Are You Ready for an Alaskan Malamute? Here’s What You Need to Know – Care Tips & Guide

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute dogs are a living and breathing piece of history. They are more than a robust sled-pulling breed. If you’re ready to raise this large pet and meet its needs, you’re about to enjoy the presence of a remarkable companion.

Malamutes stand out for their loyal nature, resilience, and strength. Unlike their Husky cousins, Mally doggos are slower, but they display unique features and temperament. An active household is the ideal raising environment for them. In today’s article, I will detail this breed’s personality, physical traits, and trainability.

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Characteristics

OriginNorth America, Alaska
Other namesSnow Sled dog, Mal, Mally, Alaskan Mal
Breed groupSled dogs, working dogs
Alaskan Malamute sizeLarge dogs
Height23-25 inches
Weight75-100 pounds
ColorsGray and white, red and white, seal, sable, black
Life expectancy10-14 years
CoatWoolly texture, double-coated
SheddingConstantly shedding
Barking tendencyThey don’t bark much; they howl more.
TemperamentDignified, playful, devoted, powerful
Alaskan Malamute price$1500-$3000

Facts About the Breed

Alaskan Malamute dogs have a rich history. They are an ancient breed dating back more than 4,000 years. They were used as sled dogs and bred by native Alaskan people. If you have ever seen a Malamute pooch, you can see why it’s considered powerful, with incredible strength and endurance.

Rather than being created for speed, these canines were born with increased endurance as the primary focus of their breeders. They might be independent and strong-willed, but they’re also friendly, social, loyal, and affectionate.

Physical Traits

These large and muscular dogs feature a robust body created for endurance and strength. Their powerful build is protected by a double coat of fur, which sheds a lot but keeps them safe from harsh cold weather.

Besides their thick hair, you’ll also recognize Malamutes after their most common fur colors: black and white, sable, white and red, gray, and face markings. All the characteristics I’ve just described make these dogs look like wolves.

They generally have brown, almond-shaped eyes that are highly expressive. The ears of a Malamute dog should be erect and feature a triangular shape. Its tail must be fluffy and plumed. I love how these pets love to keep their tails curled up over their backs majestically and proudly.

Due to their rounded paws, Alaskan Mal pups enjoy plenty of stability on numerous terrains, including ice and snow.

Weight and Height

All Malamute dogs have large bodies, but there are also bigger dogs within this breed, called Giant Mals. The standard sizes, however, are as follows:

  • Males weigh around 85-100 pounds and are approximately 25 inches tall;
  • Females have a height of about 23 inches and a weight that ranges between 75 and 85 pounds.

Coat and Fur

The coat of Alaskan Malamutes is thick and has two layers:

  • A coarse outer layer that’s water-resistant;
  • A dense, woolly undercoat that offers good insulation.

Their undercoat, made of softer hairs, can measure up to two inches in length, so Alaskan Malamute dogs survived and thrived in northern countries with freezing temperatures.

Several standard fur colors are available, from the classic black and white to red and sable. Many Malamutes have markings on their faces, legs, and bellies. Shedding occurs seasonally, so you must groom them regularly to manage their heavy “blowout properly.”

Alaskan Malamute Temperament

ff Generally speaking, these dogs display friendly and social behaviors. Hence, they can be a great addition to your family, especially if you have enough space for your pet to play and exercise at home. These puppies become even more affectionate and well-behaved after proper training.

Usually, Malamute pooches act gentle and patient around children. In fact, they tend to bring out their playful side among kids, although an adult should always be present during these moments.

Once they’ve bonded with their owners, Alaskan Malamutes are loyal to their families. They’re not one-person pets; they love interacting with all family members.

Common Health Problems

These furry buddies are usually healthy, but some genetic issues could occur:

  • Hip dysplasia;
  • Arthritis;
  • Elbow dysplasia;
  • Retinal atrophy;
  • Hypothyroidism.

You can minimize the risk of these health issues by taking your pet to regular vet check-ups, seeking only responsible dog breeders, monitoring your puppy’s well-being, offering him a nutritious and balanced diet, and allowing him to lead an active life.

Average Lifespan

An Alaskan Malamute dog typically lives between 10 and 14 years. They’re large dogs. Hence, their longevity is impacted by several factors: genetics, exercise, diet, and the overall healthcare they receive.

If you want your pet to live longer, you should engage him in ample physical activity, feed him with wholesome foods, and take him to the vet for the necessary examinations. These dogs might be robust, but it would help if you checked their teeth, skin, and other signs of potential health issues.

Trainability – How Trainable Is an Alaskan Malamute Dog?

ff Despite being intelligent dogs, some Alaskan Malamutes might be more difficult to train due to their personality traits. Their nature is independent and stubborn, so you need plenty of patience and perseverance to achieve your desired results.

They are loyal and devoted but are less eager to please than other dog breeds. You may even notice your pet’s lack of enthusiasm when you’re vocalizing your commands. This may be particularly challenging for first-time dog owners.

However, if you rely on consistent, positive reinforcement techniques, you will soon have a well-trained Mally. Obedience training is something worth considering for this breed. Through it, your canine friend will understand his role within your family.

Make sure the training sessions include plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, your dog might get bored quickly. Agility classes also channel your puppy’s energetic temperament. Keep him focused by alternating training with playtime.

What Are the Nutritional Needs of Alaskan Malamutes?

Alaskan malamutes’ specific nutritional needs result from their high energy levels and muscular bodies. Although a large breed, Malamutes are very active and burn many calories during the day.

High-quality proteins and moderate amounts of healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins are all crucial for your dog’s health. These macros prevent many health problems while maintaining your pooch’s muscle mass.

Fatty acids will keep a Malamute’s fur thick and in top condition. Pick those dog foods that contain beef, chicken, or fish as their main ingredient. These furry companions require two or three meals daily, or they might get bloated.

Grooming and Maintenance

Malamute dogs require constant grooming, so you, as the owner, should purchase the right grooming tools (brushes, nail trimmers, dog shampoo, etc.). Due to their thick double coat, these pups need brushing 2-3 times per week, which will reduce some of the shedding.

You can bathe your Northern dog every six to eight weeks or when necessary. Avoid frequent bathing, as it can dry your dog’s skin. High-velocity blow dryers and thick towels are a must to ensure moisture doesn’t remain in your pet’s water-resistant double coat.

Finally, grooming an Alaskan Malamute also includes regular ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and nail trimming.

FAQs

Is an Alaskan Malamute a Good Family Dog?

Yes, this dog breed could be the ideal family pet if you have enough space and an active lifestyle. They’re loving and affectionate.

How Much Daily Exercise Does My Alaskan Malamute Need?

For your Malamute to remain healthy, he needs a minimum of 1-2 hours of daily exercise. Make sure to engage him in long walks, jogging, running, and hiking.

What’s the Best Climate for an Alaskan Malamute?

These dogs feel most comfortable in cooler climates. Because of their thick fur, they might struggle in hot weather. So, during hot summer days, ensure your dog drinks plenty of water and keep him in the shade as much as possible.

Final Bark

The Alaskan Malamute is an incredible dog breed, famous for its beauty, loyalty, and strength. As their owner, you must be dedicated and meet their needs regarding grooming, exercise, nutrition, and training. If you do these, your pet will reward you with unconditional love and companionship.

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