Group: Working
Weight: male: 85, female: 75 lbs
Height: male: 25, female: 23 inches
Life expectancy: 12-15years
Size of litters: 5-6 puppies
History Their name comes from the Mahlemuts tribe, an Alaskan tribe who cared for this breed. Thousands of years ago they were also used by the Mahlemuit Eskimos for transportation and are said to descend from the arctic wolf. They’re one of the oldest known breeds around and have the proof to back up this claim. The Alaskan Malamute is a very highly thought of breed.
Characteristics
They’re large, solid and well built. Their wide head contains slanted, brown, almond shaped eyes (medium in size). The ears are erect and its thick double coat is coarse. The tail is held over the back and is fluffed. Their coat comes in a range of colours: wolf grey, white, black & white, wolf sable (red undercoat, dark grey outer coat), or red, with darker highlights and can be with a dark mask. Their legs and muzzles are usually always white.
Temperament
They are very friendly, therefore not good watchdogs. They make great companions because they are clever, loyal and very affectionate towards their owners. They’re very energetic and need constant attention from their owners and families. Older children will be fine around them as long as they know to respect the Alaskan Malamute. They don’t do well with other animals around and they’re very independent.
Care
Regular grooming and teeth brushing is needed for this breed. They’ll shed heavily twice a year and are massive shedders. They’re hygienic and odourless, therefore never really need bathing. Long daily walks are needed in cool weather as exercise can be overdone if warm, they also need to be played with and kept busy as they’re very energetic. The problems this breed can face are, hip dysplasia and chondrodysplasia, but are usually very healthy. For more detailed info, take a look at the Alaskan Malamute Grooming page.
Training
Obedience training is a must as they can be very independent thinkers. Socialisation is also needed with other animals, dogs and people. A firm and strong approach to training will work best. Positive rewards will be most successful and will get better results from the Alaskan Malamute. They’re very keen to impress their owners. Males are usually harder to train and house break than the females.