Malamute Information

Malamute Information

Activities | Malamute Information | Directory of Related Links

Overview: As with any breed, there is no “cookie cutter” Malamute and these guidelines are general in nature based on the typical Malamute profile

Appearance:

· Size: 70-140 lbs as adults. The breed standard states that the desirable freighting sizes are males, 25 inches at the shoulders, 85 lbs; females 23 inches and 75 lbs.

· Color: Gray/white, silver/white, seal/white (black and white with light undercoat), black/white, sable/white, red/white. All white is the only solid color seen. The first color indicated is the primary color, with white appearing as socks and on all four legs, chest and some of the face.

· Markings: Some Mals have open faces (all white) with their primary color appearing cap-like on the head, some have a mask of their primary color or a bar down the nose or both.

· Coat: Typically a coarse 1-3” guard coat with a wooly undercoat. Longer and softer coats also occur.

· Eyes: Brown and almond shaped. Never blue.

· Ears: Erect in adults and small in proportion to the head. Triangular in shape and set wide apart. The lowest corner of the ear should be in line with the corner of the eye.

· Tail: well furred and carried over the back when not working.

Nature:

· Temperament: Malamutes are very intelligent and therefore fast learners. They can also be very stubborn and refuse to obey. They follow the strategy that if you won’t be the leader, they will. A firm but fair owner is required to have a well behaved Malamute.

· Malamutes with other dogs: Malamutes will often try to be the alpha in the pack (human and animal). While some get along nicely with other dogs, some can be very dog aggressive, especially in same sex scenarios.

· Malamutes with other animals: Malamutes normally have a strong prey drive and some have been known to molest cats, small animals and livestock, although many Malamutes who are raised with these animals can peacefully coexist. Of course, not all Mals exhibit this strong prey drive.

· Malamutes with children: Most Malamutes are good with children, but a few are not (usually due to a lack of proper socialization or poorly planned breeding). As with any large dog with children, all interaction should be supervised by an adult.

· Play: Malamutes should never be rough housed with as this can cause unwanted behavior. Aggressive games like tug of war should also be avoided. Fetch games, training exercises and obstacle course games are the most positive for human and Mal.

· Characteristics: like most northern breeds, the Malamute will roam or run if given the chance. A Malamute is not a guard dog and is intimidating only by its size. A Malamute can, but rarely does, bark. They instead usually make sounds ranging from guttural to woo-woos to a full blown howl, often inspired by a passing siren. Some Mals can be major diggers and turn your yard into something like an exploded mine field. This digging can be corrected with training or by designating a “dig” area. Some Mals can also be destructive in the house unless crated or otherwise confined when unsupervised.

Care:

· Containment: When outdoors and not on leash, Malamutes should be contained in a fenced yard with a fence at least 4’-6’ in height.

· Feeding: An adult Malamute usually eats 3-6 cups of premium dry dog food per day. To avoid bloat and lethargy, the meal should be split into twice per day feedings when possible. The typical Malamute is a glutton and should not be allowed to become overweight.

· Grooming: A Malamute sheds its coat 1-2 times per year and the amount of hair is massive. Some shed lightly year rounds. Weekly grooming is required (daily when shedding). Mals do not have the typical “doggy” odor and only need to be bathed 2-4 times per year as the coat repels and sheds dirt.

· Training: Mals should go to obedience classes. It strengthens the bond between human and dog and provides socialization.

Summary: The Alaskan Malamute is a wonderful, spirited animal and can be a joy with which to hike, sled or take on an evening walk. It can be a first rate companion animal and beloved family member, when given a home where its needs are understood.