The Alaskan Malamute Breed

The Alaskan Malamute is part of the Working group and is a fine dog for a rural home with a fenced in yard. Coming from Alaska where they have been used for over 2000 years as sled dogs, they are descended from the Arctic wolf, this hard working dog accompanied Admiral Byrd on expiditions to the North Pole, this breed is sweet and loving with strong prey instinct and need for obedience training.

The Alaskan Malamute is a very heavy shedder. This dog can shed heavily in spring and fall when the undercoat is shed. Normal grooming should consist of twice weekly brushing. Bathing is not necessary..

The Alaskan Malamute has a thick double coat which comes in black and white, all white, gray, sable and red. By breed standards, this breed is 24 to 26 inches (females 22 to 24) and weighs in at 80 to 95b pounds with females 10 pounds lighter. This is a solidly built dog with upright V shaped ears and brown (but sometimes blue) almond shaped eyes. When cared for properly, the Alaskan Malamute can live to be 15 years.

The Alaskan Malamute might have health problems like any purebred dog. Likely issues include bloating if fed too much and some that come from inferior breeding stock can be subject to hip displaysia, but generally this is a hardy breed.

The Alaskan Malamute is eager to please so training for obedience is easy, however they might not do so well if asked to do tricks. Some may be difficult to house train and early socialization is a must as they have a strong prey instinct. The Alaskan Malamute loves outdoor activity and does best with a large outdoor area. Make sure he does not get too hot in the summer. Also, these dogs are diggers so fences must extend under the ground a bit or your pet will simply dig down and wiggle out. This breed is loving to his family and can get along with other animals if socialized early on.