Dog Breed of the Month: The Alaskan MalamuteEach month, Buster shines the spotlight on a different popular dog breed. This month's feature is the Alaskan Malamute, the perfect winter pal.
Origins The Alaskan Malamute is a spitz-type dog whose ancestors were used by the Mahlemut Inuits of upper western Alaska for centuries. This breed is known to have existed for at least 2,000 years, and remains were found recently that may date from as much as 30,000 years ago which strongly resemble those of the modern Malamute. This makes this canine one of the 'First Dogs'. DNA testing shows them to be distinct from other modern breeds in that they are largely genetically 'undiluted'. (This might account for their resemblance to wolves.) The Mahlemuts and their dogs developed close bonds, and these hardy canines, who were able to flourish in the some of the harshest weather on the planet, were used as working animals. Many centuries later, Malamutes were used to pull sleds during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late nineteenth century and also accompanied Rear Admiral Richard Byrd on his ecpeditions to the South Pole. Malamutes served in search-and-rescue in Greenland during World War II and were also utilized as draft animals as they are capable of pulling very heavy loads. You might call them the Clydesdales of the canine world.
Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful... Alaskan Malamutes are handsome. They have a thick double coat, with coarse outer 'guard hairs' standing away from the body, and a softer, denser, somewhat oily undercoat. This covering is designed to protect the dog from the harsh Arctic weather. Colors are black and white, red and white, sable and white, gray and white, or all white. Malamutes shed heavily in spring. Be prepared for lots of fuzzy 'tumbleweeds' as your Malamute loses his winter coat. He can shed enough in one day to make your back yard look like it just snowed! Brush him daily to keep him comfortable and the fur out of your house. The Malamute's face may have a distinctive 'blaze' or mask of color. Eyes are almond-shaped and varying shades of brown. A purebred will NEVER have blue eyes. If blue eyes (or one blue eye) are present, the dog is not purebred but has likely been crossed with a Husky. Ears are 'pricked' at attention; the tail should curl over the back in a fluffy plume. A corkscrew tail (such as the tail of an Akita) may also be the sign of a cross-breed. The Malamute is heavy-boned and muscular, with sturdy legs and large 'snowshoe' feet. Since male Malamutes can weigh as much as 100 pounds or more, this is not a creature built for speed and so they don't perform well in sled races, unlike their smaller, lighter, more streamlined Husky cousins. However, if you're looking for a dog to compete in pulling or carting competitions, the Malamute is your guy.
Malamutes are generally pretty healthy, perhaps due to the fact that this breed is still somewhat 'genetically pure'. They are prone to some of the same diseases as other large canines, such as hip dysplasia. Other diseases seen in Malamutes are chondrodysplasia, a disorder affecting the development of cartilage; polyneuropathy, a bilateral nerve disorder affecting the hind legs; and epilepsy (which is as common--or more so--in dogs as it is in humans). The average lifespan of a Malamute is about 10.7 years, typical of a large, heavy-boned canine.
Malamutes are generally fond of people but can be difficult to train due to their independence, resourcefulness, and intelligence. (Remember, this is a creature whose ancestors survived outdoors in extreme conditions.). As with any breed, consistent, firm, positive training will result in a well-behaved pet. This breed is usually not very 'barky' but may instead express themselves via 'yodeling' or howling. (See, I told you they were closer to wolves than the average Yorkie!) We knew a red-and-white female Malamute named Melissa from the local dog park. She was very opinionated and always tried to 'referee' the others' activities by getting in the middle and yodeling...very entertaining. They're generally good with children but may have a strong prey drive, so they must be watched around younger children and small animals. Malamutes are (obviously) best suited to colder climates. They LOVE snow! If you're an winter outdoors enthusiast, this may be just the right CBF for you. Keep your Malamute cool and comfy in warmer months by letting him play in a kiddie pool filled with cold water. He'll be smiling like our friend in the photo.
If you think that an Alaskan Malamute would make a good addition to your family, you have a couple of options. If you're planning on going to a breeder, PLEASE do your homework first. A reputable breeder will want you to see the pups' parents and the kind of environment in which they live. You should experience a clean, safe, friendly atmosphere and observe healthy, robust, happy dogs that enjoy human interaction. if you find a breeder that is willing to sell you a dog over the phone, RUN in the opposite direction. This is a person that is more interested in making money than ensuring that the litters go to happy, healthy homes. If you'd rather not go to a breeder, check the various rescue groups and shelters. Petfinder is a great place to start. Since about 25% of all rescues are purebreds, you can still find the pup of your dreams and you're likely saving a life in the process.
Past featured breeds include the Schnauzer, the German Shepherd Dog, the Beagle, the Great Pyrenees, the Dachshund, the Irish Wolfhound, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, the Scottish Deerhound, and the Newfoundland. If there's a particular breed you'd like us to feature, click on the 'Contact Us' button at left and let us know which ones you'd like to see. Also, we welcome feedback on all of our pages. Don't be afraid to sit and speak!!
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