Description
The Alaskan Malamute, sometimes colloquially called a Mally, is the largest of the Arctic dog breeds (i.e. Siberian Husky, American Eskimo, Alaskan Klee Kai, etc.). The Alaskan Malamute is similar in resemblance to a wolf but with a sweet expression.
It is a thick, well-built breed with a plumed tail held over the back and a head that is wide with ears that stand vertical. The feet are large, snowshoe type with tough pads. They have a thick, coarse double coat that averages 1-3 inches in length and comes in a range of colors including: light gray to intermediate shadings of black, sable, and shadings of sable to red. Discover more about our Alaskan Malamute puppies for sale below!
Disposition
The Alaskan Malamute is a very loyal and intelligent breed with a sweet disposition. The breed is also good with children who are old enough to play with them safely. Malamutes are a very friendly dog and therefore not quite as suitable to being guard dogs as other breeds.
Although the Malamute is quiet compared to many breeds, they do like to howl and dig. Also supervise them around unfamiliar small animals, because they have a strong prey instinct. As with every breed, proper socialization with people and other dogs is essential.
Training
It is not particularly hard to train the Malamute to be well-mannered because they love to please. Like the Siberian Husky, this breed needs the humans around them to be firm, confident leaders because of their energy level and exercise needs. Obedience training is highly recommended for the Alaskan Malamute.
Exercise
Without firm leadership and daily mental and physical exercise, the Alaskan Malamute may develop destructive behaviors and act rambunctious. Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. They are fairly active indoors and do best with a large yard. If you live in an urban/suburban area, use a high fence for the yard, and be sure to bury the base of the fence, because they are diggers and might otherwise dig their way out of the yard.
Grooming
The Alaskan Malamute’s dense coat should be brushed about twice a week. This breed is also a heavy shedder, and its undercoat comes out in clumps about twice a year. Bathing is actually not as necessary as you might think for this breed because its coat sheds dirt readily, and dry shampoo on occasion will also work.
Origin
The Alaskan Malamute’s name comes from “Mahlemuts”, an Alaskan tribe that raised and cared for them. Originally used by the Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska, this breed was highly valued due to being their only form of transportation and because of their strength, endurance, and good work ethic. They pulled light traveling sleds as well as hauling heavy loads of food and supplies for people in the Arctic. This has led them to appearing as characters in the stories of Jack London and Rudyard Kipling.
Clubs, Registries & Associations
(Based on breed recognition. See store for details on a puppy.)
- The American Canine Association, Inc.
- The American Canine Registry
- American Kennel Club
- American Pet Registry, Inc.
- Continental Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
- National Kennel Club
- United Kennel Club
Additional Information
Group: Working
Average Weight: 70-90 lbs.
Personality Traits: Affectionate, intelligent, playful
Country of Origin: United States
Coat: Long
Check out the Alaskan Malamute puppies for sale we currently have in our stores. If there are none here, please contact us and we’ll be in touch.
