Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 23-25 in
Weight: 75-85 lbs
Life Span: 12-16 yrs
Coloring: Shades of gray and white, black and white, tan and white, red and white, or solid white
Area of Origin: Alaska, United States
Similar Breeds: Siberian Husky, American Eskimo Dog, American Husky, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Samoyed

History and Origin:

Bred to pull heavy loads across harsh northern landscape, ancestors of the Alaskan Malamute were crucial to the survival of the Malamut people of Alaska for over two thousand years. The Malamute became a hunting partner and protector to those living above the Arctic Circle, and its utility was recognized by nineteenth century Americans, who used the breed during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. The breed’s tenacity and endurance have been proven continuously throughout history, as Malamutes accompanied Admiral Richard Byrd’s expedition to the South Pole in 1928, and served as search & rescue and freight animals across Europe and Greenland during World War II.

Personality and Temperament:

Intelligent and determined, the Alaskan Malamute is a loving and loyal family dog. It has a strong pack mentality, and needs socialization to grow into a good-natured and well-adjusted companion. Tending to be a bit needy, the Malamute will not hesitate to howl and dig up the yard if it does not receive enough attention. If given enough stimulation, however, it is a patient and comedic breed, good with children are not afraid of its large size.

Exercise & Training:

Due to its size and history, the Alaskan Malamute needs consistent exercise to meet its needs. An outdoor dog to the core, the Malamute is best suited to living outside, and is an excellent partner for the outdoors-type person; it loves to hike in the summer and sled in the winter, and will happily carry its owner’s backpack. Its wit can make it challenging to train, and a firm hand of encouragement is needed to make sure it becomes a well-adjusted companion. If not properly socialized, the Alaskan Malamute can become bossy and even aggressive to people, especially strangers. Formal obedience training is suggested for the first-time owner.

Grooming:

The Alaskan Malamute has a thick, double coat which allows it to stay comfortable in very cold temperatures. The fur is slightly oily, which allows it to be water resistant, and bathing can be damaging to the natural protection the coat offers the dog. The undercoat sheds out twice a year, and it must be completely removed so that the Malamute’s skin does not get damaged. Dry shampooing very occasionally is acceptable, however usually unnecessary as the Alaskan Malamute is generally odorless and clean.

Similar Breeds:

A Spitz breed, the Malamute shares a curled tail over the back and common ancestry from north –east Asia with these other sled dogs: Siberian Husky, American Eskimo Dog, Canadian Eskimo Dog, and Samoyed.

Interesting Facts about the Alaskan Malamute:

1. It is believed that the Alaskan Malamute is directly descended from the Arctic Wolf.

2. White Fang, a novel by American author Jack London, is a story about an Alaskan Malamute during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s.

3. The ancestors of the Alaskan Malamute were domesticated by Arctic peoples up to 25,000 years ago.

4. The Malamute’s presence in World War II almost caused the breed to become extinct. A count in 1947 by the American Kennel Club revealed only 30 living dogs in the registry.

5. The Alaskan Malamute was named Alaska’s official dog in 2010.