Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog, bred for working as a sleddog.
Appearance
Their breed standard calls for a weight of 75 to 85 pounds (34-38.5 kg) and a height of 23 to 25 inches (58-63.5 cm) , however many are now being breed much alrger than this with many enthusiasts prizing more massive specimens. Coat is a dense double coat, harsher than that of the Siberian Husky. Coast comes in grey and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or even pure white. The build is compact and heavy boned.
Malamutes are clearly distinguished from Huskies by eye colour; Malamute eyes are always brown, whereas Huskies may have one or two blue eyes.
Characteristics
Though some speciments are still used as sleddogs, most Malamutes now are kept as family pets or show dogs. Bred to a standard, as opposed to breeding for a purpose, they are no longer able to compete with the faster, more versatile Alaskan Husky.
The Malamute is one of the most "unaltered" of breeds, retaining its original form and function. Responsible breeders seek to preserve the Malamute's working abilities. They are a handsome, affectionate toward humans, intelligent, resourceful, and hardworking. They can bark, but will often "woo woo!" or howl to express excitement or sadness.
Bred to be independant thinkers, they are somewhat difficult to train, and will often simply ignore commands.As the same time, they are super affecionate and can not get enough company and atention amking them popualr family animals.
They will hunt other animals, so early socialisation with other family pets is required. They may be agresive with strange dogs outside their family "pack" so its important to socialise them with other dogs early.
Malamutes used to dig critters out of the snow for food, and when bored or attracted to an underground animal(moles, crickets... enything) they will DIG! The Malamute tendency to dig can be frustrating to owners who also maintain yards or gardens; one owner has wryly described Malamutes as being "enthusiastic but unskilled gardeners".
Not for the casual dog owner, they are not recommended for people who:-
- are inexperienced in training dogs
- lack the time, energy, and space to exercise them and groom
- don't like dog hair. Malamutes shed. A lot. or
- lack the patience and stamina to repeatedly engage in contests of willpower with a large, powerful animal without becoming angry.
Health
Health issues in the Malamute are hip dysplasia, inherited polyneuropathy, chrondo displacia and the usual northern-breed eye problems (particularly cataract and progressive retinal atrophy), so seek out a reputable breed and research their breed history.
While Malamutes have been successfully raised in places such as Arizona, their dense coats generally make them unsuited for hot climates. When the weather gets hot, they (even more than other dogs) need plenty of water and shade. Also, being a winterised breed they will grow a winter coat and subsequently, come spring, shed it again. Mixed with sheeps wool their thick, heavy hairs can be spun into a garment of unusual warmth.
Shaving in Summer?
The jury is out and remains hung. Many breeders say not too, others who have Malamutes in hot climates say it makes the dog much happier. Dogs don't sweat, so they don't benefit from exposed skin for cooling, but no animal is cooler when wearing a woolen coat in the heat of summer. Decide for yourself. Personally, having had long haired dogs in the hot Australian climate, I'm a shaver. Shaved dogs are MUCH happier in summer and are far more active.
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