A Brief Look at the ALASKAN MALAMUTE Breed of Dog

Add caption

The Alaskan malamute breed is a rather large dog that can weigh up to 90 pounds, and measure up to 25 inches in height. They have a thick gray, black or white coat, and are best known as working dogs, pulling sleds in Alaska. Their ideal habitat consists of cool climates where they can keep them cool, even in the heat of summer. 

These dogs have a shiny and coarse outer coat, and a soft inner coat, which almost feels like wool, specially designed for living in cold weather. In the event that you are caring for an Alaskan Malamute in warmer climates, you should make sure to provide a place in the shade with plenty of water available at all times.

The coats on an Alaskan malamute come in various shades of grey, black, white, and even red. Specimens, who show mixed colors, will predominantly be white on the extremities. The American Kennel Commission only accepts white as a solid color.

These dogs show a high degree of independence and loyalty. They show a lot of energy as puppies and mellow down a little as years go by. They will chew on anything they can find, dig a hole wherever they please and play dog games all day. If you don’t want it destroyed, better hide it from them. They make a bad choice for an apartment dog or even the pet for a small home. In houses with limited space, the owner will need to take precautions with the fence in order to prevent him from escaping.

This breed loves the outdoors and playing games, they would be especially good for older children until they mellow down a little bit. Malamutes which are trained, and given some sort social behavior classes will handle themselves well among other animals, and even work together with them. However, if left up to their own instincts, they can turn aggressive towards other animals and consider small ones as prey to be devoured and eaten.

This breed of dog is native to Alaska and dates back over two thousand years. Originally, these dogs were trained to work, pulling sleds in the Alaskan Malamute Eskimo tribe. Besides being a great companion to any family, these dogs are still used for pulling sleds in racing events and assisting families who live in arctic regions...

For families living in cold and snowy weather conditions, such as the Eskimo tribes in Alaska, these dogs are of crucial importance for their survival. It is important for aspiring pet owners to consider the design of this dog before opting for him as a pet. The two different coats in the dog’s fur are not made for aesthetic purposes, but rather to provide a lot of warmth in an otherwise inhospitable environment. Getting this dog as a pet, and condemning him to live in the warmer regions near the equator, would only become a permanent form of torture to a dog not equipped to live in such conditions. In other words, it would be like leaving a fish in the sands of the dessert.

Author: Damian Cross - Source: www.isnare.com

---

---

ALASKAN MALAMUTE - The Nordic Sled Dog

Alaskan Malamute "Inu" in Norway. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Alaskan Malamute is a medium-large to large dog that weighs between 70-95 pounds and measures up to 25". They are best known as sled dogs and are used to hard work. They ideal for cold climates or homes that will keep them cool and hydrated in hot summers. The Alaskan Malamute has a thick, coarse outer coat and wooly, dense undercoat. They are dressed for cold weather. If you own an Alaskan Malamute and live in a warmer climate, you need to make sure that they have a place to get out of the sun and plenty of water.

They come in a variety of colors including solid white, shadings of light to medium gray, black, sable, and red. In animals with shadings, parts of legs, feet, the underbody, and part of face markings are predominantly white. The AKC does not recognize any other solid colors than white.

Alaskan Malamutes are independent, friendly and loyal. They are more active as puppies and tend to mellow when they get older. They are chewers, diggers, and explorers. If you don't want it played with then put it away. When your Alaskan Malamute is outside, make sure that they can't dig out of the yard or jump over the fence. They are not a good apartment, small home or city dogs. They love to be outside and need plenty of room to play. Because they are extremely playful as puppies, they would be better for older children until they become calmer. They work best with other animals and pets when they are socialized at a young age. They can be aggressive towards other dogs and can consider small animals prey. This is an ideal dog for a family home that allows plenty of outdoor time to play and explore

The breed dates back over 2000 years and is a native of Alaska. They were originally used as sled dogs by the Alaskan Malamute Eskimo tribe. In addition to a companion dog, the Alaskan Malamutes are still used as sled dogs for racing, exploration, and families living in arctic regions.

As hardworking sled dogs, they are important household pets for families living in cold, snow-covered areas and imperative to their way of life. If you are looking for an independent but loving companion, the Alaskan Malamute is a perfect dog for you.

Submitted by: Dakota Dog  Source: www.isnare.com

---

---

---

ALASKAN MALAMUTE

Malamute - Photo   by       shotofwhiskey   (cc)

The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Arctic dogs. The head should be wide, with good erect ears. It looks similar to the wolf but has a sweeter look. The eyes are medium and dark in color is desired. White or blue eyes are considered being a fault and are not desirable by the written standards. It should have large feet, with thick pads. Thick double coat of fur, that is about three inches long. Colours come in a range of grey's sable or red. Within the coloring should be shadings. Here you can have wolf grey, black and white, red or sable to red. The only nonshaded color allowed is white. The dog nearly always has white legs. The standard sizes can vary.

History: The Alaskan Malamute dog is descendent from the arctic wolf. First used as a working dog some 3000 years ago. This is a Nordic sledge dog, which comes from the Mahlemuts. This is a tribe who raised these dogs and where the name comes from. These dogs have been used for a long time as sledge pullers and can pull large weights over great distances.

Temperament: With the Alaskan Malamute dog you will find a loyal dog with intelligence. They can be very loving to their owner. This breed is good with older children, but you need to teach the child what is acceptable play for this dog. With the right handling, this dog can mature to a fine dog. This dog needs firm handling and a clear leader of their pack, which must be the owner. They need companionship, daily mental stimulation, and physical exercise to get the best from this breed. 

---

---

Feeding can be an issue, and you need to watch the size of meals as they can eat more than they need. The Alaskan needs good supervision around small animals and other dogs as it has got a strong prey instinct. This dog benefits from obedience training, and it is highly recommended. If you do not train this dog well you could have a lot of problems, as if they get bored, they can do a lot of damage in a short time.

Health issues: The Alaskan Malamute dog can suffer from bloat, this can be very serious and not be taken as just a bit of wind. They can have hip dysplasia which should be checked before they are sold. Another thing this breed can get is dwarfism called chondrodysplasia.

Grooming: The grooming of the Alaskan Malamute is relatively easy, and the breed only requires brushing twice weekly. When it sheds it is very heavy shedding, with the undercoat coming out in clumps. Bathing is not needed, as dirt will come off in the shedding. While this dog doesn't need bathing it is not smelly but clean and smells fine. You can use dry shampoo if you so desire but only occasionally.

Living conditions: With the Alaskan Malamute we have a dog that can happily live outside but will wish for the company of the owner. Due to the fact this is an active dog, apartment living is not recommended. They will need at least a good size garden, with high well made fencing. Think about the fact this dog can dig, and will do so, there for some form of an underground fence can be needed. Here we have a dog that can cope well in cold weather but in the warm weather, you will need to offer good shading and clean cool water to drink.

By Scott Allan Lipe For more information on different Dog Breeds, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Morkies please visit our websites below. Alaskan Malamute Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

MALAMUTE Vs HUSKY - How to Choose

So you have decided to get a sled dog. Not particularly for pulling a sled but that style of dog... but what type exactly? And when we are speaking of huskies the argument typically ends up being a final choice between Malamute vs Husky. Both are outstanding animals although there are subtle differences between both. Understanding these subtleties goes a very long way towards making sure you, your family and your dog make the very best match!

Lets uncover some more about the Husky vs Malamute...

Black and White Siberian Husky
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Malamute vs Husky - Origins

To most of us, the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute are very similar dogs. And in many ways they are. However in other ways, these two fine animals couldn't be more different!

Both the malamute and the husky are Nordic breeds and companion animals to their tribes families. These majestic animals were also bred, trained and developed to pull sleds for their tribes.

The Siberian Husky hails from Siberian tribe the Chukchi. The Malamute stems from the tribe name of the Mahlemuit Eskimos in Alaska and is believed to be descended from the Arctic Wolf. Both animals have been developed for centuries.

Malamute vs Husky - Coats and Markings

Both these dogs exist in a variety of facial markings and coat colors. Interestingly, both breeds have shades of gray, silver, red and tan mixed with white however the only solid color is white. The malamute and the Siberian husky (also called a Sibe) have an amazing variety of facial markings to distinguish them. It is not uncommon for these facial markings to create "masks" and even "goggles" which not only gives them their own unique individuality but also creates some mischievous looks at the same time!

Alaskan Malamute
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Malamute vs Husky - Eyes

One of the most spectacular features of both the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute is their eyes. Both are dazzling but both are unique. While the eyes of the Malamute are usually almond shaped and brown, there are no color restrictions for a Sibe.

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking sky blue eyes but may also have green or brown eyes. Cooler still is the fact that a Sibe can be bi-eyed (different colored eyes) or even parti-eyed (different colors in the same eye.).

Malamute vs Husky - Size and Grooming.

This is where the main differences between these two breeds are found. The largest of the Northern breeds, the Alaskan Malamute weighs up to 95 pounds and can usually stand anywhere from 24 to 26 inches tall.

With an average coat length of 3 inches, the malamute will shed quite a lot and needs a good brushing at least every two weeks. Weekly is better. Evolved to easily track through the snow, they have large, wide and round paws, almost in the shape of a snow shoe!

Although still a fair size, the Siberian Husky is classed more as a medium sized breed. Standing at around 20 to 23 inches and weighing in anywhere between 45 to 60 pounds.

Grooming is the big difference between these breeds! Much like a cat, the Siberian Husky is a very clean animal and will bathe and lick itself almost relentlessly. This pooch really looks after itself and a good thorough brushing two or three times a year will be all you need!

The Sibe also changes it's coat with the climate to get ready for the next season.

Regarding the sizing of these animals, the details listed above are actual "show standards." Malamutes and Huskies bred as pets can often be a few inches taller and a few pounds heavier.

Malamute vs Husky - Temperaments.

The temperaments of both breeds are very similar. Considering that they are working dogs they need a lot of exercise and lots of room to move. Got an apartment or small yard? Then this is not the sort of dog for you.

The malamute and the husky are also tremendously loyal pack animals. They crave to give and of course receive love and attention. Social animals that they are, being alone is not a good match. Boredom and loneliness can trigger damage and destruction.

Malamute vs Husky - Final Say.

All things considered, both breeds are outstanding animals with many similarities. Both dogs require attention and love and loads of room to move and exercise. Both breeds have wonderful personalities and both will most likely steal your heart!

In the end, if you prefer a large playful pooch and have time for grooming then the Alaskan Malamute is ideal. Nevertheless, if you are considering a slightly smaller dog with less coat maintenance then the Siberian Husky is the breed for you.

The Husky is my absolute favorite breed of dog! Loyal, affectionate, exciting and just loves to run and have fun!

By Cameron Abel Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---