. Sometimes you have to adjust things, see what is going well and what is not. Creating space or fencing may be necessary and what if you already have another animal? Regardless, the Alaskan malamute isn’t the easiest dog to get. Some things to pay attention to:
- The dog’s coat is quite easy to care for, except when it is moulting. Then large clouds of hair can come out and it is therefore important to keep track of this. These dogs shedding once or twice a year.
- Such a dog preferably needs a piece of ground and a good fence. With a fence you should think of something about two meters high and one that is preferably also a bit in the ground.
- It is actually a working dog that wants to be busy. Realize that this dog needs a lot of exercise. Just having the space of a piece of land, for example, is not enough. If the sled is not in it for him, then running or a lot of walking through the woods is also good. Running the bike with a special belt can also be a great solution.
- In addition to physical exercise, the dog must also be mentally challenged. There are special training courses that you can follow with such a dog or go into the woods regularly and let him track.
- These dogs don’t always get along well with other animals. Discuss this differently with the breeder.
- Conditions for this breed are mainly hip dysplasia and cataracts.
Why this dog?
As an owner you really have to want to put a lot of time into this dog. It can be a great buddy, at least if the proportions are right. Make sure of this the moment you get enchanted by its appearance. If all of this is new to you, talk to the breeder and experience what it all means to make the dog fit into your life. Furthermore, the breeder must of course also provide the correct papers, vaccinations, health certificate, pedigree and chip. If everything has been considered and the light is still green, you can have a great primal dog on the Alaskan malamute.
