Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a dog that may grow up to become a calm adult, but some remain playful into their old age. This is a breed that loves to be outdoors and is therefore well-suited to this who love to go on long walks. Try to spend time with this breed and not neglect them, as they can become bored and destructive. They are not the best watchdogs and the breed can be aggressive around same sex dogs, as well as with other smaller animals.
The dogs have a strong hunting instinct, and this means that you should be careful when he is around other animals or when he is loose. Although a great friend and very loving, the Alaskan Malamute can be strong-willed, so they are best with those with some experience in dog ownership. The Alaskan Malamute is also very possessive when it comes to food, so avoid feeding with other dogs.
His outer coat is rough, with a thick, softer undercoat. The under-body, feet, and face mask is white. The rest of the coat can vary, with colors that include gray, black, gold, red, and seal. A sturdy and robust animal, these dogs are very strong. He has a gorgeous bushy tail. Brush a couple of times a week, maybe more during shedding season, which occurs twice a year.
The life expectancy of the Alaskan Malamute is around 10-12 years and common health problems include thyroid problems, bleeding disorders and autoimmune problems. These dogs do not tend to thrive in warmer climates, and need to be protected from the heat.
The dog originates from Alaska, and was developed for pulling sleds and drafting. The Alaskan working dog was used for hauling and hunting in larger numbers.
Breed Attributes
- Large breed
- Medium energy level
- Lots of exercise needed