The Alaskan Malamute
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 Akamute Reg'd Alaskan Malamutes |
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The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. They are heavy boned with good feet, deep chest and powerful shoulders. They have all of the physical attributes necessary for the performance of his job. Males should be 25 inches at the shoulders and 85 pounds, females should be 23 inches and 75 pounds.
The origin of the dogs has never been ascertained. We do know that they have been in Alaska for generations, but where they came from is as indefinite as it is with any of the other Arctic natives.
As pets, they have become popular sled dogs among sportspeople who enjoy this winter recreation. They are very fond of people and especially children, though some note them to being a bit aloof.
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. They do require a great deal of exercise, especially in their youth.
Malamutes are great house dogs, and the majority of them prefer to lay on the floor rather than the furniture. Many of them also prefer to sleep on the floor next to the bed than on it with you.
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. Therefore, if being spotless is a concern for you, an Alaskan Malamute is not recommended. Malamutes also tend to wash themselves similiar 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 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 dogs (in this case the Alaskan Malamute) 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.
