Learn all about the Alaskan Malamute breed, a beautiful and affectionate dog, discover its abilities, its character, its life expectancy, its origin, its behavior and more that you cannot miss.
Alaskan Malamute
It can be said that this dog, the alaska siberian, is quite similar to the Siberian husky in its physique, but they have differences that make them unique. They have been seen as sled dogs for many years, since their physique allowed it, having great strength to pull without getting tired when traveling about twenty kilometers with a weight of twenty kilograms.
A very interesting fact is the fact that this dog is not the result of any cross, but is pure; In addition to being used to pull heavy loads, they were also useful for hunting and protecting the areas where they camped.
Characteristics of the Alaskan Malamute
Just by looking at them you can see that they have unparalleled energy and strength, that they have surprising physical activity, so if you want to adopt an Alaskan malamute you must be aware that you must always remain in continuous activity with him.
However, do not use it to protect your home, since it is very sociable and trusting, so for a protector you do not have to give it much confidence.
- Origin
This dog is considered one of the oldest in terms of the work that is designated to pull sleds, originally from the United States and America, its main breeders were the Inuit, a tribe of the nineteenth century, who depended on these dogs to be able to move from one place to another and settle down to camp in hard times. His name originated from a group of Eskimos called Mahlamuit.
- Size
This characteristic is always important to take into account, depending on where you live and where you are going to have this dog, as has already been said, they should preferably be large and open places, since they like to be in constant activity.
Physically he is quite corpulent and large. In height it can reach up to sixty-five centimeters. The females are usually smaller than the males, but just as corpulent.
- Weight
If you want a dog to carry in your arms, this will not be the appropriate one, since its weight can reach a minimum of twenty-five kilos in adulthood and a maximum of approximately forty-five kilograms, a fact that helped it carry those heavy loads. that were imposed on them in ancient times.
- FCI Classification
There is a way to classify dogs by breed, called the International Cinological Federation, this being the worldwide organization in charge of determining the characteristics by breed of each dog, but not only this, but they are also defenders of their interests. Therefore, within this federation the Alaskan Malamute is classified within group V.
- fur
If you like furry dogs this will be ideal, since it has two layers, one of them a little rougher and the other a little softer simulating silk, it has a great density, however, it is not as long as it could happen with the Golden Retriever with its beautiful fur.
The color of his hair is usually gray, but it has other shades such as white, black and even reddish on certain occasions.
- Life expectancy
One of the most common questions that people ask when acquiring a dog or other pets, since most of them want to have a life partner for many years, prolonging the sadness that they leave behind when they definitely leave our side.
In the case of Alaskan Siberian It has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years, just like the Belgian Shepherd.
- Character
A fairly common question, since there are dogs that are more docile than others, others more jealous and protective, fidelity is usually another of the most frequent concerns.
Around this, the Alaskan Malamute is a very balanced dog, which has a high rate of sociability both with other dogs and with humans, their fidelity and intelligence also usually characterize them, but not only that, but they are also quite affectionate and extremely active.
- Eyes
It has already been mentioned at the beginning that they have a great resemblance to the Siberian Husky, due to this there are those who ask about the colors of their eyes, however, in this lies one of the main differences that exist between these two breeds, since in the In the case of the dog in question, they only have brown tones, since their genetics allow it.
So if they do have other shades of eyes, they will not be an Alaskan malamute, so you should be aware of these elements when you go to acquire a dog of this breed.
- Ideal for:
Choosing a pet is usually a very important decision and one that must be taken seriously depending on the characteristics that exist in the family and in the house. In the case of the Alaskan Malamute, they are ideal for when there are children in the home, due to their character. affectionate, faithful and protective.
For people with disabilities, because they can help with the transfer and take care of them. For houses, due to their large size it is very difficult to have them in small places or apartments.
- recommended climate
It has already been mentioned that it is a dog that comes from places where snow abounds, since its main function was to pull sleds with heavy loads, so the ideal climate for them is cold.
Due to this, it is recommended that places where heat is the prevailing climate be avoided, preferably they should be areas with low-temperature climates, otherwise the heat can overwhelm them and they will feel exhausted.
- Your behavior
The most common thing is that it is quite playful, so it will be ideal for the little ones in the house, it is quite sociable so you will not have problems with visits, or when you go for a walk. They are usually very obedient and intelligent, they are also independent dogs and many even say that they are stubborn.
- recommended physical activity
It is a dog that needs to be in continuous activity, it cannot be kept locked up for a long time and less in small places, on the contrary, the more space it has to function better.
You should give him long walks every day, if they do not exercise daily he will take on inappropriate behaviors inside the home, while if you keep him tired, his attitude will be the best even when you have him in small spaces, but only if he stays during the day very active.
- Adaptability
It is a dog that is not very suitable for living in an apartment, it also has a low level so that a person who has not previously had animals adapts to it, its sensitivity level is quite high, that is, 9 out of 10, it does not tolerate loneliness , is a dog with high tolerance for cold and zero tolerance for heat.
Main diseases of the Alaskan malamute
This is a dog that enjoys a lot of health and resistance, so it is rare that it suffers from any condition, but if there are some that appear due to heredity, these can be:
- Renal insufficiency: It can appear in adults or the elderly.
- Hip dysplasia: If it is raised properly, it is rare for this disease to appear.
- Hemeralopia: It is also rare, being a condition that does not allow them to see well in bright light.
- Heat strokes: it is not suitable for heat, so it can suffer at high temperatures.
Basic care
In order to give your dog a good life, full of health, quality, a long life expectancy, you must take certain care regarding several essential elements as shown in the following points; do not hesitate to consult with specialists about any doubts you may have about it.
- Health
It has already been mentioned that they enjoy impeccable health, it is very rare that an illness afflicts them, even so, they are a living being and require certain attentions to maintain their quality of life stable.
The most important thing is that you have your vaccinations up to date, you must also be deworming them whenever necessary, in this way you will maintain your good health. Do not hesitate to take him to the vet if you see something strange either in his body or in the way he is behaving, keep his nails and teeth in good condition.
- Brushed
It was already mentioned that he has a bit of silky fur and another not so much, however. even so it is very special, you must be combing or brushing it with great constancy so that its shine and strength can be maintained.
The frequency with which you should do them is at least once a day, but if you do not have time you should at least take a little of your space in the week to dedicate it to your fur, with three times a week it will be enough, since This will stimulate the elimination of dead hair and reduce the possibility of suffering from allergies.
- Bathrooms
Their fur is abundant, but this being so, it is not necessary that they are bathing very frequently, but in this regard it is the same as other breeds of dogs such as the Beagle; It will be enough for you to perform its corresponding bath once a month.
Even every month and a half is prudent, in this way you will be able to maintain your control properly. What is recommended is that you try to do the bath at the same time as when they shed their hair, so that knots do not form in their fur.
- Food
They are dogs that quickly tend to gain weight if they are not aware of an adequate and excessive diet; Their nature makes them very greedy animals, so you must feed them with great caution so that they do not tend to become obese, which could cause serious conditions.
They will always be hungry, but you should not always satisfy them, be balanced with the food you give them and always be of quality.
- Education
Some people call this breed of dog stubborn because they say they are not very intelligent, but it really is a dog with great abilities, only you have to dedicate yourself to teaching them from when they are just a puppy.
If you do not do it since they are puppies it will be very difficult to educate them due to their stubbornness by nature, in addition to this you must dedicate yourself to socializing them both with Persians and with animals because if they do not they become skittish and aggressive, so you must get used to it.
your curiosities
If you are going to adopt or buy an Alaskan Malamute you should know its curiosities, such as:
- They were used as rescue dogs in the period of World War II, between 1939 and 1945.
- He personally takes care of his hair.
- They do not lack intelligence but are very stubborn.
- It is considered one of the purest breeds.
- They were shown to share DNA with the Siberian Husky, however their origins in time are not at all similar.
- Perfect for family company, more than anything when there are infants; They are ideal for playing, for sports activities and more.