All About the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the most powerful breeds belonging to the Working Group! Known for their resilience and great strength, the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds known to man.
Quick History and Function
Malamutes are thought to be descendants of some of the first domesticated wolf-dogs that existed 4,000 years ago! Their names derived from the Mahlemiut, Inuit people that resided in Northwestern Alaska.
Malamutes were originally created as sledge dogs, who worked in packs to haul heavy loads over long distances. They were also used to carry packs in the summer, locate seal breathing holes in the ice, and distract bears. They were developed to be larger and stronger than Siberian Huskies in order to haul heavier weight at a slower pace.
The Inuit people spanned from Alaska to Greenland, and thus multiple strains of Malamutes were created. Alaskan Malamutes were inducted into the AKC registry in 1935. The breed struggled to stay afloat, so the AKC had to open their studbook to all three strains of the breed. Today, Malamute’s contain a combination of all three of the gene strains.
Additionally, in 1984, the U.S. Postal Service selected the Malamute as one of the four pure-bred dogs featured on the AKC centennial stamps! Since then, the breed has also appeared on stamps in at least 14 countries.
What Do They Look Like?
The Malamute stands 23–25 inches tall and weighs 75–85 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 10–14 years.
Mals are recognized for their amazing strength and heavy-duty appearance. They have broad chests and shoulders, giving them a powerful look. They are structured intentionally for endurance and the capacity to pull heavy weight.
The Alaskan Malamute has a very thick, coarse double-coat. They typically come in gray, black, sable and shades of sable red. They also have full-plumed tails that rest over their backs. Since they have an overabundance of insulating fur, the Malamute does require daily grooming and sheds more than most breeds.
What’s the Alaskan Malamute Like?
Mals can be described as affectionate, loyal, dignified and playful. They’re often very gentle and friendly as well. They are somewhat independent and should be supervised with children. Although they love working, they make great snuggle buddies after a long day on the job!
The Malamute is a vigilant, dignified and protective breed that usually does well in unfamiliar situations and with strangers. They are very eager-to-please and have an abundance of energy, so they require lots of mental stimulation. Since Malamutes are sled dogs and have a long history as working dogs, they do need lots of exercise too.
Since Malamutes are pack animals, they need their owners to stand up as their leaders. They can be stubborn and challenge authority, so they need their humans to put in the time and effort into firm, but loving training from a young age. Like all dogs, Malamutes need plenty of socialization. Well-trained Alaskan Malamutes make wonderful family companions that are great with kids!
Is the Malamute Right For You?
The Alaskan Malamute is a great breed, but they do best with experienced owners that are willing to put lots of time and effort into their dog!
Mals are high-energy working dogs, meaning they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent dogs who enjoy games, puzzles, obedience and dog sports! They also enjoy challenges and having a job or sense of purpose. Good owners are willing to give their Malamutes the time, space and energy that this breed requires.
Malamutes do best with more space to roam and run, so they don’t make great apartment dogs. They also have very thick, insulating coats that are designed to keep them warm in arctic climates, so they prefer to live in places with cooler or more moderate temperatures. Additionally, they need daily grooming. All Mal owners should accept that their dog is going to shed more than the majority of other dogs!
Canine Conclusion
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the strongest, most powerful breeds in the dogdom! Bred for extreme strength, resilience and endurance, the Malamute makes a wonderful working dog, but also doubles as sweet and loving companions.
Resources
American kennel club. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.akc.org/
