About Alaskan Malamutes
AKC Alaskan Malamutes:
Alaskan Malamutes are the largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute possess great strengh and endurance. So I feel that the best owners need to be loving and strong willed. You should never hit or intemidate an Alaskan Malamute, they will not respect you and therefore, will not be obedient. The more time you spend with your Malamute; on a walk, in the car, or just lying around, the better the personality of your companion. This helps in training your new friend to be calm and loving. Please never allow your Mal to jump up... They are to big and should always be taught to be gentle. Therefore maintaining the nickname " The Gentle Giant." Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are highly athletic and still enjoy sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging and just playing with their owners. A lot of Mals would love to camp and romp in the water.
HISTORY:
The Alaskan Malamute was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who settled in Alaska. They have always been used as sled dogs for heavy freighting in the Artic. The breed is cousin to the other Artic breeds: the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky and the American Eskimo dog.
RIGHT FOR YOU?
Please research this breed extensively, before choosing your pet. Is the Alaskan Malamute the right breed for you? Majestic and dignified, the Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate and friendly dog. They are not a one man dog, they are a family dog... They are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but can also be strong willed, that's why you need to be strong willed too. (If your kids run your house, then this dog is not right for you) Training for the Mal should start early. Being consistent with what you expect of him is the best. Have him sit before giving a treat, make sure that you walk through the door first, unless you allow him to enter before you. You can talk firmly, but lovingly and the Mal will respect you more. The Alaskan Malamute is a pack animal, therefore; you need to be there Alpha (top dog). Allow them to be with you and your family as much as possible. With that said, the first year is a doozy... Potty training is pretty simple, but they love to chew. They can do some major damage, being the size that they are... Make sure that you give them adequate toys for them to chew on. If you catch them chewing on something that's not theirs, replace it with something that is. A little dish soap and some pepper or no chew spray rubbed on items that you do not want chewed, helps too. These dogs will be BIG... They are not the breed standard of 75 and 85 lbs. They will be larger... some, MUCH LARGER! That's why it's important to not allow them to jump on people and to have a calm demeaner. Kenneling and Chaining a dog is not recommended!
GROOMING:
The mal coat is thick and coarse, with a plumed tail carried over the back. The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red. The coat requires regular brushing and occassional bathing. They have cat like tendencies, so you may see them filthy at one momment and beautiful the next. I love this about the Mal! Brushing is great, but I suggest having their coat blown out with a strong pet dryer a couple times a year. This decreases the shedding period and makes their coat beautiful. The FURminator is another great tool for removing hair.
EYES:
Alaskan Malamutes will not have blue eyes... This is a disqualification for the breed! But, Red Mals can have green eyes. Please pay attention to the parents and other dogs when you are viewing a kennel.
If you are looking for blue eyes, you want Siberian Huskies, try: www.snowpawshuskies.com from Wisconsin.
Please Research both breeds before choosing your puppy... The Malamute and Siberian are not related and have different characteristic. They are both great dogs and need strong willed owners.
IF YOU DO NOT BUY A FULL BREED DOG, PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER.
Please visit akc.org for more information on the Malamute breed.
