Alaskan Malamute - Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute Temperament

The Alaskan Malamute is a dog that may grow into a dignified, calm adult, but some may continue being playful and puppy-like even when they are older. This is a breed that loves to play, and is therefore well suited to those that enjoy spending time outdoors and enjoying exercise. It is important to spend time with this breed and not neglect them, as they can become bored easily and this can lead to destructive behavior. This is a dog that loves to play and excise in colder weather, and their friendly disposition makes them a joy to be around, although this also means that they are not the best watchdogs. The breed can be aggressive around same sex dogs, as well as with other smaller animals.

The hunting instinct in these dogs is strong, and this means that you should be careful when he is around other animals or when he is loose - make sure that your yard or garden is securely fenced in order to stop him from escaping and running riot! Although a great companion and very loving, the Alaskan Malamute can be headstrong and stubborn, so they are best suited to those with experience in dog ownership who can quickly establish who is boss. The Alaskan Malamute is also very possessive when it comes to food, and therefore feeding should be separate from other dogs or animals. Early socialization is essentials to ensure that he gets along with other animals and people.
Alaskan Malamute Appearance

The height of the Alaskan Malamute is around 23-27 inches and the weight is around 75-110 pounds. His outer coat is harsh and thick, with a dense, softer undercoat. The underbody, feet, and face mask is white, and the rest of the coat can vary in terms of color, with colors that include gray, black, gold, red, and seal. A sturdy and robust looking animal, these dogs are very powerful. This well built dog has a beautiful plush tail. His coat will need to be brushed a couple of times a week to keep it looking good, and you will find that he can be a heavy shedder on a seasonal basis.
Alaskan Malamute Grooming

The double coat of the Alaskan Malamute will need to be brushed around twice a week in order to keep it in good condition. Twice yearly these dogs shed heavily, and at other times of the year they still shed although not quite as much - therefore this is not the best breed for allergy sufferers.
Alaskan Malamute Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Alaskan Malamute is around 10-12 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes thyroid problems, bleeding disorders, Chd, cataracts, ligament problems, skin conditions, and autoimmune problems. Parents of your puppy should have OFA and CERF certification, and Chd clearance is also recommended. These dogs do not fare well in warmer climates, and need to be protected from the heat.
Alaskan Malamute History

The Alaskan Malamute, as the name suggests, originates from Alaska, and was developed for pulling sleds and drafting. These dogs were also used for hauling and hunting in larger numbers. These working dogs were first registered with the AKC in 1935.

# AKANA
# SizeLarge
# Ease of trainingLow
# GroomingLow
# SheddingHigh (seasonal)
# Exercise neededA walk and lots of running daily
# Energy levelMedium
# ProtectionLow, size may discourage intruder
# Good with childrenYes, when raised with them
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF, Chd
# Popularity57/155