Alaskan Malamute
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General Description
(Mal) Alaskan Malamutes are a well-built, strong Arctic breed. Their bodies are large, compact and sturdily built, and well-muscled. They have a broad head with a dignified expression, and their triangular-shaped ears are carried erect. Alaskan Malamutes have a plumed tail that curls over the back in a loop shape. Their almond-shaped eyes are brown in color, and they resemble those of a wolf. The Alaskan Malamute’s lush double coat comes in a variety of colors including white, black and white, wolf gray, wolf sable, or red. Markings, highlights, masks, or dark caps in different colors may exist.User added info
Blue eyes are a disqualification color as set forth by the AKC.
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Character
Alaskan Malamutes are a good-natured, energetic breed. They are fun-loving, loyal, dedicated, and affectionate towards their owner(s). They make excellent pets for families with older children. As they become older, Alaskan Malamutes get calmer and more dignified. They are extremely sociable and outgoing, even towards strangers, so they do not make good watchdogs or guard dogs. This breed needs plenty of attention in order to prevent the onset of behavioral difficulties. Although sometimes difficult to train, Alaskan Malamutes are eager to please and can learn good manners with comparative ease. They like to dig and howl, and they will eat whatever is given to them.*
Their howl is almost identical to that of a wolf.
Size
22 – 26 inches
Weight
70 – 95 pounds
General Health
Alaskan Malamutes have few health concerns or genetic problems. Owner should not purchase this breed from a puppy mill, as these dogs are more prone to have a bad temperament or health issues. Like many other large breeds, Alaskan Malamutes are prone to hip dysplasia. They can also be susceptible to bloat. They typically live for 12 to 15 years, and they average 6 puppies per litter.
History
Alaskan Malamutes are a breed of Nordic dog. This means they are descendants of the Arctic wolf. Initially utilized by the Alaskan Eskimos 2000 to 3000 years ago, the Alaskan Malamutes were their predominant source of transportation. The breed hauled supplies and pulled sleds, and they were later used in Admiral Byrd’s pole expeditions. Alaskan Malamutes are known for their endurance and heart, and they have a number of natural abilities like sledding, racing, weight pulling, carting, and searching and rescuing. Over the past few decades, Alaskan Malamutes have proven to be excellent companions.*
Some consider them the strongest of the sled dogs.
Maintenance
The Alaskan Malamute’s dense, thick coat should be brushed frequently. They are excessive shedders and their undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. This breed is clean and odorless, so bathing is not particularly necessary. Alaskan Malamutes need plenty of exercise, but they shouldn’t be too active in warm weather.
Ideal Environment
Alaskan Malamutes are fairly active inside, and they need a large yard to run around and play. This breed likes to dig, so it’s important to have a buried fence that surrounds the backyard. Alaskan Malamutes are used to cold weather conditions, so they should be kept cool with lots of shade and cold water.
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Ask a QuestionAlaskan Malamute Q&A

Can an alaskan malamute live in maui, kihei?

i truly wouldn't recommend it. I have a malamute and live in upstate New York where it snows into May. He could lay buried in the snow for hours and be happy and warm, but come summer, we have to keep him inside out of the sun in the A/C for most of the day. They are just not meant to be in tropical climates or really any climate where snow is not a regular part of their lives. It only makes them suffer and shortens their life span. They are an amazing breed, and wonderful companions, but the dogs are amazing as a snow breed meant for cold climates where outdoor snowy activities are a part of their routine.

We have a 6 year old female who is shedding in clumps. Can we do anything to slow this down? She is inside for the summer (air conditioned) and has doesn't want to go out in the heat.

Just keep brushing! malamute fur sheds out in clumps especially in summer- using the special rake for the undercoat works the best. I don't recommend cutting their coat short as it will never grow back the same and does help protect them from overheating as long as you brush them regularly, sometimes daily in the summer.

You can get her coat trimmed but their coats provide a barrier from the heat so just be careful that she doesn't over heat.And If you don't currently give her a daily vitamin that may be something you might want to look into.This can help with the extra shedding.

What about getting her coat cut short at a groomers?

Hi, I have a 3 yr old Alaskan Malamute which we rescued. We would now like a Rotti Puppy, but she is agressive when she meets other dogs. Is it better to have a puppy or she we just forget the whole idea. I have a big garden.

Agreed, get the puppy. My male malamute is 4 yrs old and has on rare occasion shown some aggression with other dogs, although he had tons of socialization as a pup. To be honest, there are just some dogs that he doesn't like- either because they once had an altercation over food/a bone, or because the other dog showed aggression first and my dog responded. That being said, he always has done well with puppies... and he has met quite a few, indoors and outdoors, male and female. He is a smart animal and I think he understands the concept of a puppy. Outdoor environments are always favorable for new introductions just to keep the territory neutral and not so constricting. If you are tense, they will be tense and so you don't want to create an environment where all the humans are circled around them waiting for something to go wrong- sends the wrong energy- just be casual and light.

Some malamutes tend to be aggressive if they haven't had a lot of exposure to other dogs as a puppy.But in most cases female malamutes will tolerate puppies.She may not like it for the first few days but she should learn to adjust.She will for sure boss the new puppy around but I don't believe she will hurt it.Now if you had a male malamute that would be a different story all together.

get the puppy. take the time to introduce your mal with plenty of breaks. have a specific area(s) for both the mal and the pup. my mal and my kitten are best friends. She also loves our friends female dog.it will be harder to make it work with an older dog, but it can be done with discipline,time and love. the dog mainly needs to know that you are boss and the new pup is also a pack member. with our mal i have found that a squirt bottle, along with verbal commands does wonders.

What will help keep my mals in the yard? My fences do not deter them and I am considering a hot wire. Any other alternatives?

The previous reply about putting your malamutel on a chain couldn't be more incorrect. Putting any dog on a chain encourages frustration and agression. ( Some will say that sled dogs are chained all thetime. Remember, the sled dogs that are chained run a minimum of 15 - 20 milesw a day. When they are on a chain they eat and then sleep. Chaining is not a good option for "pets" I have been training difficult breeds for over 20 years. The best option is to purchase an invisible fence and spend the time training the dog well before you leave him by himself. I would start off with a color that vibrates as well and gives an audio and electrical correction.These invisble fences are easy to install and are cheaper to buy if you purchase via an online store.

dont use a hot wire that will only scare and hurt your mal, my mal digs ujnder my fence so we put he on a chain that linked him from one side of the yard to another then we let him off and he didnt notice the difference but it took some time to teach him the chain was were he was to be and now he is staying in the yard
