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Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Introduction
Alaskan Malamute is a large sized arctic breed originally from Alaska. They were bred for their endurance and strength to haul heavy loads as a sled dog and hound. Currently, they are still used as sled dogs for moving light objects, hauling freight, or for personal travel. Although, some Alaskan Malamutes are used for recreational pursuit of sledding also known as canicross, bikejoring, mushing, skijoring, and carting.
Most of the malamutes are kept as family pets or performance dogs in packing, weight pulling, and dog agility. Generally, a Malamute is slower in long-distance dog sled racing against smaller and faster breeds. Therefore, they are more productive to traveling or freighting over long distances at a far slower speed than recommended for racing. Alaskan Malamutes are fond of people, a temperament that makes them specifically sought-after family dogs.
Despite their large size, Malamutes don’t make great guard dogs as they don’t tend to bark. They are also quick-witted around smaller items and furniture which makes them ideal house dogs as long as they get plenty of their needed exercise outdoors. An Alaskan Malamute is also a soft-natured dog that often participates in animal therapy programs like visiting patients in hospitals.
Alaskan Malamute History | Origin
The progenitors of Alaskan Malamutes are believed to have been the domesticated wolf-dogs. They accompanied the paleolithic hunters as they migrated from Siberia and settled in Alaska. The breed’s name was derived by Mahlemiut who lived in Kotzebue Sound in northwestern Alaska. Originally, the Mahlemiut tribe used Malamutes for hauling heavy loads at low speeds, locating seal breathing holes in the ice, carrying packs in the summer, and distracting bears on hunts.
During the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, Malamutes and other sled dogs were important to recently landed settlers and prospectors. They were frequently breed with imported breeds. Overtime, different strains of the breed developed. The original strain of Alaskan Malamute, Kotzebue was recognized in 1935. A slightly different strain of Malamute was developed by Paul Voelker, Sr. with dogs that he had purchased in the early 20th century and in the 1920s. The strain was referred to as M’Loot.
Most Malamutes were used during World War II due to the high demand of sled dogs. Unfortunately, many Alaskan Malamutes were destroyed after the war. In response, AKC opened a studbook in the 40s’ and 50s’ to include the Hinman and M’Loot strains. The modern Alaskan Malamutes get their gene pool from the three strains.
Alaskan Malamute Lifespan
According to AKC, Alaskan Malamutes have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
Alaskan Malamute Grooming
An Alaskan Malamute has a double-layered waterproof coat that should be brushed daily using a metal comb and pin brush. Daily brushing helps to check out for hot spots which can become infected and mats which can harbor fungus. In the native Alaska, Malamutes don’t shed all-year round except during seasonal change once or twice a year during Spring and/or Fall. The shedding season may last for a period of 6 weeks. Use an undercoat rake to remove the loose hair.
A Malamute needs a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Although, show dogs bath weekly. While bathing the dog, use a minimal shampoo designed for arctic breeds. This will avoid stripping the natural oils present on the skin. If the coat feels dry, a conditioner can be used in moderation. Ensure that the grooming products are rinsed off the skin using lukewarm water. After a bath, ensure the undercoat is completely dry. Moisture left in the thick coat leads to fungal infection and other skin issues.
Avoid washing the face with soapy water that irritates the eyes. Instead use a clean damp washcloth to wipe the face. Wipe the ears weekly using cotton balls that are soaked in an ear cleanser solution to remove excess wax, dirt, or debris. Teeth cleaning is recommended twice a week if not daily using a tasty canine toothpaste and finger toothbrush. Clip the nails twice every month using nail clippers. Overly grown nails makes walking and running painful for a Malamute.
Malamute Grooming Tools
To fully groom a Malamute, you will require the following grooming tools: a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner required for arctic breeds, metal comb, pin brush, undercoat rake ( during shedding season), a dry towel, nail clippers, tasty canine toothpaste, finger toothbrush, clean damp washcloth, ear cleanser solution, and cotton balls.
Malamute Haircut
An Alaskan Malamute does not require any trimming or shaving. This dog has a waterproof double coat that insulates the dog against extreme heat and cold. The whiskers should not be trimmed. A Shaved coat may take months or years to fully recover, if at all it will grow back to its previous state.
Alaskan Malamute Shedding
A Malamute that resides in Alaska only sheds twice a year during seasonal change when blowing of the coat. However, a dog that resides in other places other than Alaska will shed at moderate levels all-year round. Brush the coat daily to remove the loose hair, dirt, and promote hair re-growth. The heavy shedding season lasts for a period of 6 weeks. During the non-shedding season use a pin brush and metal comb for grooming. When a Malamute is blowing off the coat, use an undercoat rake.
Alaskan Malamute Coat | Coat Type
An Alaskan Malamute has a waterproof double coat with a coarse guard coat as well as a dense, oily, and woolly undercoat. During summer, the coat of a Malamute is less dense and shorter.
Alaskan Malamute Hypoallergenic
Alaskan Malamutes are not hypoallergenic. They shed heavily twice a year in their Native Alaska. However, dogs that reside in other places rather than Alaska tend to shed all-year round at moderate levels. Shedding allows spread of hair and dander which triggers allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies. Dog’s hair, dander, saliva, mucus, and urine contain a protein allergen that triggers inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Alaskan Malamute Training | Training Tips
A Malamute is an intelligent dog but also willful and independent to the point of being stubborn. They are also known for their pack behavior. In order to communicate and train Alaskan Malamutes, be the pack leader. This will ease the training. A pack leader can create the sense of a pack leadership by getting to the door first, eating first, and being firm & consistent while giving commands. Eating first helps the pooch to understand that the pet parent is the owner of all the valuable resources including food, toys, and treats.
The greatest challenge while training a Malamute is boredom. This dog easily gets bored. Pet parents should keep the training sessions interesting whilst the dog will adopt a ‘dumb face’ that it is not understanding a thing. If the pet parent is not in the mood to train, take a break. When fully recharged, train the dog. Malamutes know how to decipher half-hearted individuals a mile-away. The presence of children while training maintains the low spot of the dog on the totem pole. It also conveys the message that the dog is not the alpha of the house.
Socialization and obedience training is also a necessity to prevent a Malamute from becoming too pushy with small pets and children. This training also helps to regulate the dominant behavior with the people that the dog doesn’t respect. Socialization starts while the dog is still with the breeder from the age of 3 weeks until the age of 16 weeks when the dog stays with a pet parent. Malamute puppies are taken home from the age of 8 weeks. To socialize your dog, expose it to other dogs, smaller pets, people, surfaces, sight, smell, situations, and sounds like lawn mowers, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, whistle, and sirens.
Puppy classes also serve as a form of socialization. These classes also empower pet parents to identify and correct bad habits. Although, Malamutes can be trained to tolerate smaller pets, it is important to be mindful of them around smaller animals and young children. Use positive reinforcement methods such as playtime, treats, toys, and verbal praise. Avoid use of harsh correction methods including yelling, shoving, kicking, and beating the dog. Teach basic command words like sit, come, down, stay, leave it, off, wait, etc. one at a time before proceeding to the next command word. A Malamute should obey the command words 100% of the time.
In order to housebreak a Malamute, crate training, creating a feeding schedule, and potty training is recommended. A crate is an indispensable device while toilet training. It helps the dog owner to monitor for signs that the dog wants to eliminate such as walking in circles, going to the corner of the crate, squatting, sniffing, restlessness, and whining. However, a crate should never be used as a means of punishing a Malamute.
For effective potty training, take the dog to the designated elimination area immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, after meals, before bedtime, after an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, and after naps. Remember there are certain behaviors that are impossible to teach out of a Malamute such as digging. Therefore, a yard should have a fence that is build from the ground all the way up.
Alaskan Malamute Potty Training
Prior to bringing your Malamute pup home, choose a designated elimination area that is far from BBQ spot and patio deck. The general rule of thumb when potty training, is to understand that an 8-week-old puppy will hold for 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old pup holds for three hours. The bladder and bowel muscles of a dog strengthens as it matures. Therefore, take your dog outside after meals, immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, after naps, before bedtime, and after an exciting activity such as car ride and playtime.
Before fully housebreaking a Malamute, ensure that it is in the crate to limit accidents and destruction. By choice, dogs avoiding soiling where they sleep. When you take your pup in the potty area, remain their for a period of 15 minutes to allow the bladder and bowel muscles to relax for a pee or poo. Always take an Alaskan Malamute to the elimination spot on a leash since they have a high-prey drive. Avoid gazing at your pooch while doing its business so that it is comfortable enough to pee or poo.
A Malamute may have a few accidents before it understands the housebreaking routine. If this happens, avoid yelling at the dog. Instead utter a firm No and immediately take the dog to the potty area. Remember to clean the mess with an enzymatic detergent or iodine solution to remove the odor. Retained odor encourages future accidents since the dog will sniff and eliminate in the same spot.
Remember to closely monitor your dog for signs that it wants to eliminate such as circling, sniffing, squatting, whining, and lifting one leg against the furniture or crate. Before a Malamute is four months old, set an alarm to take it outside at night.
Alaskan Malamute Temperament | Traits
- Playful.
- Loyal.
- Friendly.
- Affectionate.
- High-prey drive.
- Fond of people.
- Gentle.
- Athletic.
- Strong.
- Energetic.
- Dignified.
- Independent.
- Willful.
- Dominant.
Alaskan Malamute Exercise
A Malamute is an energetic, strong, and athletic dog that was bred for working. They require daily exercise. An Alaskan Malamute enjoys swimming, running, and hiking with their owners. Although playing in an enclosed space or a secured yard will also do. Pet parents who are interested in dog sports, a Malamute is a good choice. They take part in backpacking, skijoring, competitive or recreational sledding, obedience trails, agility, and weight-pulling competitions.
Alaskan Malamute Howling
Normally, Malamutes are quiet dogs that rarely bark. However, they are known for howling and vocalizing a “woo woo” sound which appears to be talking.
Alaskan Malamute Growling
Growling is a form of communication to dogs when they are in pain, fear, protecting the food and territory, having fun, or uncertain of what is about to happen.
Alaskan Malamute Height
A female Malamute has a height of 23 inches ( approx. 58 cm) while the male counterpart has a height of 25 inches ( approx. 64 cm).
Alaskan Malamute Weight
Male Malamutes have a weight of 85 pounds ( approx. 39 kg ) while the female counterparts have a weight of 75 pounds ( approx. 34 kg). Although, some Malamutes weigh more than 100 pounds ( approx. 45 kg).
Alaskan Malamute Size
An Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized arctic breed. There is a notable difference between female and male Malamutes. A female Malamute is slightly smaller when compared to male Malamute in terms of weight and height. Female Malamutes have a height of 23 inches ( approx. 58 cm) and a weight of 75 pounds ( approx. 34 kg) while male Malamutes have a height of 25 inches ( approx. 64 cm) and a weight of 85 pounds ( approx. 39 kg ).
Alaskan Malamute Bite Force
Although, Malamutes are fond of people, they have a bite force of 200 to 400 Psi.
Alaskan Malamute Biting
A well-trained and socialized Malamute is fond of people and gentle natured. Biting and nipping is common in puppies as they explore their surroundings, play, and when teething due to discomfort. Puppy biting may seem adorable but not for long after the Malamute grows large in size and has a serious biting problem. It may come to the point of putting the dog down. To avoid this, discourage biting before it develops into a habit through bite inhibition training and redirection.
Alaskan Malamute Hair Loss
A Malamute blows off its coat twice a year. However, hair loss in patches may be a result of hypothyroidism, hormonal change, allergies, Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis, Alopecia X, and demodex mange.
Alaskan Malamute Health Issues
A Malamute is a relatively healthy breed that has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. However, it may suffer from certain health issues such as hereditary cataracts, hip dysplasia, seizure disorders, congenital heart problems, skin disorders, kidney problems, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, cerebellar hypoplasia, heart disorders, osteochondrodysplasia, zinc deficiency, hypothyroidism, canine diabetes, and inherited polyneuropathy.
Alaskan Malamute Names
After getting a Malamute pup from a responsible breeder, the next best thing is finding a name for the dog. Names of Malamutes may be inspired by their Alaskan origin, coat color, native names from Alaskan languages, weather, mountains, wild places, historical figures, movies, celebrities, food, and music.
Regardless of where the pet parent gets the inspiration, he or she should ensure that the name freely rolls of his or her tongue. The name should also not make you embarrassed when uttered out loud in public places such as malls and parks. An Alaskan Malamute and any other dog breed better understand a name that has a vowel. Giving your pet a name that rhymes with the command words is a recipe for confusion. If a Malamute has a long name, find a cute nickname for it.
Resist the urge of naming a Malamute after a family member or guests who frequent your home. This would create confusion. Some of the names that Malamute pet parents give to their dogs include Nanook, Athena, Dakota, Nala, Bella, Kira, Arya, Atlas, Akira, Simba, Riley, Snow, Winter, Sage, Oso, Aries, etc.
Alaskan Malamute Heat Cycle | First Heat
A Malamute experiences the first heat cycle from the age of 6 to 15 months. Although, some early bloomers may have their first heat cycle at the age of 4 months. The heat cycle lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. If a female Malamute is 15 months old and yet to experience the heat cycle, contact the vet. An intact female Malamute is likely to get pregnant in its senior years since dogs don’t experience menopause.
Pet parents with no intention of breeding their dogs are advised to spay or neuter them. Some of the signs exhibited by a Malamute dam while on heat includes a swollen vulva, increased urination, bloody discharge, mood swings, tail flagging, and changes in eating behavior.
Before breeding a potential Malamute sire and dam, ensure they are screened for inherited polyneuropathy, hip dysplasia, inherited polyneuropathy, chondrodysplasia, elbow dysplasia, zinc deficiency, day blindness, and von Willebrand’s disease. It is recommended to wait until the dam attains the age of 2 years before breeding it. This will ensure pregnancy risks are reduced. The dog is also physically and emotionally mature to take care of a litter. Avoid breeding a Malamute dam that exhibits aggressive traits since the puppies will either be aggressive or fearful.
Alaskan Malamute Litter
After conceiving, a female Malamute has a gestation period of approximately 63 days before whelping a litter size of 4 to 10 puppies.
Alaskan Malamute Harness
A Malamute is a large Arctic breed that has a high prey drive. It is likely to pull while trying to chase smaller animals including canines, cats, rabbits, and squirrels. A collar is the preferred accessory for a dog that is less likely to pull on leash. A harness is the preferred option for a dog that pulls while on leash since the pressure is evenly distributed across the shoulders and chest instead of the neck. However, a pet parent may use both collar and a harness. The harness will attach the leash while a collar will attach the ID and Rabies tag.
Apart from Alaskan Malamute, other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Alaskan Malamute Feeding Chart
The amount of food that an Alaskan Malamute feeds on depends on its age, activity level, metabolism, size, and build. An adult Alaskan Malamute should feed twice a day with a period of 7 to 8 hours given between meals. Malamute puppies feed four times a day. The amount of food that the dog feeds on depends on its weight. Consult the vet on the amount of food that your pet should eat. Malamute dogs are highly susceptible to obesity. Avoid leaving the food bowl out all day and don’t tolerate begging behavior.
Alaskan Malamute Food
Depending on the time and budget of a Malamute parent, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless, they should ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of the pooch based on age and activity level.
The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding a Malamute is to take them to the vet to be informed about their weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your dog. If you can see your Malamute’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If the pet parent cannot feel the ribs of the pooch under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get an Alaskan Malamute pup from a responsible breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food about 1/4 with 3/4 old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your dog with the same amount of the new food and old food.
On the third week feed your Malamute with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. For dog owners who want to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically formulated for large-sized puppies, adults, and senior dogs. As rule of thumb, dog commercial food or any other food should not contain fillers, preservatives, chemicals, or additives. Protein should be listed as the first ingredient. This also applies to the treats.
Alaskan Malamute Colors
The preferred coat colors of a malamute is sable and white, gray and white, seal and white, black and white, solid white, or red and white. Color combinations are acceptable in trimmings, undercoats, and points. The only permitted solid color is white.
Alaskan Malamute Types
There is only one type of pure bred Alaskan Malamute. Although, it has been crossed with other breeds such as German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Labrador Retriever to create hybrids.
Alaskan Malamute Allergies
A Malamute is affected by various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Food allergies – Although rare, a Malamute is also affected by food allergies that result to an immune response that is normally accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin issues such as hives, crusting lesions, dermatitis, facial swelling, hot spots, and pruritus as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as acute vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating.
Skin allergies – Malamutes are predisposed to skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies. Environmental allergies such as flea cause dermatitis. Flea’s saliva result to excessive itchiness underneath the tail and back legs until the skin surrounding the bite area is raw. If left unattended, it causes secondary skin infections. Malamutes also suffer from zinc deficiency that causes coat and skin problems, hair loss, and infections.
Contact allergies – This inflammation affects a Malamute once the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergies that affect this breed include plastics, grooming products, carpet cleaning detergents, bed linens, latex, medication, and lawn chemicals. Commonly affected body parts include belly sides, paws, and around the muzzle.
Environmental allergies – This form of allergy is caused by various allergens including flea that result in flea allergy dermatitis. Other allergens include mites, ragweed, pollen, trees, dust and dust mites, house molds, and grass. Commonly affected body parts include paws, muzzle, groin, underarms, between the toes, and around the eyes.
Alaskan Malamute Eyes
An Alaskan Malamute has almond-shaped eyes that have varied sheds of brown color. Although, dark brown eye color is the most preferred. Pure bred Malamutes have no blue eyes.
Alaskan Malamute Teeth
At birth, a Malamute puppy is born with no teeth. The teeth later grows in from the age of 3 weeks until they have a total of 28 deciduous teeth. From the age of 12 weeks, permanent adult teeth will start erupting until the pup has a total of 42 teeth. Brush the teeth of a Malamute at least twice a week using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Regular brushing removes excess tartar buildup and promote a good breathe.
Alaskan Malamute Vs Husky
Both Malamutes and Huskies are sled dogs that share a close genetic relationship. Although, a Husky is more vocal as compared to a Malamute. In terms of body size, Malamutes are heavy dogs with a more formidable structure and nature as compared to a Husky which was bred for speed. Malamutes only have brown eye color while Huskies may have blue or brown eye color. The latter may also have one blue eye and one eye color due heterochromia eye condition.
Are Alaskan Malamutes Hypoallergenic
No. Malamutes shed heavily twice a year spreading dander and hair. Dog’s hair, saliva, dander, urine, and mucus have a protein allergen that triggers allergic reaction in people.
Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive
No. Malamutes are fond of people, friendly, and gentle natured dogs that are used in animal therapy programs. Although, this may vary by individual dog if it was poorly bred and socialized.
Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Guard Dogs
No. Despite their large sizes, Malamutes are friendly and soft natured animals that seldom bark to alert when an intruder is approaching.
Alaskan Malamute Quick Facts
- These dogs have been the official state dogs of Alaska since 2010.
- Malamutes are sought-after family dogs since they are fond of people.
- Malamutes share a very close genetic relationship with Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky.
