Alaskan Malamate

Alaskan Malamate

This large and very powerful animal was once a working dog and a constant companion for the North American Inuit.

History:

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the Spitz-type dogs that has been used for centuries by the North American Inuit. The Alaskan Malamute was bred to be hardy enough to withstand the extreme cold and strong enough to drag heavy sleds across the frozen wastes of the Arctic. Records reveal that Alaskan Malamutes sometimes carried packs as heavy as 50 pounds (22.5 kg). It is likely that the Alaskan Malamute is a direct descendant of the boreal wolf. The present-day characteristics of stockiness and muscularity have been selectively bred over the generations, while the Alaskan Malamutes' other traits of stamina and height can still be seen in its ancestor, the wolf.

The modern-day use of motor sleds has meant that the Alaskan Malamute is now called to be a sled dog only during displays and competitions. Yet this incredible dog is still loved by the people of the Arctic Circle, as it provides both protection for their property and excellent companionship for their families.

Physical characteristics:

The Alaskan Malamute is a large solid-looking dog that resembles a very stocky wolf. Height: 21 - 28 in (55 - 71 cm). Weight: 85 - 125 lb (38.6 - 56.7 kg). Small upright ears are set far back on a proportionately large and broad head. The small triangular eyes are deep-set and fix you with a penetrating gaze over a thick muzzle containing powerful jaws. The muscular body slopes straight back from high shoulders towards rugged thighs. A thick bushy tail is carried high and curved over the back. The Alaskan Malamute has a double coat: the inner coat is thick and woolly and covered by a coarse outer coat. The most common coat colors are usually light gray or black and white.

Behavior:

As an adult, the Alaskan Malamute is a tall dog, and so is usually also very confident. The Alaskan Malamute is normally good-natured with other dogs and can be extremely playful, although owners should be aware that other smaller dogs can sometimes become fearful and aggressive the first time they meet an Alaskan Malamute. However, once they see the Malamute remaining calm, the fear goes away.

When you look into the eyes of an Alaskan Malamute you are met with the steady gaze of a very intelligent dog. This dog has a tenacious spirit that allows it to overcome many difficulties in life. Its keen sense of hearing makes it an excellent watch-dog, and its size and power means it really can act as a true guard dog.

If you intend to keep your Alaskan Malamute around people, then the dog must be adequately socialized. The dog must be allowed to learn that people are not harmful to it, and should also not be pushed around. The Alaskan Malamute can make a wonderful family dog if it is kept under strict control from the beginning. Care should be taken that the dog does not accidentally knock over small children, and rough play should be inhibited.

As this dog thrives on the attention it receives from people, it can be readily trained and most certainly enjoys the work. This intelligent dog requires the stimulation of regular activities and exercise to maintain it in peak condition.

Traditionally, this dog has been kept in cold or temperate climates where it still often prefers to sleep outside. Where this dog is kept in hotter climates, it should only be given intensive or sustained exercise during the cooler parts of the day so as to avoid heat exhaustion.

If the Alaskan Malamute is exercised regularly it will require quite a lot of food to keep it in top form. Usually an Alaskan Malamute which receives little exercise will moderate its own diet, and leftover food should be discarded. The thick double coat should be brushed several times a week to keep it in top form, especially when molting. The Alaskan Malamute is rarely ill and makes an excellent companion.

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