Malamute dogs

So, you want to buy a Malamute! First of all, read the overview of the characteristics and qualities of an Alaskan Malamute. Remember that these are good-sized high-energy dogs. Then, read over and think about the pros and cons of owning an Alaskan Malamute. An informed pet owner is a good pet owner.

Here is a brief history of the Malamute:

The dogs of the early Mahlemuts were enormous freighting dogs. Remember that these dogs had to be capable of pulling heavy weight in extreme conditions. The Malamute was used to haul food back to the interior Alaskan villages. The Malamute was able to pull a tremendous amount of weight over long distances at an even pace.

When speaking about the Malamute, there are bound to be references to two strains of these dogs. One strain is called the M’Loot and the other strain is called the Kotzebue. M'Loot Malamutes are larger than the Kotzebues are. Kotzebues have only wolf-gray coats. M'Loots come in a variety of colors. Kotzebues are said to be more aggressive than the M’loot. Kotzebues are also reported to be more hyper than members of the M’Loot strain.

Alaskan Malamutes are now bred in the Continental and outlying United States. In the lower forty-eight states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico they are bred for use as pets and show dogs.

Here is a brief overview of the characteristics and qualities of the Malamute:

An Alaskan Malamute is well proportioned with a dense and brawny body. Malamutes have extraordinary capacities for endurance. The Alaskan Malamute is 22 to 25 in tall at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 85 lbs. A female of this breed will be 20 to 23 in tall and weigh 50 to 70 lbs.

The Malamute has a stunningly lustrous, rough outer coat and a warm fleece-like undercoat. Alaskan Malamutes can be colored wolf-gray, black and white, sable and white, seal, blue, and white. Malamutes have broad, reasonably rounded skulls. These dogs have large muzzles. Their eyes are almond-shaped and their ears are medium sized. The upper halves of their ears are triangular in shape. An Alaskan Malamute should possess a deep chest with very powerful legs. Malamutes should also possess bushy tails. Their tails should be carried high.

These are some of the pros of owning an Alaskan Malamute:

Due to its gentle nature, the Alaskan Malamute is normally a very good family dog.

Most Malamutes eat astoundingly little for their size.

An Alaskan Malamute makes an excellent hiking companion. Using a dog pack, a Malamute can easily transport food and water.

The Alaskan Malamute is very clean and is almost an odorless dog. Some owners only bathe their dogs once a year or less.

Alaskan Malamutes are extremely intelligent.

Because the Malamute is an arctic dog, it can remain outside in very cold weather. Alaskan Malamutes can work and live in temperatures approaching 70 degrees below zero.

Alaskan Malamutes are rather quiet dogs. They generally do not bark at all.

Alaskan Malamutes are excellent housedogs. They are very nimble and never awkward around furniture. Alaskan Malamutes will usually will pick out a favorite spot and stay in it for hours.

Here are a few of the cons of owning a Malamute:

The Malamute is a very strong dog!

Malamutes are infamous for digging!

They need a lot of exercise and interaction. The workouts can come in the form of mushing, which is best, or frequent walks, hikes, and playing.

Training Alaskan Malamutes can be a challenge.

Malamutes can howl quite loudly when trying to communicate with other dogs.

Malamutes are susceptible to hot spots, which look like raw scrapes on their skin.

Bloat affects Alaskan Malamutes, as it does other large dogs.

Eye problems can effect Alaskan Malamutes. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA) have turned up in Malamutes.

Finally, hip dysplasia is a problem for many Malamutes.

For more information on Alaskan Malamutes, contact your American Kennel Association.