Alaskan Malamutes are beautiful, striking sled-dogs resembling huskies or wolves. Renowned for their loyalty and affection, they make excellent pets and are very obedient.
The Alaskan Malamute Breed
The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Arctic dog breeds, including its cousins the Siberian Husky, Samoyed and American Eskimo Dog. It is also the largest of the five Kennel Club recognized breeds of sled dogs.
Ranging from 23 inches to 28 inches, the Alaskan Malamute is extremely strong, having been bred to pull heavy loads over long distances at a steady pace. This breed, like the Husky and German Shepherd, is often crossed with the wolf to produce hybrids, such as the wolf dog Jed, who played the wolf in The Journey of Natty Gann, White Fang in the 1991 film adaptation of Jack London’s classic book, and the alien dog in John Carpenter’s The Thing.
Origins of the Alaskan Malamute
These dogs evolved from those accompanying prehistoric man on migrations from Asia to Greenland across the Arctic, spanning thousands of years. Sled-dogs belonging to the Siberian Eskimos eventually spread to the Arctic regions of Greenland, Alaska and Canada. Those dogs originating in Northern Alaska were named Malamutes, after the Mahlemuits, one of the Eskimo tribes that settled there and used them over 2000 years ago. Bred for the sole purpose of outstanding performance in pulling sleds, hunting and guarding property, only the hardiest dogs could survive the exceedingly harsh winters. Europeans coming to Alaska also began to use them to pull their sleds.
The breed declined with the Gold Rush age, but made a comeback when used as a sporting dog. While not suited for speed, the Alaskan Malamute is well designed for endurance, able to pull heavy loads and give record-setting performances over long distances.
Alaskan Malamute Husky Comparison
Although similar to the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute has a larger build, but shorter body, with a heavier, broader head. The muzzle is less narrow at the end than that of the husky.
Rather than the traditional line of Huskies pulling a sled, Alaskan Malamutes tend to be harnessed in a fan-like arrangement, which is more suitable for travelling on flat plains
The Alaskan Malamute as a Pet
Alaskan Malamutes make excellent family pets, as they are extremely friendly towards humans. Despite their resemblance to wolves, they do not make good guard dogs for this reason, along with the fact that they rarely bark. However, they are prone to aggression against other dogs of the same sex, usually if challenged, and are not recommended as a first dog as they are not particularly easy to train, going through a rebellious stage during their second year. They are also better with older children than the very young. Being pack dogs, they prefer to live in a family rather than with one person.
The Alaskan Malamute Club
The Alaskan Malamute Club of the United Kingdom (AMCUK) was formed in 1964 by a group of enthusiasts for the breed. The club holds shows and fun days and offers seminars and advice on this particular dog. In 2006 they gained CC staus with the Kennel Club. Owners, breeders and judges of Alaskan Malamutes are welcomed as members.
Alaskan Malamute Puppies
Alaskan Malamutes have, on average, a litter of six puppies, with a life expectancy of up to 15 years. Dogs grow up to 28 inches and bitches up to 26 inches, with weight ranging from 38-56kg.
Breeders of the Alaskan Malamute are usually very fussy about where they place their puppies, so if you wish to take on a puppy you will need to be prepared to meet the breeder and be placed on a waiting list.
Alaskan Malamute Breeders
Genuine and responsible breeders will hip-score their breeding animals and test their eyes under BVA/KC schemes. They should be able to produce certificates for your perusal. Alaskan Malamutes can suffer from hip dysplasia and while it is not possible to completely predict whether or not a dog will suffer from this, the hip-score of the parent dogs should be considered carefully.
Looking After an Alaskan Malamute
As a working dog, the Alaskan Malamute needs plenty of exercise, so a large backyard and regular brisk walks are essential, otherwise this breed will become bored and, consequently, destructive indoors. Steady rather than fast exercise is advised.
The Alaskan Malamute sheds heavily twice yearly but does not need bathing. It does, however, require grooming twice weekly. Those with a sensitive nose would find an ideal companion in this breed, as it is odourless.
This breed also needs a lot of companionship, becoming morose and possibly aggressive if left outside alone all the time. Kept as a well-integrated family member, however, it makes an excellent pet provided it receives a firm hand from an efficient human “pack leader”.
References:
Dobroruka, Ludek. Illustrated Guide to Dogs, The. Treasure Press, 1990
Alaskanmalamute.org.uk
Dogbreedinfo.com
Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
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