Breed Information
Dignified, loyal and mature – the Alaskan Malamute is most commonly recognised as “the sled dog”. With its affectionate nature and athletic build, it is well-loved by sledding enthusiasts, active families and those who enjoy the companionship of large dog breeds.
SIZE
Standing up to 71cm and weighing up to 56kg, the Alaskan Malamute is definitely not suitable for apartment living.
COAT
The gorgeous Malamute coat is thick and coarse with an undercoat of dense, oily and wooly hair. The undercoat insulates against heat and cold, and the outer-coat acts as a barrier against dirt and dampness. They generally have shorter and less dense coats during the summer season. Malamutes come in a range of colours, ranging from light grey to black, sable to red, with white always being the predominant colour on the underbody and part of the face markings.
The females molt twice a year and the males once annually; at other times, shedding is minimal.
CHARACTER & TEMPERAMENT
The Alaskan Malamute has retained its pack animal instincts and is a dominant, intelligent breed. They can easily grow bored and stubborn, but their affection and companionship is well worth the effort it takes to train them.
Apart from their size, they do not possess any characteristics that make for a useful watchdog – they are a generally quiet breed with no interest in guarding the home.
They do not readily tolerate other animals, so should be socialized with other family pets at a young age.
While the Malamute can be extremely gentle, their large size can inhibit their interaction with small children and should be supervised at all times.
CARE
The coat of the Alaskan Malamute must be well-cared for and should be groomed once a week. During the molting season, your Malamute should be brushed daily. There’s no need to clip this breed as their undercoat provides insulation against the heat as well as the cold.
Due to their intelligence and desire to be part of the “pack”, a lonely Malamute is likely to turn destructive – and with their size, they can do quite a bit of damage. It’s advisable not to leave this breed on their own for long periods of time.
TRAINING
It is of utmost importance to train the Alaskan Malamute at a young age. Obedience classes and proper socialization are necessary, as is establishing your position as “top dog”. If you leave this essential foundation til too late, you will find yourself with a stubborn, dominant dog that is difficult to keep under control.
Due to their size, it’s important to learn how to use body language and tone of voice to keep your Malamute under control.
ACTIVITY
As such a large breed, the Malamute requires plenty of exercise on a daily basis, lest they become bored and destructive. Strenuous activities and training are best suited to the Alaskan Malamute such as sled racing, weight-pulling and backpacking. Without this stimulation, the Malamute can become depressed and withdrawn.
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