Height: 23-25 inches
Weight: 75-85 lbs.
Life Span: 10-12 yrs.
Breed Group: Northern
Overview
The Alaskan malamute is fiercely loyal to its "pack," loves the children
of its own family, and gets along with other animals if socialized with
them early on. It must have early obedience classes from an experienced
trainer. Leave an untrained malamute alone and he will HOWL!
Appearance
The outercoat is long, thick, and coarse; the undercoat is dense, oily,
and woolly, and can be two inches deep. Coat color is light gray and white,
black and white, or all white.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The malamute requires weekly or twice-weekly brushing. Its undercoat sheds
profusely once or twice a year, at which time it needs to be brushed daily.
Without physical and mental stimulation this dog becomes destructive both
indoors and out. Jogging, hiking, or backpacking (the dog carrying its own
pack) are perfect daily activities.
During hot weather, stick to early-morning and late-evening workouts for
this Arctic breed.
Origins
This hardy dog was used by the Inuits 1,000 years ago for pulling sleds
and for traveling long distances in subzero temperatures.
Special Alerts
The Alaskan malamute is not suitable for inexperienced dog owners or for
apartment life.
Breed-related health concerns: hip dysplasia, dwarfism, hemolytic
anemia (a disorder of the red blood cells), congenital kidney problems.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
