Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute has a double coat, with a thick woolly underside and a longer layer of hair on the outside. The color may range from black, gray, sable or red with markings on the top of the head and a mask on the face. They shed their undercoats only twice a year, but make sure when they do, be prepared for a LOT of hair. The outer coat is coarse and allows less dirt and debris to catch on, leaving the Malamute fairly dry and clean for the most part. This double coat is their way of adapting to the extreme weather conditions in the north, where the Malamute originated. It is also why during the summer, this particular breed must be kept cool with an air-conditioner or small pool area.

The Malamute’s body is built more for power and endurance, rather than speed. They are working dogs trained to transport heavy loads over great distances. Its size is a product of well-developed muscles all over the body, as well as a broad chest and back. Standing erect, the broad head is held tall, indicating its proud carriage. As family pets, they can be friendly and playful. They are loyal companions that can adapt to more than one master in the family.

Alaskan Malamutes can live up to 16 years.

Malamutes are very intelligent dogs that are resourceful, tough and restless. They are used to being physically stimulated, so it is better for everyone if they be kept busy with activities such as running, playing, sledding or walking. A bored Malamute may result in a misbehaving Malamute. Having survived in the wild before, they have developed senses that are capable of sustaining them for indefinite periods of time. It is also for this very reason why they can be difficult to train. “Alpha” instincts kick in when you try to establish yourself as the pack-leader, resulting in a stubborn, unrelenting dog. However, if you have experience training a larger, dominant breed, the Malamute would be a great partner. Feeding is easy because they are used to smaller, irregular meals from surviving on their own. Owners should regulate their diet because they are not known to turn down food if it is offered to them, posing greater risk for obesity.

They may be more hostile towards smaller breeds because of their prey-like characteristics. Despite its predatory behavior, Malamutes are not watchdogs. Their friendliness towards people is a dead giveaway to their affectionate nature, although at first glance the Malamute’s appearance can be intimidating.

Alaskan Malamutes are descended from dogs raised by the Mahlemut tribe in Alaska. They were working dogs utilized to hunt and live alongside the community. They were revered for hunting excellent food sources such as bears and deer that sustained both humans and animals through challenging winter seasons.

In 1896, their popularity rose as settlers found use for them during the Klondlike Gold Rush. They were crossbred with other imported breeds, but this did not affect the present day Malamute. In fact, it is one of the most genetically distinct dogs. They seem to be efficient search and rescue dogs as testament to their efforts in World War II. They were also put to work as packing and freighting dogs in Europe.

They have always been used as sled dogs for heavy freighting in the Arctic. The breed is cousin to the other Arctic breeds: the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky and the American Eskimo dog.

One of the major causes of death for this breed is cancer; however, it is less common in the US than in the UK because of the larger number of imports involved in inbreeding. Other health concerns include hip dysplasia, eye ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, congenital heart problems and skin disorders related to shedding.

Breeders Domain offers a direct connection to quality, responsible Alaskan Malamute Breeders in the United States and Canada. We have an extensive directory of Alaskan Malamute Puppies for Sale and Alaskan Malamute Breeders. The majority of our Alaskan Malamute Breeders offer health guarantees and nationwide shipping of their puppies to approved homes. Breeders Domain is also an excellent source of information about the Alaskan Malamute breed, general health concerns and photos of Alaskan Malamute puppies and adults.