Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Alaskan Malamute

ffImage
Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
Total views: 312.6k
Views today: 8.12k
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon

Introduction to Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog breed that was originally bred for strength and agility as a sled dog and hound to haul heavy freight. The Alaskan Malamute is a dog breed that is similar to the Siberian Husky, but it is bigger and considered to be more dangerous by nature. Like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent dogs that take lots of exercises and play. Since Alaskan Malamutes are used to hunt prey as big as polar bears, they can be dangerous, so proper training is essential. Their height is intimidating, but their violence is minimal. Let us dive deeper and learn all about Alaskan Malamute. 


[Image will be uploaded soon]


History of The Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute served as a utilitarian dog for its human companions, working, hunting, and living with them. The dogs were used to hunt large predators such as bears and were known for their great hunting ability. They also helped their owners locate seals by pointing out blowholes. This was frequently an attempt to improve the type or compensate for the scarcity of true Malamutes for sale. The Malamute dog has a long and illustrious history, having accompanied Rear Admiral Richard Byrd to the South Pole and the miners who arrived in Alaska during the Gold Rush of 1896, as well as participating in World War II in Greenland as search and rescue dogs. During the Alaskan gold rush of 1896, the Alaskan Malamute was threatened by interbreeding, but was rescued by a breeder and Alaskan Malamute enthusiast in New England in the 1920s, and has since grown in popularity. In Europe, though, they were also utilised as freighting and packing dogs. This dog was never meant to be a racing sledge dog; instead, it was employed for heavy freighting, carrying hundreds of pounds of supplies to communities and camps in groups of at least four dogs. In 1935, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognised the Kotzebue line. The Alaskan Malamute Club of America was founded the same year. The Alaskan Malamute was proclaimed Alaska's official state dog in 2010. 


Characteristic Features of The Malamute


Category

Features

Kingdom

Animalia

Class

Mammalia

Scientific Name

Canis Lupus

Colour

Possesses a thick fur of either grey, black or white in colour andGrey and white, sable and white, black and white, seal and white, red and white, or solid white are some of the other options.

Height

23 inches (58 cm) tall for females

25 inches (64 cm) tall for males

Weight 

75 pounds which are around 34 kg for females and 85 pounds i.e.,39 kg for males

Life Expectancy

10-14 years

Natural Habitat

Colder regions like Antarctica and North America

Nature of Diet

Omnivores prey on animals lower than them in the ecosystem.  A Malamute's high hunting drive can lead to them stalking and killing small animals such as birds, squirrels, cats, and even smaller canines. 

Eyes

Almond-shaped with varying shades of  deep brown eyes

Distinctive feature

Pointed face and an upturned tail. When at attention, the ears are tiny in comparison to the head and remain firmly upright. 

Shedding

Two times a year, Alaskan Malamutes shed extensively. Their heavy double coats don't work well in hot weather.


Nature of the Alaskan Malamute Dog

  • Alaskan malamutes get along well with youngsters because of their friendliness, playfulness, and affectionate temperament. As a result, they make excellent family dogs. It's critical to teach both the dog and the child how to securely interact with each other, just as it is with any large breed. 

  • Although Alaskan Malamutes do not bark frequently, they are talkative and noisy dogs. Some owners can persuade them to sing as well.

  • Malamutes should not be left alone because they are pack animals and will howl if they are lonely or bored. They are delicate creatures who require a lot of attention and company.

  • Because they are tenacious diggers, it is critical that their owners begin training them as soon as possible.

  • Malamutes have a tendency to roam around in open spaces because they were originally bred to travel great distances, making them unsuitable for apartments.

  • They are also trusting dogs who will go with strangers, thus they are not good watchdogs.

  • They get along well with other canines and felines.

  • They are both bright and stubborn, making them challenging to control for owners unfamiliar with dog tantrums.

  • Malamutes have a strong prey drive, which drives them to kill small animals such as birds, squirrels, cats, and even other dogs. To avoid this type of behaviour, early and thorough socialisation is required.


Health Issues and Health Care For The Malamute

  • This breed, which had its origins as a working dog, has boundless reserves of energy. A minimum of two hours of exercise every day is recommended by veterinarians to keep your malamute relaxed. He will turn to negative practices to spend his time if he does not have a proper outlet for his energy.

  • They are a breed that is very active. Owners should take them for walks on a regular basis to help them burn off excess energy. They also require physical activity such as running, playing, and exercising. Hiking, bikejoring, skijoring, skijoring, carting, sledging, and agility classes are just a few of the activities that malamutes like.

  • They are quite sensitive to heat because they are arctic dogs. During the heat, owners should provide enough shade, freshwater, and air conditioning for their malamutes.

  • They should brush their teeth at least twice a week and have their nails trimmed once or twice a month. Every week, their ears should be checked for foul odours, redness, or infections.

  • Make sure you feed your malamute according to his healthy weight maintenance requirements, remembering to account for his treats when calculating his daily caloric intake.

  • Some malamutes are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a bone disorder that causes discomfort and agony in the dog. Hypothyroidism, which is caused by a thyroid gland that is underactive, and von Willebrand's disease, which is a hereditary blood-clotting illness.

  • They could possibly have cataracts, which is an eye disease that can lead to blindness. 

  • The malamute is prone to suffer from chondrodysplasia commonly called dwarfism, and hemeralopia, which is day blindness, and all the aforementioned conditions are all genetic disorders.

  • They are also prone to clotting problems due to thrombopenia, an inherited disorder. Another hereditary ailment that breeders should look for in their breeding animals has inherited polyneuropathy. This disease can result in paralysis of the limbs and face, as well as spatial disorientation and a slowing heartbeat which is caused by a lack of coordination and instability.

  • When you bring your new pet home, it's a good idea to purchase comprehensive pet insurance. They are less likely to have pre-existing conditions that would disqualify them from coverage if they were younger.


Interesting Alaskan Malamute Facts

  1. The breed's origins can be traced back thousands of years and even prior to that many dog breeds have existed. Alaskan malamutes were kept as companions and labour dogs by the early immigrants of North America 5,000 years ago.

  2. The Samoyed, Siberian husky, and even the Labrador are Alaskan malamute relatives that one may be familiar with.

  3. They're made to resist freezing temperatures and have been utilised in Arctic excursions in the past. 

  4. They assisted settlers in hunting, tracking, and keeping an eye out for the wild animals, as well as hauling gear across cold terrain while pulling large sledges.

  5. Although one wouldn't encourage it in the current day, Alaskan malamutes have been known to function as babysitters.

  6. During World War II, Alaskan malamutes were also used to sniff for mines.

  7. They're credited with helping to open up Alaska for settlement and development by delivering mail and transporting supplies, among other things. 

  8. Alaskan malamutes were also a part of the historic 1925 Serum Run, where they were endlessly helpful to their human companions.

FAQs on Alaskan Malamute

1. Is an Alaskan Malamute Dog Dangerous?

Answer. Alaskan Malamute was originally bred for cold, harsh conditions and was often used as sledge dogs. If not allowed to roam and exercise, this breed can be very destructive, destroying their owner's property as well as everything in the area. Alaskan Malamutes were bred for cold, harsh conditions and were often used as sledge dogs. If not allowed to roam and exercise, this breed can be very destructive, destroying their owner's property as well as everything in the area. With proper preparation, and training they would be extremely pleasant in general.

2. What is the Proper Diet For Alaskan Malamute Dog?

Answer. The Alaskan Malamute should be fed high-quality dog food, either commercially produced or made at home with your veterinarian's approval. Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are susceptible to being overweight, so keep an eye on their calorie intake and weight. Treats can be a useful training aid, but giving too much and excessive indulgence can lead to obesity. When people are around an Alaskan Malamute when they are feeding, they should be very cautious because they are very possessive of their food and can become vicious at any time.

3. Will Alaskan Malamute Dogs As Pets At Home Be Safe For Children?

Answer. Malamutes make excellent family pets and get along well with children. However, because of their large size and high energy, they can easily overwhelm small children, so they're best for families with children over the age of 5. To avoid accidental injury, you should never leave your dog alone with children, no matter how well-behaved they are.

4. Is Training Necessary For Alaskan Malamute Dogs?

Answer. Training and living with Alaskan Malamutes can be difficult. Malamutes become rambunctious and bored if they don't get enough exercise and interesting things to do, which they normally express by chronic howling and aggressive chewing. When it comes to smaller pets, Malamutes may be predatory. Alaskan Malamutes can be stubborn and need a lot of the same stern training and rules to be a well-behaved member of any family. They are only recommended to those who have a lot of training experience and faith. An Alaskan Malamute can be a very good addition to a home where they are able to roam and exercise on a daily basis if given proper training and attention.

5. What Makes A Siberian Husky Different From An Alaskan Malamute?

Answer. The size difference between huskies and malamutes is the most significant distinction. Malamutes are significantly larger and stronger than huskies. Malamutes are also more affectionate with their human families and may live in single-dog households, whereas huskies like to be part of a pack with at least one other dog.