Alaskan Malamute Information
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The origin of the Alaskan Malamute isn't very clear. We do know that they have been in Alaska for generations, but have very little information on the actual creation of the breed.
They are one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. Having very heavy bone, deep chests and powerful shoulders, they have all the physical traits needed for the job.
Malamutes are very fond of their family and absolutely adore children. They do tend to be aloof with strangers, but over time will warm up to them. They're not at all like a Labrador Retriever who thinks everyone in the world is their best friend.
They are large dogs, being at 25 inches high and 85 pounds for males, and females 23 inches tall and 75 pounds. Alaskan Malamutes are fairly easy to train, however some may be pretty stubborn and require a bit more work. For housebreaking, crate training is best. They do require a great deal of exercise, especially in their youth. Keeping them physically and mentally stimulated will keep your Malamute very happy.
Grooming an Alaskan Malamute is fairly easy, though time consuming. They have a great deal of undercoat which needs brushed out once or twice a week, and bathed as needed.
Malamutes are great house dogs, and the majority of them prefer to lay on the floor rather than the furniture, and especially like laying on cold tile floors. Many of them also prefer to sleep on the floor next to the bed than on it with you.
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Keep in mind that with an Alaskan Malamute in your home, dog hair will be an "issue". There will most likely be hair on your clothes, couch, and carpet. Keeping the dog well groomed will help limit this problem, however there will still be times when this may be a problem. Using a FURminator will help to keep the hair under control.Ifbeing spotless is a concern for you, an Alaskan Malamute is not recommended. Malamutes also tend to wash themselves similar to how a cat does, but that behavior isn't a replacement for actual grooming. They tend to be fairly odor free dogs unless they are wet or have a habit of rolling in things in the yard.
Alaskan Malamutes love their family and especially kids. They are very protective over what they believe is theirs; kids, family, yard, home, etc.
They do need regular exercise. Long walks, trips to the dog park, plenty of time outside with the family are all needed for the Malamute. Also keep in mind that when outside, Malamutes may dig a large hole in the ground to lay in- they dig down into the ground to get to the cooler dirt and then lay in it.
Alaskan Malamutes can also be extremely loud when unhappy. They will let out ear shattering screams/howls when left home unattended (until they become used to this), crated, or in boarding kennels. It is very important that your Malamute has plenty to keep his mind busy when you are away- a special toy or chew bone will aid in this.
Health concerns in the breed include Day blindness which is a condition which causes them to be "blind" in bright light. Polyneuropathy which is abnormalities of the nervous system. Chondrodysplasia which is a genetic disorder which manifests itself in puppies born with crippling deformities, eventually evident in the abnormal shape and length of their limbs. Alaskan Malamutes are also prone to Hip Dysplasia.
A recently discovered genetic defect present in some Samoyed's, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes causes impaired zinc absorption. The result is Zinc-Responsive Dermatitis, most often seen as a thin coat and scaly, crusty skin. While unsightly, it is easily treated with zinc sulfate supplements and high quality feed containing zinc. A similar (non-genetic) problem can result from feeding poor quality generic food.
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