Alaskan Malamute: features of the breed, character and content

A dog is man's best friend. Many people know firsthand about this, keeping furry companions at home. There are many different breeds of dogs - these can be miniature pussies for city apartments, and large, big dogs that can only be kept in a private house. Today we will get acquainted with the unique sled dogs of the Alaskan Malamute breed.

The Alaskan Malamute is a very powerful, intelligent and lovable dog. To appreciate all its positive qualities, one should understand the history of its origin. There is no exact information when exactly the Alaskan Malamute appeared, however, it is known for certain who his immediate ancestors were. The ancestors of these sturdy and beautiful animals were domestic individuals belonging to the Malamute family. They inhabited the coast of Alaska.These animals were distinguished by a powerful and strong constitution. They were very hardy and wore a dense, thick coat.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the "gold rush" was raging with might and main. This fact also influenced the development and distribution of Alaskan Malamutes, since it was possible to get to rich deposits only if the team was entrusted to strong dogs. A large number of gold prospectors wanted to acquire such a useful and powerful pet.

However, these phenomena also had a downside. People who were so hungry for untold wealth and luxury, attempted to breed Malamutes with other existing breeds., in order to get an even more resilient, effective, fast and easy-to-care dog. Such activity ultimately led to the fact that there were catastrophically few purebred animals left, they were extremely rare.

Then the "gold rush" was replaced by sports fever. Gambling people, keen on sledding races, began to actively revive the thoroughbred northern breed. Huge funds were invested in this process, but gambling people did not skimp, because only with a purebred malamute they could win the races.

Only closer to the 20s of the last century, it turned out not only to stop the disappearance of representatives of this beautiful breed, but also to increase their population. It was at that moment that the work of breeding Alaskan Malamutes was raised to the highest level. A dozen years later, this breed has gained worldwide recognition. Moreover, a special club was opened and the standard of malamutes was lined up.

Everything went well until the war period came. This period saw a significant extermination of the newly recognized Malamutes. As a result, this led to the fact that their number was noticeably reduced. There are no more than 30 individuals left. When the war ended, a truly titanic work had to be done to restore the population of Alaskan Malamutes.

By the 60s of the last century, the problem of their disappearance was completely eradicated. The disappearance of this breed was no longer discussed. In today's world, these smart and hardy pets are among the twenty most popular and necessary breeds in the world.

Yes, the historical path of the Alaskan Malamutes was quite long, but today the representatives of this breed are enviable and widespread in the world.

If you decide to acquire such a handsome and intelligent companion, then you should parse his description in detail in order to know with whom you will be dealing.

• The weight of the Alaskan Malamute directly depends on its gender. Thus, the average weight of a healthy adult male is usually about 38 kg. Heavier giant individuals are sometimes found among males. Females are lighter and smaller. Their body weight reaches no more than 34 kg.
• Gender also affects the growth of Alaskan Malamutes. Bitches are usually 58 cm tall at the withers, and males are 63 cm tall.
• Representatives of this famous northern breed can have a different coat color. Most often, this factor is influenced by the intra-breed line. For example, in the Kotzebue line, there are individuals that have only a simple gray color, which is popularly called wolf. If we are talking about the Mlut line, then there may be such colors as blue, red, black and white, brown and white, sable. Monochromatic purebred dogs are exclusively white.
• Many people are interested in the question: what is the life expectancy of these dogs? On average, Alaskan Malamutes live 12 to 15 years.Representatives of the northern breed are considered centenarians. Of course, a lot depends on the conditions in which the animal is kept. This factor has a serious impact on the quality and life expectancy of the Malamute, like any other breed.

It is worth understanding the characteristics of the appearance of this beautiful and intelligent animal.

• The head of the Alaskan Malamute is usually wide, large and proportional. The expression on the muzzle of these dogs is friendly and kind. They do not inspire fear and horror.
• The nose of the Malamutes is black. If the rest of the coat color is red, then the nose will match it. A special "snow nose" is also allowed. In this case, the tip of the spout is meant, covered with whitish veins, contrasting against the background of the main shade.
• The bite of the Alaskan Malamute is scissor bite.
• The eyes of this good-natured dog are in the shape of an almond, they stand obliquely. The color of the iris is most often dark. Animals with brown eyes and a little less often with blue eyes are widespread. The latter color of the iris is considered a disadvantage of this breed.
• The ears of the Alaskan Malamute grow triangular and slightly rounded at the ends. They should not be set high, as this feature is considered a significant disadvantage of the breed and does not apply to the norm.
• The loins of the Malamute are proportional and very strong. Usually its length is medium. If the loin is long, then this factor can be attributed to the lack of the dog.
• The tail of these dogs is raised and slightly curled. There is a rather lush edge on it. Visually, the tail of the Malamute looks like a plume.

If we consider the description and characteristics of purebred Alaskans, then it is worth paying attention to some of their distinctive features, which may surprise many breeders.

• Dogs of this breed have wolfish habits. The wolf is one of the ancestors of the Malamutes, and it was he who gave them the habit of howling at the moon. For this reason, leaving such a pet alone with itself at night and in an open cage, you can hear a melancholy and drawn-out howl.
• These animals have non-standard feline claws. This is one of the most interesting and unusual features of this northern breed. Their paws are very different from most other species. When you press on the pad, the claws of the malamute are knocked forward, as is the case with cats. By the way, the Alaskans hate the latter.
• These individuals are also distinguished by a special bearish tread. Their limbs are somewhat similar to heavy snowshoes. In their immediate appearance, the paws have a lot in common with bear paws - they are wide, massive and heavy. Due to these features, malamutes do not go deep into the snow, moving on it. The creature's weight is optimally distributed during the step.

If you are planning to have a luxurious Alaskan Malamute, then you should definitely familiarize yourself with all the features of its character and behavior. Only after making sure that you are ready to become a friend for such an animal, you can decide on its acquisition. The Alaskan Malamute is a very friendly and outgoing dog. Representatives of this breed are great lovers of attracting a lot of attention to themselves, being the center of the company. That is why these animals are ideal for large families, where they will feel "at ease".

Such conditions of detention will certainly delight a thoroughbred northern dog. Alaskan Malamute is a good nanny for children. He can easily become a companion for the child in active games. Such a pastime for dogs of this breed gives them great pleasure.Despite the fact that northern thoroughbred dogs are madly in love with people close to them and are strongly attached to their owners, they will still expect the same mutual relationship from a person throughout the entire time. This dog is a flock, so it is vitally important for her to be in the family - this is not just a pet's whim.

Be sure to take into account the fact that the Alaskan Malamute is not a dog that can be closed in a large cage or in an aviary. Closed spaces are absolutely not suitable for representatives of this northern breed. For them, such conditions are akin to torture. Prolonged solitude is also not recommended for the Malamute. If you allow such an attitude towards your pet, then soon he will surely withdraw into himself, lose confidence in you as an owner (and this is a very serious omission that will entail a huge number of problems). Often malamutes, which are not given due attention, stop loving and respecting their man.

The Alaskan, unlike most furry brethren, is not considered the favorite of only one owner and for life. It is enough to once question the trust of this animal in himself, in some way offend him or lose his respect, as he very quickly "throws" his interest on a completely different person. This behavior cannot be called treacherous on the part of the Malamute.

The fact is that the representatives of this breed are extremely stubborn and quick-witted. Constantly repeating the same actions quickly bore these creatures. Simply put, if you give orders several times each day to deliver your slippers or newspaper, the stubborn Malamute may perceive such signals as showing disrespect.

This fact suggests that Alaskan Malamute is not the right dog for novice breederswho do not have proper experience in dealing with such pets. If you have not yet learned how to raise dogs with such a difficult character, then in the end you can make a lot of mistakes in communicating with a malamute. As a result, this will lead to the emergence of many problems, which will be difficult to solve.

Malamutes are very stubborn. Because of this, it is incredibly difficult to train and educate them. However, it is interesting that due to their natural curiosity and high IQ, they can remember many of the commands literally the first time. Not every dog ​​can boast of such qualities. Often, Alaskan Malamutes quickly and easily fulfill the requests and commands of the owners, but not more often than a couple of times. A little later, these animals will simply get tired of performing the same actions. They will seem boring and monotonous to the Malamute.

It should be noted that if you are amazed at the impressive dimensions of these pets, and you decide to get yourself such a dog so that it will guard your property and home, then you will be very disappointed. Despite its large size, powerful legs and skeleton, the Alaskan Malamute will never use this chic "arsenal". To demonstrate aggression towards another person. This behavior of the malamute is due to its natural kindness and friendly disposition.

Do not expect the Alaskan Malamute to rush at a complete stranger. An exception can only be those cases when a stranger poses a real danger to the owners of a thoroughbred northern dog. Guests and any other people entering your house can be absolutely calm - the Malamute will treat them very friendly and hospitable.He will definitely not rush at visitors, he will not snap at them, demonstrating aggression.

There are situations when, due to improper upbringing or serious psychological trauma experienced at an early age, a dog can become a truly uncontrollable and terribly aggressive animal. Experienced breeders and veterinarians strongly advise against buying puppies with similar traits and inclinations. If such a pet nevertheless appeared in your home, then under no circumstances should you further cultivate unnecessary aggression or attempt to direct it against other people. As a result of such actions, all the dangerous aggression of the Malamute can turn against its own owners. Such a result is very common, and this must be borne in mind when choosing a pet.

Having noticed the first attacks of aggression of the Alaskan Malamute, it is necessary to immediately and firmly suppress them. If you cannot solve such problems on your own, then it is recommended to give the pet to specialists. It is advisable not to waste time in vain and do it as soon as possible, because the Alaskan Malamute is a large and strong dog, and not a small "plush" Pomeranian, it will not be easy to cope with it.

Before starting an Alaskan Malamute, you need to figure out what conditions of detention suit him best. First of all, it must be borne in mind that serious physical activity is simply vital for the representatives of this famous northern breed. A dog of this breed should spend a lot of time in forests, parks and other open areas of this type. If you think that such a pet can be taken out for a walk around the house and that will be enough, then you are deeply mistaken. Such walks will be negligible for the Alaskan Malamute.

The Alaskan Malamute should be unleashed when walking. Of course, it is recommended to do this at specialized sites, where there are special slides, obstacles and other intricate structures made specifically for physical activity. If such loads are not enough for the malamute, the dog will literally start to wither and become very lazy. It is not uncommon for Alaskan Malamutes, who do not waste their energy, to become seriously ill.

It should be borne in mind that Malamutes are big fans of digging holes. This is another reason to walk such animals more often in the forest or outside the city. In the courtyard of a private house, such a dog will not only have little space. In addition, he will quickly dig through the entire territory and it will be impossible to move there. As mentioned above, the Alaskan Malamute cannot be kept in an enclosed enclosure. In such conditions, a dog of this breed will feel very uncomfortable, become homesick.

The Alaskan Malamute, like any dog ​​of any breed, needs proper and constant care. Let's take a closer look at how to properly care for such difficult pets. One of the main features of the Alaskan Malamute is its luxurious, thick coat. Thanks to its natural "fur coat", a long-haired dog easily tolerates low temperatures and can be kept outdoors without any problems. The coat of malamutes is thinning only in the hot summer season. It doesn't matter what the weather and temperature is outside the window - the coat of the Alaskan Malamute will need to be carefully combed out.

The Malamute fur should be combed out using a special brush or comb. These tools can be purchased at the pet store. It is advisable to use high quality and sturdy devices. Too sharp and tearing movements during combing should not be done, so as not to hurt the dog. If you neglect these procedures, then soon the dog's hair will roll into whole mats, woolen lumps will fly around the house everywhere, which will settle on furniture and clothes.

Don't forget about bathing these big fluffy guys. As a rule, bathing of Malamutes is done once every 3 months. If the dog has a "richer" two-tone color, then it must be bathed using special products that are sold in pet stores. One product should be used for white spots in order to wash the coat as efficiently as possible, and another product should be used for dark ones, so that they do not lose color depth and do not lose their beautiful shine. A special shampoo for such pets must be selected correctly. A sales assistant in a pet store should help you with this.

If your pet does not participate in various competitions and exhibitions, then the above recommendation can be ignored. After completing all the bath procedures, you will need to dry the already clean dog. Dry the malamute using a hair dryer and a brush. Drying your dog's coat without a brush or comb will cause it to get tangled and clump together. When working with a hairdryer, the thick undercoat will need to be combed well so that it does not get tangled. After completing this procedure, a clean and dry dog ​​will look like a true show specimen.

Dry the malamute preferably with a not too hot air stream. Better to set the temperature to medium. Simple warm air is sufficient for drying. It's even better if you use a fairly quiet device, as the extra noise can scare your dog, especially if such procedures are new to him or he is still small. Care is essential for the teeth, claws and ears of the Alaskan Malamute.

Please note that the ears of such a dog must be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the auricles. As soon as you notice pollution in them, then you must immediately get rid of them. It is recommended to clean the dog's ears using a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Keep an eye on the condition of the malamute's claws. They need to be trimmed once a month. Of course, such a procedure will be needed, unless the dog grinds its claws on the asphalt when it runs and walks.

Brush your Malamute teeth once a week. To do this, you only need to use a special paste. A regular product that people use will not work for this. A brush for cleaning canine teeth should also be special. These tools can be found at many pet stores. Pastes for dogs can be selected not ordinary, but with different tastes. For example, options with bacon or beef are in great demand.

Give your northern dog enough attention. Spend a lot of time on it. Monitor your dog's condition. If a malamute is sick, then it must be treated immediately. Don't waste time. At the first suspicion of any illness, an Alaskan should be referred to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Alaskan Malamutes need to be fed properly. Most often, dog breeders provide such pets with ready-made industrial feeds that do not need to be pre-cooked or prepared in any other way. Such products must necessarily belong to a high quality class. Cheap budget food is generally not recommended for dogs. Experts recommend giving Alaskan Malamutes high quality food that has these marks.

• Organic. Such a mark on the branded food packaging indicates that meat of natural origin was used in its production, and not its cheap artificial substitutes and analogues. Such products will only benefit a thoroughbred pet.
• Holistic. A similar mark is put on such high-quality feed, which is made specifically for animals suffering from certain diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract. Such specimens are expensive, but they do not harm the dog's body. It is advisable to pick them up after a visit to the veterinarian, who will tell you exactly what kind of food should be given to your pet.
• Human-grade. This mark on the selected feed will indicate that even a person can eat all the food components involved in the manufacture of the finished product.

It is advisable to buy branded food for Alaskans. You can pre-consult with a veterinarian who will help you choose the best products. If you decide to get an Alaskan Malamute, then you should be aware that the representatives of this breed are big beggars. But keep in mind - it is impossible to feed them food from the human table in any case.

If you want to please the dog with some delicacy, then you should create such conditions under which he deserves it. For example, you can ask your pet to execute one of the commands. After correctly fulfilling the request, the malamute can be treated.

If you do not want to feed your pet with ready-made food, but prefer to give natural fresh products, then you should consider the age of the malamute. Small puppies eat one food, while adults eat another. Let's take a closer look at what types of products can be given to representatives of the northern breed at different ages, and which ones should be discarded. If the malamute is not yet 8 months old, then it can be fed with such healthy foods as:

• fresh pieces of boiled beef;
• raw veal pieces;
• fresh sea fish;
• rice;
• buckwheat;
• oatmeal;
• cottage cheese;
• boiled eggs;
• vegetables;
• fruits.

It is forbidden to give potatoes to young malamutes. Dogs over 8 months old should be given the following foods:

• fresh high-quality meat (it should be the basis of the entire diet of a purebred dog);
• cheese;
• dairy products;
• fruits and vegetables;
• cereals.

Juveniles should be fed 4 to 6 times a day. Adult dogs should be fed 2 times a day. We have sorted out what can and should be given to Alaskan malamutes, and now it is worth considering what foods these animals are not allowed to give:

• spicy food;
• sausages (any);
• smoked products;
• salted fish, especially river fish;
• food with various kinds of chemical additives;
• marinated foods;
• food with seasonings and various spices;
• fried food;
• confectionery.

Correctly fed animals live longer and get sick less often. Avoid giving your pet prohibited foods, even if he begs for them diligently. It is advisable to keep all unnecessary food in a place that the malamute cannot reach. In this way, you will save him from harmful and dangerous food for him. It is quite difficult to create an ideal and balanced diet for the Alaskan Malamute. It is advisable not to do it yourself.

Alaskan Malamute must be properly educated and trained. Without this, the animal will behave very badly, which will cause a lot of inconvenience to its owner. Before you start training your big shaggy friend, you need to analyze his usual diet. If the animal eats ready-made feed, then the treats for correctly executed commands should be in the form of granules. If you praise the dog with natural treats, then after a while he will violently protest and simply refuse to eat dry food, which he happily ate before.

Let us examine what educational measures you need to apply in relation to the malamute. First of all, you will need to overcome the stubbornness of this dog. Do not forget that Alaskan Malamutes are terrible bastards, therefore it is not recommended to pull with their upbringing. It's best to start as early as possible to take control of the situation. It is necessary to start training a thoroughbred puppy as soon as he is in the house. The owner will have to be patient. Only the person who has enough of it will be able to overcome the bad habits and innate qualities of the animal. Only in this way can an Alaskan be conquered.

It is very important to show leadership in raising a Malamute. Do not forget - Alaskans are far from being led pets. They are leading, so in the pack they constantly prove their superiority to their fellows. As a member of a new family, the Malamute will definitely try to show its leadership here. It is extremely important to demonstrate to the dog in a timely manner who is in charge of the house. This must be done without resorting to physical force. Under no circumstances should you beat the puppy.

It is imperative to maintain total control over your pet. The Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent dog. It is normal for her to make independent decisions, sensibly assessing the existing situation. At the same time, to obey the owner or not - the northern breed dog will decide for himself. For this reason, any oversight of the Malamute must be responded to in a proper way. It is necessary to win the trust of the Alaskan Malamute and convince him that he must absolutely follow any command that the owner asks for.

Remember that the Alaskan Malamute needs work, because this is what it was originally bred for. If the owner also takes part in the work, then this will only strengthen his relationship with the pet. Of course, no one forces you to drag whole teams of loads with you, but playing a ball with an Alaskan or running together along forest paths is your duty.

Alaskan Malamutes, like representatives of any other breed, are susceptible to a number of diseases. If we are talking about genetic diseases, then they, as a rule, can be predicted and identified even before the offspring are born. That is why it is so important and necessary to buy fluffy fidgets exclusively from professional breeders. Below are the two most common diseases that are inherited in northern dogs.

• "Snowy nose". A similar disease is manifested by a change in the pigmentation of the dog's nose from dark to pink. These states must be kept under control. The animal will not be able to spend a lot of time in direct sunlight. The primary treatment should be a special tattoo. Breeders have taken control of this disease at the genetic level and therefore do not cross animals that carry this gene.
• Chondrodysplasia. This disease is a violation of the algorithm for the development of cartilage tissue. If the necessary measures are not taken in time, the dog simply will not be able to run fast, and in some cases even walk. The symptoms of this disease appear, constantly increasing. At first, the dog will simply get tired faster, then he will begin to give up active games, without which Alaskan Malamutes cannot imagine their life. After a while, the pet will simply lie in its usual place, stretching out its legs wearily.

A thoroughbred Alaskan Malamute puppy must be chosen very carefully and deliberately. First you need to familiarize yourself with all the characteristics and features of this breed. If you are confident that you can handle the malamute, then you can go and choose the puppy you like.

• It is recommended to buy such animals from reputable nurseries. If you do not want to go to such an institution or there is no such opportunity, then it is permissible to contact private breeders.
• It is very important to pay attention to the presence of all the necessary documents for animals. Malamute puppy must have RKF or SCOR documentation (these organizations are official).
• Please note that the so-called club documents will always be very risky, since you can buy a non-purebred puppy, or an individual with certain mental or physical problems.
• Pay attention to the age of the puppy you are buying. It should be between 1 and 4 months old. Those who prefer to buy very small monthly babies usually explain their choice by the fact that at this age the pet still does not have time to acquire all the bad habits that appear in the conditions of life in a pack. In addition, such small animals become attached to their owner faster.
• Those people who prefer to buy older individuals argue that with such creatures it is easier and more accurate to determine all the exterior inclinations.
• Regardless of age, Malamute puppies should be curious and active. In addition, healthy pedigree babies should have a good appetite. Small malamutes should not have a fat belly, their paws are always tight and straight (no curvature is allowed), their tail is thick, and their eyes are perky and lively.
• Take a closer look at the fur of the puppy you like. It should be clean, soft, thick and fluffy.
• If you are looking for a dog that will perform at exhibitions in the future, then you should pay attention not only to its external data, but also to its behavior - the pet must be impudent and self-confident.
• Good quality and healthy puppies should not be lethargic and sleepy. Their ears and eyes must be clean.

Alaskan Malamutes can live in an apartment, but their innate digging instincts will not give their owners peace of mind. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that it will be possible to wean a pet from this bad habit. Please note - if the animal has no earth under its paws, it will start digging other things - floor or furniture. When buying a puppy that is 1.5 months old, you need to make sure that he received primary vaccinations and was treated for worms. Deworming in all cases precedes vaccination.

You can select a Malamute puppy using a method that involves a leash. A collar with a leash should be put on the pet, and then gradually move away from it. It is generally accepted that if a baby, after a short persuasion, begins to follow a person, not trying to fall, whine or crawl, then a wonderful and balanced dog with leadership qualities will come out of him.

If you plan to feed the malamute with ready-made industrial food, then you should consider that it is better to buy them only in pet stores. Those products that are on the shelves of supermarkets and similar stores are best avoided - as a rule, their quality leaves much to be desired. It is not recommended to buy ready-made food for Alaskan Malamutes, in the content of which cereals are in the first place.

Try not to leave the Alaskan Malamute alone for a long time. This can be a real challenge for your pet. As a result, loneliness often affects the mental state of animals of this breed. The malamute will simply lose all interest in the owner and will not obey at all.

All about the Alaskan Malamute dog breed in the video below.