Puppy Dog Breed Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a generally large breed of domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris originally bred for use as an Alaskan sled dog It is sometimes mistaken for a Siberian Husky but in fact is quite different in many ways The American Kennel Club AKC breed standard calls for a natural range of size with a desired freighting size of 23 160 inches 584 160 mm and 75 160 pounds 34 160 kg for females 25 160 inches 635 160 mm and 85 160 pounds 39 160 kg for males Heavier individuals 90 160 lb 41 160 kg and dogs smaller than 75 160 pounds 34 160 kg are commonly seen There is often a marked size difference between males and females Weights upwards of 120 160 pounds 54 160 kg are occasionally seen but this is uncommon and such dogs are produced primarily by breeders who market a 'giant Malamute ' These large sizes are not in accordance with the breed's history or show standards The coat is a dense double northern dog coat somewhat harsher…Read More about Alaskan Malamute at WikiPedia
Latest Alaskan Malamute Frequently Asked Questions:
I would love to get an alaskan malamute, does anybody have one who could tell me what they are like as a family pet? Are they likely to pull on the lead as they are sled dogs?
Answer:The Alaskan Malamute is like a rambunctious puppy. Extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward it's master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally they mature into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dogs. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human "pack" lives. Without attention, these dogs may become destructive nuisances. In one case, a single dog ruined an entire living room of furniture valued at $15,000 in just three hours! Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant. Some dogs may be difficult to housebreak. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig. This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong pry instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals. Some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed. Firm handling and training are necessary. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended. NOW my experience. I had one for 7 yrs. Great smart dog easy to house train, and to teach simple tricks to (sit, shake, roll over, etc) Now the bad he destructively chewed everything in site for the first 5 yrs. I am talking about CHEWING like siding off my house, the couch, remotes, answering machines, table legs, drapes, shades, window sills, EVERYTHING!!! He shedded miserably all summer long. If you want to walk him without a leash or if you plan on not tying him up or fencing him in, forget about this breed, They WILL NOT stay home!! If they get loose it can sometimes take all day just to find him then good luck getting him to come to you. That is the most miserable part of them. I have talked to breeders of all different kinds of huskies and all of them say they won't come and they wont stay. I knew a guy that had a Alaskan husky for 15 yrs and the dog would still run away if it got loose and he took that dog everywhere with him. I love the breed and they are good at what they are good at and that is running, but I will never own one again unless I took up sled racing. Yes they do pull on the lead and when they are tied and the are STRONG. I would recommend do a extreme amount of research before getting yourself into this breed. But if you get one anyway I hope yours is the exception and it turns out to be the best dog you owned. I wish you luck lots of it.
I just recently adopted a one year old alaskan malamute from a shelter. They told me it is pure breed. I need to learn as much about this breed as possible including dos and don'ts, habits, food, diet, and anything else. Can anyone help? I prefer someone who has studied them and/or has owned one or two in their lifetime. Thank you Z
Answer:I always wanted a Mal, lucky you :) I have had some experience, and I am sorry to say it was because the owners had dumped the dogs in shelters as they got in Way over their heads. Good for you for wanting lots of info and not a quick fix!! I think you should not only read about the breed, but about Dominant and Working dogs in general. It will give you a good idea of the mindset and drives of this dog as well as giving you some insight to heading off problems as the pop up. Mals are stubborn, willful, and should never be off leash EVER EVER EVER!! They just can't be trusted to not run away, and have very high prey drives and are usually dog aggressive, so it is just not a risk worth taking. He will need a JOB to do, most Mals can be trained to carry a small dog pack for you when you go out. This will give him a job and help you establish a good bond. This dog should not be free fed and should work for everything you give him, even affection. Learning about dominant breeds will help you understand why and how to do this. They are very high energy and can be very destructive in the house if left alone, so crate training is a must. I say look for a trainer who is familiar with this breed as lot of training is BIG must, for you as much as the dog:) They get bored easily, so find a trainer who know the breed and good training methods for them. I have an Akita, somewhat similar. Just don't give up if you find him challenging and get help before you need it to avoid problems before they start. Read lots and lots, and talk to owners with similar breed too in person or a local dog group. Lastly love him bunches, but don't ever give into him, you must be more determined then he and a strong Alpha Dog. Good Luck, Once you have a Mal you may never own another kind of dog:)
i need to know where i can find an alaskan malamute in oklahoma city. if anyone can help me please.
Answer:Hi there. Although I am in the UK I would first try some of your Alaskan Malamute club websites. I E. http://www.alaskanmalamute.org/wiki/default.aspx They will be able to help you and point you into the right direction for your state. If you are new to our wonderful breed one piece of warning. This is a most wonderful breed (in know I got 3) but they require lots of commitment in daily training and exercise. Mine get 3 hours a day!! rain or shine. And you will have to beef up on dog behaviour, they are a very dominant breed. But for the right person they are wonderful. P.S. if you go to a breeder Never Ever A Puppyfarmer!!! Ask questions like 1. How old is the dam? (She must be at least 24 months old!!) 2. How old is the sire (must be at least 18 months old) 3. a dam (computer doesn't take the word b1tch)must not be mated more then 3x in her life and never ever on consecutive seasons. 4. Both sire and dam MUST be hip scored (hip xray) with current documentation that you want to see 5. both sire and dam must have current CLEAR eye test (not older than 12 months) 6. of course both must be American kennel club registered. 7. Alaskan Malamutes NEVER ever habe 1 or 2 blue eyes. Ifthey tell you it is a pure bred with blue eyes, walk away. This is not a pure bred, Mallies don't have blue eyes. 8. You want life long support from your breeder and a good breeder will offer you this, incl. taken the animal back if your life circumstance should change and you are unable to longer provide or look after the animal. 9. You want to see mum and pups together. How do they live, do they look filthy ect. 10) don't buy a sickly pup because the breeder tells you it will get better and will be alright. There is lots more, do your homework. Find a breeder you can visit and see how the life with the animals. All mine for example life with me in the house but can go out side if they choose to. Last but not least. If I have over stepped my mark here by writing an essay , I do appologize. I simply love this breed and seen many people go for it for all the wrong reasons.
I am thinking of getting an Alaskan Malamute. But I have cats and I am worried about how the Malamute would relate to them. The Wikipedia entry for Malamutes says they cannot be trusted around smaller animals. Can anyone tell me about their experiences with this? Personal stories of owning a Malamute with other housepets (especially cats) would be awesome. Also, is it possible that your Malamute could actually kill your cat if you left them alone together? Or would it just be aggressive and mean to it? Is there any way to train them to be nice to cats?
Answer:If you are determined to have both an Alaskan Malamute and a cat - get a puppy and raise it with the cat. That is your best bet. But yes, an adult Malamute could easily kill a cat. Many adult Malamutes would if they could get to them. Having said that I did successfully have a Malamute puppy that I raised with a cat and they did well together. I would not trust an adult Malamute that had never been with cats and even it had - there is always a first. Malamutes would not just be aggressive to the cat - they would see the cat as prey. Fast moving furry objects are lunch. As I said - if you are determined to have one - get a puppy and get a puppy from a reputable breeder....one who will give you a health warranty, one who shows and does genetic testing. Rescue is great too - and every once in a great while rescues find a Malamute who can live with cats - but most Malamute rescue foster homes are not going to have cats to test them out with. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Good luck.
I think Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute like living in cold weather so i don't know how to take care of a Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute in the tropical climate? Can Husky lives well at the tropical climate?
Answer:Coated dogs (and dogs like pugs and bulldogs) can do ok in a hot climate. As your other responders noted, they need shade, fresh drinking water and a.c. is nice if you can afford it. Check with pet supply companies for a product called a Cool Mat. You soak it in water and it's supposed to stay cool all day. Or although Northern Breeds will usually avoid the water, you could try a shallow kiddie pool for them to lie in. They should not be shaved down though - a severe sunburn could result. The coat provides insulation and they will naturally shed out any undercoat they don't need. (Even Bedouin Arabs in the desert wear protection from the sun!)
