| Breed Description
- Alaskan Malamute |
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| Kennel Club Group |
Working |
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| General Size |
Large |
Exercise requirements |
High |
| Adult Height |
23" - 28" (58 - 71 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
Medium |
| Adult Weight |
85 - 125 lb (39 - 57 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
Medium |
| Average Lifespan |
10 - 14 years |
Grooming Requirements |
High |
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| A large Arctic dog the Alaskan Malamute sports a thick, coarse double coat and a plumed tail which is curled up over the back. It is a sturdy dog with a solid body, wide head, and a proud expression, the feet are furry and have tough pads. The coat can be grey, black or red and has distinctive white markings around the face tail and legs. The Malamute strongly resembles it's distant ancestor the wolf but is a fully domesticated dog breed and not a wolf hybrid. |
| The breed was originally developed as long as 2000 years ago by a north west Alaskan tribe of Innuit called the Mahlemuts who needed dogs capable of hauling heavy loads in bad weather and also to assist in hunting. Packs of Malamutes have participated in many more modern polar expeditions, for which they are particularly well adapted due to their toughness, tenacity, sense of direction and excellent sense of smell. |
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| Due to their wolf like appearance many people assume that the Malamute would be a natural guard dog but they couldn't be more wrong, in fact they are friendly and affectionate dogs even to total strangers and rarely bark. They are intelligent and loyal dogs but can be very dominant and a firm but fair hand is required to prevent them becoming destructive or overly boisterous. Play with smaller children should be supervised at all times, the combination of their size and their enthusiasm for play means smaller children could be hurt unintentionally. Malamute are primarily pack dogs and should not be left alone as this may lead to behavioural problems. |
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| Owners should allow at least 60 - 90 minutes per day of hard exercise, if you live in a suburban area a high fence is a must and the base must be buried or they are likely to dig their way out. It should be noted that Malamutes do have a tendency to run off so they should be well trained to recall before being let off the lead. Malamutes shed a great deal and require 5 to 10 minutes brushing daily, dogs will shed very heavily once a year and bitches twice a year during their seasons when the undercoat is shed. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| The Malamute is a naturally strong and hardy breed, their most significant problem being hip dysplasia, as is common in many large dogs. Malamutes may also be prone to copper and zinc deficiencies. |
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