Alaskan Malamute Dogs breed or breeds
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The Alaskan Malamute is true family pet but is in its glory when pulling a sled with children on it. Being energetic, friendly and playful with children they require supervision because of their large size. They are confident, strong willed tend to be dominant. This breed requires training to give their mind a sense of purpose. It is recommended for early obedience training. Exercise is a key point for them.
The males measure 25" (64 cm) or taller. The females measure 23" (58 cm) or taller. The weight for males weigh 85 lbs or more. The females weigh 75 lbs or more.
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AKC classification: Group 3 - Working Dogs
CKC classification: Group 3 - Working Dog
FCI classification: Group 5
KC classification: Non-Sporting Breeds - Working Group
The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard calls for a natural range of size, with a desired freighting size of 23 inches and 75 pounds for females, 25 inches and 85 pounds for males. Heavier individuals (90lbs) and dogs smaller than 75 pounds are commonly seen. There is often a marked size difference between males and females. Weights upwards of 110 pounds 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 Alaskan Malamute is a double coated breed. This coat consists of a woolly undercoat and longer guard hairs. Twice a year, Malamutes "blow" their undercoats, that is, they shed their undercoats completely. It is a very intense shedding period that can last up to three weeks from start to finish. The good news is that this only happens twice a year. The remainder of the time, Malamutes are relatively shed free (unlike smooth coated breeds). The bad news is that the shedding period can be rather messy. The hair comes out in large and small clumps. Lots of vacuuming and brushing are in order. It should be noted that some owners that live in very warm climes, ones that lack "seasonal changes," report some shedding year round in the breed. Generally:
- Is large, rugged, and furry, with a wolf-like appearance
- Loves the great outdoors and thrives on vigorous activities, especially in cool climates
- Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, yet is usually good-natured with everyone
The Alaskan Malamute is a very clean and relatively odor free dog. It tends to clean itself like a cat. Even when a Malamute becomes covered in mud, it will clean itself. Therefore, bathing needs are minimal. Some owners only bathe their dogs once a year or less.
Other than during coat-blowing season, the Malamute needs very little grooming. No trimming or shaving of hair is required or recommended. Occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh and shiny is required. Their nails should be checked and clipped periodically.
Malamutes are very trusting and friendly, making them a great pet but not a great guard dog. Malamutes enjoy outdoor living as long as they still get a good amount of attention, but they prefer to live indoors with their family.
Malamutes not only crave attention, but they also demand it. If left to their own devices, a neglected Malamute can become mischievous. However, while a smaller dog's mischief causes a small amount of damage, these dogs can be quite destructive, tearing up furniture and anything else that they have access to! Malamutes can also be difficult to housebreak.
They don't require a large amount of food but they will eat whatever you put in front of them; don't let them overeat! Malamutes are fairly quiet dogs but, with their wolf-like tendencies, they do occasionally howl and dig.
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