The coat can be white, black & white, gray, wolf sable and red, often with darker highlights and sometimes with a dark mask or cap. This dog breed also has an off-white undercoat. The legs and muzzle are almost always white.
Alaskan Malamute Breed Description
10-14 years
High
4 to 10
Extra Large
Dogs: 80-95 pounds
Bitches: 70-85 pounds
Dogs: 24-26 inches
Bitches: 22-24 inches
Alaska
AKC Working Dogs
FCI Group V.: Spitz and Primitive types
TKC Working
Mal, Mally
The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the Arctic dogs. This dog breed is very large, strong and incredibly good looking. It’s a powerful, well built muscular dog with a deep chest, wide head and a proud expression. It is family oriented and loves to be with people.
It does well with older children but they must be taught to treat this dog with kindness. The Malamute is extremely loyal intelligent and affectionate. It is very friendly and therefore doesn’t make an effective guard dog. It does not like hot, humid weather, it’s well suited for colder climates.
Temperament
This dog breed is very friendly, usually good with children and strangers. The Alaskan Malamute is a strong-willed, self-assured breed. It tends to be very stubborn. Learns quickly but bores easily. It could be very difficult to train this dog breed to do off-leash obedience.
Early obedience training is a must in order to maintain a well balanced dog. It needs daily exercise and attention. Compared to most dogs the Malamute is quiet but it does like to howl and dig. As it has a strong pry instinct it should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals. Alaskan Malamute dogs are a very friendly, good-natured dog breed and make wonderful companions.
Colors
Coat
The Alaskan Malamute has thick coat with a course outer oat and a dense undercoat. The coat averages one to three inches in length. This breed is prone to heavy shedding and requires brushing at least twice a week.
Health Issues
It’s sensitive to hip dysplasia, and chondrodysplasia (dwarfism). To help prevent the chance of hip dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. One of the breeds susceptible to a twisted stomach. To minimize the risk of your Malamute developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy an Alaskan Malamute puppy from a reputable breeder.
Living Environment
This dog is not recommended for apartment life, it needs lots of space. Malamute is happiest living outdoors as long as it receives enough companionship. It will do best with a large fenced yard. Be careful in hot climates. Make sure it has shade and plenty of clean cool water.
Similar Breeds
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