<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Alaskan Malamute was originally used 2000 to 3000 years ago by the Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska. The dogs were the only form of transportation for the Eskimos and were highly valued. They pulled light traveling sleds, and hauled heavy loads (including food supplies). Later, the Malamute went with Admiral Byrd's expeditions to the pole. This breed has amazing strength, endurance and heart.
<b>Description:</> Large, strong Arctic dog with a thick, coarse double coat and a plumed tail held over the back. The feet are furry and have tough pads. The head is broad with erect ears and dark eyes (never blue). The coat averages one to three inches in length and comes in white, black and white, wolf gray, wolf sable (red undercoat with dark gray outer coat), or red, often with darker highlights and sometimes with a dark mask or cap. In some areas, dogs may be either smaller or larger than the official standard.
<b>Notes:</> Beware of puppy-mill dogs as health and temperament problems are occurring. This breed can be difficult to housebreak because of its dominance. The Malamute likes to roam in what he considers to be his territory, so he must have a well- fenced yard. Massively heavy shedder during his shedding periods. Quiet compared to most dogs, but likes to howl. Can be a digger. The Malamute should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as he has a strong prey instinct. However, Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own.
The Malamute's coat allows him to withstand extreme cold, but care will be needed to keep the dog cool in hot climates. The Malamute should be given shade and plenty of cool water. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended. Both sexes can be very combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed. Generally a very hardy dog--lives to about 12 years (fairly long life span for a large breed). Prone to hip dysplasia (but no more than other large breeds and less than many) and chondrodysplasia (a type of dwarfism). Require OFA, CERF, and ChD (dwarfism test) certification of both parents.
<b>Personality:</> A rambunctious puppy, this breed is great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally matures into a dignified and mellow adult. Very friendly, not suitable as a guard dog. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human "pack" lives. Without attention, these dogs may become destructive nuisances. In one case, a single dog ruined an entire living room of furniture valued at $15,000 in just three hours! Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Very independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to howl.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Fluffy coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers cool climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> search & rescue, sledding, carting, weight pulling, and racing.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> ALASKAN MALAMUTE
Slides 1 and 2: Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved. Slide 3 (and small picture): Ch. Atanik's Life's Short -Play Hard, "Partner", WPD, WTD, WWPD. Owned and photographed by Kimberly Meredith.
