Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information

Alaskan Malamute Coat

This breed sports a very beautiful double coat. The top coat is thick and coarse protecting it from even the most extreme weather conditions. Beneath the coarse coat is a very soft, dense, and oily coat. Colours may include light greys shading to black as well as sables to red. The legs and muzzle nearly always white.

Alaskan Malamute Character

The Alaskan Malamute is friendly, affectionate, and loyal, but can have a mind of its own. The Malamute is one of the most "unaltered" of breeds, retaining its original form and function. If a dog owner cannot cope with a dog that will not comply with the owner's every command, a more compliant breed should be selected. This dog has a long genetic foundation of living in the wilderness with man surrounded by other domesticated animals of approximately the same size. There is reason to believe that Alaskan Malamutes cope poorly with smaller animals, including canines; however, this has been difficult to document in detail beyond observational data. It is difficult to pinpoint why many Malamute owners have observed this behavior with smaller animals, though some might speculate this is due to the Malamute's uniquely divergent ancestry, at one point cross-breeding with wolves. So while Malamutes are, as a general rule, particularly amiable around humans and children and in some instances friendly with smaller dogs, it is probably a good rule of thumb to be mindful of them around smaller animals and young children until acquainted with their behavior.

Alaskan Malamute Temperament

Extraordinarily loyal, intelligent, and friendly. After maturity the Alaskan Malamute usually settles in to a nice calm and quiet adult. With their friendly personality, they really aren't suitable as a guard dog. Although very intelligent they can prove to be stubborn. They have strong instinct so it's advised to keep an eye on them around small animals.

Alaskan Malamute Care

The Alaskan Malamute has a very thick and coarse coat and would do well with a good brushing twice a week. They are very heavy shedders and there undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. Bathes for this breed really aren't necessary as they easily shed dirt. Also as an energetic working dog they do best with some space to run or a walk at least twice a day.

Alaskan Malamute Activity

n/a

Alaskan Malamute Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Alaskan Malamute is around 10-12 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes thyroid problems, bleeding disorders, Chd, cataracts, ligament problems, skin conditions, and autoimmune problems. Parents of your puppy should have OFA and CERF certification, and Chd clearance is also recommended. These dogs do not fare well in warmer climates, and need to be protected from the heat.