Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large northern dog breed originally developed for use as a sleddog.

Appearance

Their breed standard calls for a weight of 75 to 85 pounds (34-38.5 kg) and a height of 23 to 25 inches (58-63.5 cm) but much heavier individuals (120 to 140 pounds) are commonly seen. The coat is a dense double northern dog coat, somewhat harsher than that of the Siberian Husky. The usual colours are various shades of grey and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white. The physical build of the Malamute is compact and heavy bone is called for.

Characteristics

Although still in use as sleddogs for recreational mushing, most Malamutes today are kept as family pets or show dogs. They are unable to compete successfully even in long-distance dogsled racing and their usefulness as sleddogs is limited to freighting.

Temperament

The Malamute temperament is friendly and affectionate by reputation, but they are known among dog drivers for their readiness to scrap with other dogs.

Health

Health issues in the Malamute are hip dysplasia, inherited polyneuropathy, and the usual northern-breed eye problems (particularly cataract and progressive retinal atrophy).

Their dense coats mean that Malamutes do not go well with hot weather. When the weather gets hot, they—even more than other dogs—need plenty of water and shade.

History

The Malamute is a descendant of dogs of the Mahlemiut tribe of upper western Alaska; native dogs were probably crossed with larger "white man's breeds" during the Gold Rush to increase their size for use as heavy freighting dogs. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.