Group: The Alaskan Malamute belongs to the working group.
Height: The Average Alaskan Malamute is 21 to 28 in height (53.3 to 71.1 cm).
Weight: On average, the Alaskan Malamute weighs 64 to 125 lbs (29 to 56.69 kg).
Life Expectancy: The average life span of an Alaskan Malamute is 12 years.
Good with Kids? Yes
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Colors: The Alaskan Malamute's coat is either pure white or a mixture or white with gray, sable, black, or red with white legs and muzzle.
Physical Traits: large, heavy boned, well-muscled, athletic, very strong, love outdoors, endurance
Hair Type: The Alaskan Malamute has a dense double coat, with a thick course outer coat, and a greasy, wooly undercoat. Alaskan Malamutes grow their coat in the winter and shed during the spring.
Nicknames: The name Malamute translates literally to "village of the Mahle."
Bred For: The Alaskan Malamute were bred as working sled dogs used for hauling heavy freight and hunting. They became endangered by interbreeding during the Alaskan gold rush of 1896, but the breed was rescued by a breeder and Alaskan Malamute enthusiast in New England in the 1920's. The Alaskan Malamute has become increasingly popular since then.
Personality / Temperament: The Alaskan Malamute is friendly, loving, and loyal, but has an independent nature. They retain their puppy-like energy into adulthood, but usually calm down as they got older. Alaskan Malamutes are loyal, and bond very closely with their master. Alaskan Malamutes enjoy living outdoors as long as they have enough human companionship. Alaskan Malamutes, for the most part, are quiet, but may howl on occasion, and enjoy digging. Alaskan Malamutes get along well with children, especially older children. In most cases, Alaskan Malamutes are too friendly to make good watch dogs. The Alaskan Malamute needs to be watched around smaller breeds or other pets because they have a strong prey instinct. Alaskan Malamutes of the same gender may be aggressive to one another. In order for the Alaskan Malamute to get along with other pets early socialization is crucial.
Origination: The Alaskan Malamute originated in the Arctic region where its thick coat aided in its survival from the extreme cold. The Alaskan Malamute was first recorded as living among the Mahlemuts in Alaska (the name Malamute literally means "village of the Mahle"). Alaskan Malamutes were essential as they performed very valuable work, and were treated as important workers and valued companions.
Maintenance / Special Needs: The Alaskan Malamute doesn't require a lot of grooming, but does need a good combing witha coarse comb while shedding its coat. Alaskan Malamutes are susceptible to musculoskeletal and dermatological diseases. Alaskan Malamutes need plenty of water, shade and air conditioning when living in warm areas, and are not suited for hot climates. You must take care not to overfeed your Alaskan Malamutes because they will eat everything they are fed. Though Alaskan Malamutes are generally friendly and well-behaved, they do need a firm approach when it comes to training to achieve obedience. Some Alaskan Malamutes may be difficult to housebreak. The Alaskan Malamute requires a lot of exercise, usually at least one hour per day of hard exercise is advised. Alaskan Malamutes love to pull a wagon or sled, running, and roaming. If Alaskan Malamutes aren't exercised properly they may become depressed and aggressive.
Identifying Traits: The Alaskan Malamute became famous after assisting in Admiral Byrd's trek to the South Pole in 1933, and served as pack dogs and search-and-rescue dogs in World War II. The Alaskan Malamute may be confused with the Siberian Husky, the oldest of Arctic sled dogs.
Ideal For: The Alaskan Malamute is ideal for companionship, sled pulling and sledge racing. The Alaskan Malamute is suitable for both house or country life, and enjoys the outdoors and colder climates. The Alaskan Malamute is too friendly to make a good guard dog, and prefers to have a family.
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