Alaskan malamute
The malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, developed by the Mahlemut people of north-west Alaska for hauling heavy loads over distance rather than for speed.
It is a freighting dog, and that is the difference between it and the husky.
Large, heavily boned and powerfully built, with a dense double coat, a plumed tail carried over the back, and a broad head with a characteristically soft expression. Malamutes are friendly and outgoing to the point of being useless as guard dogs, but they are also independent, strong, and among the most enthusiastic diggers and howlers in the dog world.
- Origin
- North-west Alaska
- Size
- 34–43 kg, 58–64 cm at the shoulder
- Lifespan
- 10–14 years
- Coat
- Thick woolly undercoat with a coarse outer coat
- Temperament
- Friendly, independent, strong-willed, vocal
- Exercise
- 2 hours daily, more in cool weather
Related: Alaskan Klee Kai
3 alaskan malamute photos, newest first
Living with a alaskan malamute
The coat is enormous and sheds heavily twice a year. Expect to brush most days during a moult and to own a serious vacuum permanently.
Heat is a genuine welfare issue for a dog built for the Arctic — exercise early and late in summer, and never leave one without shade and water. They also dig, and a malamute will redesign a lawn given the chance.
Recall is poor by design: these are independent working dogs with high prey drive, so secure fencing and lead walking are the norm. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and inherited polyneuropathy occur; the breed also carries a specific risk of zinc-responsive dermatosis.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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