Mal, Mally
Overview
The Alaskan malamute is a powerfully built dog of Nordic breed type, developed to haul heavy loads rather than race. It is slightly longer than it is tall. It is heavy-boned and compact, designed for strength and endurance. Its gait is steady, balanced and tireless. Its coat is thick and double, with a coarse outer coat and dense, wooly, oily undercoat, providing the ultimate in insulation. Although its eyes have a "wolf-like" appearance, its expression is soft.
The Alaskan malamute is powerful, independent, strong-willed and fun-loving. Its idea of great fun is to pull a sled or cart, but it also loves to run and roam. It is family-oriented, and as long as it is given daily exercise, it is well-mannered in the home. Without proper exercise, it can become frustrated and destructive. It is friendly and sociable toward people, but it may be aggressive toward strange dogs, pets or livestock. Some can be domineering. It tends to dig and howl.
| Size | Large |
| Height | Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm)Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) |
| Weight | Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg)Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Black Gray Red White |
| Origin | United States |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
Alaskan Malamutes are not recommended for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a large yard. If you live in a suburban area, a high fence is a must, but bury the base, because they are likely to dig their way out. The Alaskan Malamute likes to roam in what he considers to be his territory. The Malamutes coat allows them to withstand extreme cold, but be careful to keep the dogs cool in hot climates. Make sure they have shade and plenty of clean cool water. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
Malamutes need a reasonable amount of exercise which include long daily walks. But be careful not to overdo it in warm weather. |
| Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: Although they are friendly and well mannered, Alaskan Malamutes need a firm approach in their training to achieve obedience. Some Alaskan Malamutes may be difficult to housebreak. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Moderate Maintenance: Adapted for harsh, Arctic life, the Malamute's beautiful waterproof double coat requires regular brushing and bathing to stay healthy. They have thick coats, which shed heavily twice a year. Using a pin brush and a metal-toothed ‘greyhound’ comb for brushing will help keep his coat in good condition and keep seasonal shedding more manageable. Be sure to brush him daily and check for mats which can hide fungus and hot spots which may become infected. Thick nails require regular trimming with a nail clipper or grinder. Check ears weekly for accumulated dirt, wax or other foreign matter that may result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly. |
| Shedding |
Constant and Seasonal Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Frequent |
Alaskan Malamute Pictures
