The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog with a brave and friendly spirit. Friendly with other animals, it can be a good life companion, always wise and caring.
Character
The Alaskan Malamute is a friendly, affectionate dog devoted to its owner. It is loyal to all family members because it does not choose just one owner. Playful and willing to help in every circumstance.
Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest sled dogs, powerful, with a muscular and sturdy body. Its elegance is proverbial, both because of its thick coat and its soft movements. The head is large and well proportioned to the body.The head is broad and deep, with a moderately rounded skull between the ears and a shallow stop. The muzzle is broad and voluminous, with tightly fitting lips and a black nose in all coats except red ones, where the nose may be brown. The jaws are broad, with wide dentition and a scissor bite. The almond-shaped eyes are brown and medium-sized. The triangular ears are slightly rounded at the tips and set well apart on the sides of the skull. The neck is moderately arched and strong.The body is compact but not collected, with a straight, slightly sloping back and a well-muscled loin. The chest is well developed. The tail has a medium set.The forelimbs have moderately oblique shoulders and strong, slightly inclined pasterns. The hind limbs are broad, with muscular thighs, angulated knees and well-let-down hocks. Rear dewclaws are undesirable. The feet, shaped like “snowshoes,” are high with well-padded pads. They are broad, with closed, well-arched toes.The Alaskan Malamute has a dense, harsh coat, with a dense undercoat ranging from 2.5 to 5 cm in length. The coat is fairly short, but it becomes longer around the shoulders, neck, rump and tail. During the summer months, the coat is less dense. Grooming is not acceptable.The Alaskan Malamute’s coat may be of various colors (black, white, dark gray, light gray, fawn), with shades ranging from sable to red. The only desirable solid-colored coat is white. The mask is always white, as are the limbs and feet.
Historical notes
The Alaskan Malamute is a sled dog named after an Eskimo population, the Malhemute. This breed can withstand the harshest temperatures, resembles a wolf in appearance, and is now not found in very large numbers because when pioneers arrived in Alaska, they allowed crosses with other breeds; however, in 1926 the United States began protecting the breed.
Lifestyle
The Alaskan Malamute has an active lifestyle. The dog is accustomed to wide-open spaces, which is why apartment living, also because of the dog’s size, is certainly not ideal.
Diseases
Distemper, Hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Interesting facts
The Alaskan Malamute was once nicknamed “the polar locomotive” because it was the only means of transport in Alaska.
Gait
The Alaskan Malamute’s gait is firm, well balanced and agile. The forelimbs have good reach while the hind limbs provide propulsion. At the trot, the feet converge toward the body’s median line.
Ideal owner
The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, loyal and diligent dog, so it does not require excessively coercive training. It feels a strong attachment to the family and, although independent, needs an owner who is always present..
The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog with a brave and friendly spirit. Friendly with other animals, it can be a good life companion, always wise and caring.