You are considering getting a dog and your choice is on him Alaskan Malamute fallen that looks suspiciously like the husky?
Then of course you would like to know what special features await you with this breed and how it is, for example, in terms of health.
You can find out that and more in our breed portrait.
Alaskan Malamute Wanted Poster
Size Male: 64 to 71 cm, Female: 58 to 66 cmWeightMale: 40 kg and more, female: up to 38 kgColorsGradated light gray to black; White is the standard colourLife expectancy12 yearsOriginUSAcharacter/temperamentplayful, friendly, agile, people-oriented, persistent, intelligentFCI groupGroup 5, Spitz and archetypal dogs
Look
The Alaskan Malamute looks confusingly similar to the husky. Like this, the Alaskan Malamute has a very muscular and compact physique.
Since he’s in the FCI group top falls, the physique is expressed, among other things, in strong shoulders and a deep chest.
In addition, the small ears are very characteristic of this breed, as is the upturned tail, which is slightly bushy.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
The coat of the Alaskan Malamute is from two different skins compound: one very dense and slightly protruding top coat and one very oily undercoat.
This is necessary to Repel cold and wet and owing to the fact that this breed hails from snowy and cold Alaska.
The fur is relatively shortwith the exception of Parts in the neck and shoulder area. Here it falls a little longer out of.
The fur colors range from Light gray to black, and in shades. Whatever must be given: The white base colour of the fur.
eye colors
Regarding the eyes that are almond shapedaccording to the FCI breed standard: You should always only brown or amber in color be, but never blue.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that this color doesn’t appear anyway.
But this Alaskan Malamute is not a pedigree. Also, did you know that blue eyes on a partial albinism Clues?
This also partly explains the coloring of the fur. Because with this phenomenon, only the parts of the body that are least supplied with blood are darker.
Height Weight
The general rule: Males are larger and heavier than females or fey.
For the Alaskan Malamute that means: The Males grow up to 71 centimeters high and can do it up to 40 kilograms and more weigh.
A Alaskan Malamute female will, however, «only» up to 66 centimeters large and brings a weight of up to 38 kilograms on the scales.
History & Origin of the Alaskan Malamute
The name might already give it away: the Alaskan Malamute comes from the USAmore precisely, from the State of Alaska.
The breed is one of them so-called Urhunden. In fact, she is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
This is how Malamutes and Huskies should be already 9,000 years ago as sled and working dogs have been used!
Incidentally, his name derives from a Inuit tribe off, the Mahlemiut or Mahleniut. These used and still use the Alaskan Malamute as a sled dog, among other things.
But that wasn’t his only job. Because of the dense fur, the Alaskan Malamute was – and is – one too perfect four-legged hot water bottle for small children.
By the way, the Alaskan Malamute is a Descendant of the traditional sled dogs. True, optical features have been adapted, among other things, to the Siberian husky.
The beings of the Alaskan Malamute is, however, to this day somewhat in its original form receive. Since year 1963 is the alaskan malamute from the FCI as separate race accepted.
Nature & Character of the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is first a very strong willed Dog.
And he is not only mentally strong and determined but also physically. This means for you as a future owner: This breed needs a strong hand – in two ways.
In addition to being strong-willed, the Alaskan Malamute is also very people-oriented and affectionate. Nevertheless, we advise against bringing this breed into the house as a family dog.
The reason: the dog can run over a small child in a hurry. So you should not leave this breed alone with children.
And by the time a child is physically able to walk an Alaskan Malamute, they are no longer a child.
The same applies to other pets. True, the Alaskan Malamute is supposed to, among other things be able to make friends with the house cats.
However, this friendship by no means extends to animals that roam outside his four walls.
attitude & upbringing
As mentioned, the Alaskan Malamute is a very strong-willed and also physically very strong dog, which is beyond that highly intelligent is.
This affects both attitude and upbringing.
attitude
The Alaskan Malamute is a sled dog. And is with it lots of exercise and fresh air used.
Its exceptional high urge to move means: This race is not suitable for city maintenance or even apartment maintenance.
An alaskan malamute needs space – and as much of it as possible.
do you live in the country Or at least within reach of sprawling fields and forests? Then the Alaskan Malamute may be the perfect dog for you.
Note, however, that a bis two short walks a day are not enough. As a sled and working dog, this breed is sort of accustomed to canine endurance sports.
The more exercise – and variety – the happier he will be.
This also includes winter sports – almost logical, right? Your Alaskan Malamute will therefore have no problem if he can pull you through the snowy winter landscape on your sled.
Upbringing
Often the Alaskan Malamute compared to a catbecause he characteristic traits should have. That’s how he is very trainable and highly intelligent. Only with subordinating does it have this fur nose not always quite (hence the cat among the dogs).
That means for you: The Training must begin as a puppyso that you can get the temperament of your furry friend under control.
are important here tact and patience. What the Alaskan Malamute, on the other hand, absolutely does does not appreciate: When you are tough on him and put pressure on him.
By the way, many dog experts recommend that before moving in the Alaskan Malamute deal intensively with the original form of this breed. And to acquire additional basic knowledge about wolves.
Why? Because the Alaskan Malamute very original in nature is – and therefore can bring along one or the other part of the wolf.
Health & Care
grooming
Did you know that the Alaskan Malamute a self-cleaning coat has? This means that dirt and grime dry up here and then happily trickle out of the fur by itself.
For grooming, this means: This is manageable – in contrast to cleaning your house, where the dried dirt then accumulates.
Also interesting for you: a Male goes through a coat change twice a yearone Bitch, on the other hand, more often. The reason for this is the heat, during which there can be several coat changes.
Whether male or female: In these times you should keep your fur nose Active support with regular combing and brushingso he or she doesn’t have to deal with all that fur alone.
Health
As a primal dog, the Alaskan Malamute has a huge advantage in terms of health and possible illnesses: it simply tends not by natureto develop certain breed-specific diseases.
However, it may be that the following ailments/problems do occur:
- Hip dysplasia, due to the high urge to move
- Dermatosis, i.e. a skin disease
Life expectancy
The Alaskan Malamute has a life expectancy of 12 yearsbut can also get significantly older if kept and fed appropriately.
Is the Alaskan Malamute right for me?
Whether a dog suits you or not always depends on several criteria. On the one hand, the nature of the dog plays a role, but on the other hand, of course, yours too.
Regarding the Alaskan Malamute: Should this your first dog be, we advise against this breed.
Because as beautiful, intelligent and affectionate as she is – she is not easy either. Above all, education requires a strong hand.
Of course it may be that you trust yourself, this breed to raise appropriately and consistently. If you also have a strong will and some muscles, living with this special breed can also work for a beginner.
It is important that you are very active and like spending time in the fresh air spend. You should too lots of time bring along. Because your new roommate has very high demands in this regard.
Last but not least, please always keep in mind: An Alaskan Malamute is a living beingwho can live to be 12 years and older. That means: For this time you take responsibility for this dog!
So be you more than 100% sure pleasethat you can and really want to take on this responsibility.
Fun facts about the Alaskan Malamute
Not only dry facts are interesting about the Alaskan Malamute – also these following fun facts:
- The Alaskan Malamute gained international fame through various polar expeditions. He also owes his nickname «Locomotive of the North» to this.
- The Alaskan Malamute is the official «state dog» of the US state of Alaska and can be found in the Yukon coat of arms, among other places.
- The Alaskan Malamute has its own holiday in Alaska. And so, National Alaskan Malamute Day falls on January 7th every year. Incidentally, the Woof Book Group is responsible for this.
- Actor Robin Williams and US President Hoover lived with an Alaskan Malamute.
- An Alaskan Malamute had, among other things, in one Indiana Jones-Film an appearance.
- In 1925, 150 Alaskan Malamutes were involved in bringing a life-saving diphtheria serum from Nenana to Nome, Alaska.
- During World War II, Alaskan Malamutes were used to transport weapons, sniff out mines, and rescue injured soldiers.
- The Alaskan Malamute is a «chatterbox,» so he likes to communicate and communicates a lot (he’s sort of the Siamese of dogs).
Of course, these are just a few fun facts about the Alaskan Malamute. Maybe you already live with this breed and can contribute one or the other anecdote?
Then of course we would be happy if you share them with us in the comments 😊