7 Interesting Facts About Alaskan Malamutes | Daniel Marcinko

Alaskan Malamutes are a wonderful breed of dog that deserve to be spotlighted! Although I am a proud rescuer and lover of this breed, not too many people are aware of just how great this breed is. Below you will find seven interesting facts that set this canine apart from other breeds.

The history of the Alaskan Malamute dates back to prehistoric times.

The Alaskan Malamute is a working dog that was first developed by a tribe of Inuit. This dog breed was essential to completing tasks from pulling heavy loads to assisting with hunting. It is said that the Alaskan Malamute is derived from the primitive domesticated dogs that once walked along the side of prehistoric people while they migrated between continents.

The Gold Rush almost wiped-out the breed.

At the end of the 1800s during the Gold Rush, there was a high demand for working dogs.To keep up with the rising demand, other dog breeds were bred with these native sled dogs. This almost wiped-out Alaskan Malamutes completely. Thanks to the Mahlemut people, a native Inuit tribe in Alaska, they kept the breed pure due to their remote and isolated location.

Malamutes are often falsely categorized into the wolf family.

Due to their appearance, Malamutes were thought to be part wolf. This is far from the truth. Alaskan Malamutes are pure-bred dogs that completely domesticated. The misconception is often formed because of media. Malamutes are often used in film to portray wolves, so it’s understandable why this assumption would arise.

Their coat is super thick and fluffy.

One of the most remarkable aspects about the Alaskan Malamute is their thick coat. Like other northern domestic breeds, Malamutes have a double-coat of fur that is water-resistant and helps keep them war and dry. These dogs can differ in coloring, black gray, or red, but all share the same white markings.

Alaskan Malamutes are the biggest shedders.

With such a thick coat, it may be obvious that these dogs shed. A lot. Malamutes are seasonal shedders, so when they blow their coat, you can expect an excess of dog hair. To ensure that Malamute looks their best, remember to brush them often!

Alaskan Malamutes have one of the best temperaments.

If you encounter an Alaskan Malamute for the first time you will find that they are affectionate, friendly, and most of all incredibly loyal. They are great dogs to have if you have children and will generally get along with other animals.

Alaskan Malamutes are quite adaptable.

Thanks to their coat, Malamutes can survive very low temperatures. Since they were bred in cold environments they are equipped to face harsh winter conditions. Alaskan Malamutes are said to survive in below zero temperatures, up to -70° Fahrenheit

Changes made to original photograph by Carina Wicke Photography, distributed under a CC-BY-SA-3.0 license.

Originally published at http://danielmarcinko.net.