The Alaskan Malamute is such a beautiful dog, it can be easy to forget this is the dominant hard working dog of the north. The following Alaskan Malamute breed information provides you with the details you need to know about this breed. Wondering if the Alaskan Malamute is the best breed for you? Visit our puppies for sale page to use our free "Find Your Best Friend" App to find out.
Lifespan
The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the Arctic sled dog breeds and has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Origin
The Alaskan Malamute is named after a native Arctic tribe known as the Mahlemuts. When the Mahlemutes migrated to Alaska, they brought their dogs with them and used them extensively to pull sleds and hunt large animals.
Size
The Alaskan Malamute measures 23 to 25 inches and weighs 75 to 85 pounds, making it the largest of the Arctic sled dog breeds. These pups have strong, compact bodies.
Grooming Needs
The Alaskan Malamute has a heavy double coat that appears in a variety of colors including red, white, grey and black. The undercoat is oily, thick and wooly while the top coat is thick and stiff. This breed shed constantly and loses their entire coat twice a year in the spring and fall. They should be brushed weekly and even more so during their heavier shedding seasons.
Despite all the hair, these pups are actually very clean. They will preeen themselves much like a cat will, but without the hair balls. Given this, the rarely need to be bathed, but do need their teeth and ears cleaned on a regular basis and the claws clipped.
Character
The Malamute is welcoming and devoted. This breed makes a great family dog, but is too friendly to be an effective guard dog.
Temperament
Alaskan Malamutes are very personable dogs. They bond tightly to family members, especially children who they will pretty much let do anything to them. They are known for being “talkers” and have a characteristic “woo woo” rather than a bark.
Although these pups are not aggressive towards people, they can be a bit forward with other dogs. To avoid this, it is important you socialize your puppy early by introducing it to other dogs and cats as often as possible.
Training Needs
A highly intelligent breed, this dog takes well to training. However, they can also be stubborn and strong willed so they do best with a firm owner who has patience. They respond best to consistency and positive reinforcement, especially in the form of treats. With the right training and early socialization, these dogs are very adept a obedience, tricks and agility tasks.
Activity Level
This is a breed that thrives on being acitive both physically and mentally. They are energetic dogs with lots of endurance that make great jogging and hiking partners, although preferably in cooler temperatures. When considering this breed, you need to be willing to commit to giving them at least an hour of exercise each day.
