Husky News

The Alaskan Malmute is a domestic dog breed which was bred as a sled dog in the North and is often confused with the Siberian Husky breed. In order for a dog of this breed to be considered a standard, it has to display certain characteristics, which include weighing between 75 and 90 pounds and standing 23 to 25 inches in height. Some of these dogs are larger than this. There is a difference between the males and females of the Alaskan Malamute breed as well.

by Jeffrey Beall

Alaskan Malamutes have a double coat, with the undercoat being woolly and the outer coat made up of guard hairs. There are two kinds of dogs in this breed. Those dogs known as Kotzebues have a coat that is the same color as that of a wolf, while the M’Loots have coats in a range of colors. Both types of Malamutes are very powerful and can haul large loads over long distances at a steady pace. This is why they were prized by the original breeders, from whom they get their name ?the Mahlamuit Inuit tribe.  They were also very valuable to miners searching for gold in Alaska and the Canadian North during the Klondike Gold Rush.

The Malamute has a plumed tail that has lots of fur. When they are outdoors in the winter, they tend to wrap this tail over their faces to protect their nose and mouth from the wind and the snow. They look almost identical to wolves, but there are certain differences. The head is smaller than that of a wolf and the chest is larger. The footprint of the Malmute is also smaller than a wolf’s.

Malamutes are still used as sled dogs, but they are also family dogs. Their natural instinct for being part of a pack makes them excellent pets. They are exceptionally friendly, but they do get bored very easily, which means they need lots of attention. Training these dogs must start when they are puppies and even then it is a challenging task. They are very stubborn, but once you do teach them something you only have to show them once or twice before they remember it. They have a high level of intelligence.

You can leave the dog untended on your property because it is used to this area. This breed is very territorial and does not take well to other dogs that it is not used to being in the area. The Malamute is more aggressive toward other dogs than other breeds are. When outside you must have it tied on because it will dig its way out under a fence.

The shedding periods for the Alaskan Malamutes can be very challenging when you have them in the house. They do shed their thick coats twice a year and the shedding period can last for three weeks. During this time the fur comes out in clumps. If you live in a warm climate, this will be an ongoing challenge because they shed all year round.

The lifespan of this breed is about 10 or 11 years. They are susceptible to cancer, inherited polyneuropathy, dysplasia of the bone and eye problems.