Alaskan Malamutes
All About Alaskan Malamutes
Alaskan Malautes are the ultimate Arctic working dogs. Malamute
males can get as big as 95 pounds and 26 inches tall. Females grow
to upwards of 85 pounds and 24 inches tall. They are strong, sweet,
loving animals that love to work. Which is the main reason that
they've become so popular as sled dog racers. They are known to have
descended from the Arctic Wolf. "Malamute" originates from the
Alaskan tribal people that bred and raised these dogs. They share a
long term relationship with the Mahlemuit Eskimos going back over
3000 years.
These wonderful animals need to be outdoors, but love to be inside with their human "pack" as well. They live long lives, like Huskies, and a commitment to them is not to be taken lightly. Grooming practices are similar to Siberians; see the tab on grooming for more information. Alaskan Malamutes have no inclination to answer the 'call of the wild' the way that Huskies do.
Alaskan Malamutes are related to Siberian Huskies, American Eskimo dogs, and Samoyed's. These animals are super-friendly, hard-working, loving dogs. They don't have the 'call of the wild' as compelling as that of Huskies and Wolfdogs, and are very easily trained to stay close off-leash. Malamutes are usually very sweet, and very fluffy, so be prepared for a lot of shedding and brushing. In the winter, their coats can get very thick and need to be taken care of regularly. This is one reason that Malamutes and Huskies are often confused by the casual observer. Most of these nordic breeds are also hypoallergenic because they don't have oily dander or fur. This makes them great pets for dog-lovers with certain types of allergies.