Alaskan Malamute Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Alaskan Malamute?

Originally bred to hunt seals, chase polar bears and pull heavy sleds, the Malamute comes from the North Eastern Seward Peninsula. It moved from Siberia to Alaska with the Mahlemuts tribe, perhaps the reason it is sometimes confused with the Siberian Husky.

In 1896, the Gold Rush brought a large number of dogs to Alaska. These dogs were interbred with other dog breeds; however, the Mahlemuts tribe were quite isolated, resulting in the Alaskan Malamute breed being better preserved.

The Alaskan Malamute Club of America was established in 1935, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially registered them that same year. Many of these registered dogs were used in World War II as sled dog breeds, resulting in a huge loss for the breed.

Many of the Alaskan Malamutes today can trace their ancestry back to the Kotzebues strain that was developed by Arthur T. Walden, who started breeding this strain in America in the 1930s.

Who are Alaskan Malamute dogs best for?

The Malamute is not the ideal dog for first-time dog owners. They are physically tough and have high energy, with a lot of strength. They require proper training from an experienced dog owner.

They are not guard dogs despite their fierce appearance as they are the type to treat everyone as their friend.

They are best suited for large families and require a lot of outdoor space. They are pack animals and will fit in well with other dogs. If you are the adventurous type, this dog is for you! They are great at dog sports like conformation, obedience competitions, weight pulling, skijoring, backpacking and recreational sledding.

They are a perfect fit for people who live in cold and snowy regions as their extra-thick coats keep them warm.

How much grooming does a Alaskan Malamute need?

Alaskan Malamutes have a dense double coat. Their outer coat, also known as their guard coat, should not be soft or long. Their undercoat should be oily and woolly to reflect the cold.

They have erect ears and may have a curled up tail that they use to cover their noses from the cold.

Dogs who have a double coat shed year-round, so you are going to have to get used to having fur all-around your house and on your clothes. It is recommended to brush them three times a week.

They shed heavily twice a year which is their main shedding season. During this time, they lose large amounts of fur, and you should then use an undercoat rake to avoid any clumping.

It is advised to bathe them once or twice a year as they are generally odourless dogs. Brushing their teeth once or twice or twice a week to remove any buildup of tartar on the gums and teeth. Clip their nails once or twice a month too.

Check their ears, skin, mouth and nose regularly for any redness or swelling. You should take your Malamute to the vet regularly to be properly examined for any signs of illnesses or skin irritations.

Do Alaskan Malamute bark much?

The Alaskan Malamute does not bark often, but this does not mean they are quiet. They are quite vocal, and their "wooing" and howling is a very common trait.

They love to interact verbally with anyone and will often break into a howl when they feel the urge to. If they are around other dogs of their breed, one dog's howl will often cause a chain reaction for all of them to howl.

For them, barking can be a way to alert the people or dogs around them. They may also be more frequent barkers if they are raised by other breeds who bark. It really is dependent on what they were exposed to at a young age.

Do Alaskan Malamute bite?

Malamutes are not aggressive but training them when they are puppies plays an important role in their understanding of what is the correct dog behaviour.

Biting and nibbling are common for puppies, so giving them a chew toy or something to distract them will help. It may be that your dog is stressed, so giving them the necessary attention is imperative, especially since Malamutes have high energy and are very physical dogs.

Obedience training for your young dog will avoid any kind of biting and behavioural problems when they get older.

What is the temperament & personality of a Alaskan Malamute?

Knowing the Alaskan Malamute temperament is important before bringing them into your life. You not only want to know what you are going to expect from them but also to know if they are the right dog for you.

This is what you can expect from an Alaskan Malamute:

• Easy to train

• Intelligent

• Potential for being noisy

• High levels of energy

• Playful

• Friendly

What is the weight & size of a Alaskan Malamute?

• A fully grown male Malamute will weigh between 36 kg to 43 kg with an average height of 61cm to 66cm.

• A fully grown female Malamute will weigh between 32 kg to 38 kg with an average height of 56cm to 61cm.

How much training does a Alaskan Malamute need?

This dog breed is known to be notoriously stubborn, which may be a challenge to any dog owner trying to train them. They are highly intelligent, which does count in their favour when being trained.

• They require structure as this will make the training process more effective.

• They are easily bored, so keeping the training process within their skill set will keep them interested. Making training a physical challenge is a sure way to keep them from getting bored.

• If your Malamute is adopted into a household where there is a large family, it is best to get everyone involved in the training process. This will allow them to learn how to interact with people of all ages.

• Teach them commands as these verbal cues will immediately keep them in check when being disciplined.

• Give them praise and rewards as this will validate good behaviour and will, most importantly, create a positive learning environment for your dog.

Here are tips on how to train your Alaskan Malamute.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Alaskan Malamute?

They are not prone to health problems, but like other animals, there are health conditions to look out for.

These are some of the health problems to look out for:

• Hip dysplasia - This is when the thigh bone does not properly fit into the hip socket. It may lead to arthritis when they get older.

• Cataracts - This is often developed at a young age, and if the dog does have it should not be used for breeding.

• Chondrodysplasia - It is also known as dwarfism and is shown by abnormally-sized limbs.

• Hypothyroidism - This can be displayed as a dry or coarse coat.

What is the lifespan of a Alaskan Malamute?

The Malamute's life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

How much should you feed a Alaskan Malamute?

Large dog breeds are known to eat large amounts of food, and the Malamute is no different. They should eat 3 to 4 cups of high-quality food twice a day. Where puppies are required to be fed 4 small meals a day with a 4 to 5-hour intervals.

What is the price of a Alaskan Malamute in Australia?

A domestic Malamute can cost, on average, $1000. Whereas Malamutes adopted for shows or breeding can cost on average of $1500 to $1700.