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| Alaskan Malamute Breed Information Weight: 70-175 pounds Height: 22-34" at the shoulder |
~Mellow, but playful ~Eager to please ~Loves Children and people in general Some Ideal Human Companions: ~Cold-climate dwellers but do well in warmer climates ~Outdoorsy types ~True Dog Lovers who spend a lot of time with their dogs ~Malamutes do better when other animals are present in the home What They're Like to Live With: Alaskan Malamutes may look like lone wolves, but they could be funny, playful and friendly. They love to goof around, play games and be rowdy. As Alaskan Malamutes mature they do become more mellow and easygoing, but they never really lose touch with their inner-puppy. Take them outside any day and they'll frolic with the best of them. They love to play tug-of-war or with tennis balls. Almost any outdoor activity that you enjoy, they will participate in. They enjoy hiking, camping, boating, sledding and pulling. While they do possess intimidating looks, they have no real guard-dogging qualities. They are very friendly and outgoing. They rarely see a stranger. Malamutes have tons of hair. They should be brushed weekly to keep the hair floating around your home to a minimum. Things You Should Know: As you can tell from looking at them, Malamutes prefer cooler temperatures. If you happen to live in a warmer climate, keep your Malamute in the cool indoors or in the shade on hot days. Give them plenty of cool water to drink. They can drink an unusual amount of water in hot weather. They love to have a swim before their naps. They will thank you for it. The Northern Group of dogs is a direct descendant of the rugged northern wolf (Canis lupus). This group, like their undomesticated ancestors, maintained the characteristics that protect from the harsh environment of the upper European countries. Weather-resistant coats protect from the rain and cold. There is a long, coarse outercoat that sheds snow and rain and a dense undercoat that insulates against subzero temperatures. These coats are especially abundant around the neck and chest, thereby offering double protection for the vital organs. Well-coated tails could cover and protect the nose and mouth should the animal be forced to sleep in the snow. Small prick ears are not as easily frostbitten or frozen as the large and pendulous ears of some of the other breeds. The muzzle has sufficient length to warm the frigid air before it reaches the lungs. Leg length is sufficient to keep the chest and abdomen above the snow line. Tails were carried horizontally or up and over the back rather than trailing behind in the snow. (Jane Holabach) Bred to run great distances, Alaskan Malamutes are very active and need lots of exercise. They might not do well in an apartment unless exercised regularly. Ideally, they should have a big yard with a high fence. Be warned, these dogs like to dig. So unless you don't want some cheap landscaping done in your yard, a Malamute may not be for you. Most of our dogs don't dig and the ones that do are either trying to catch a mole or are nesting, getting ready to whelp. Some of them dig a small, shallow hole to lie in the cool soil. If you live in the country or on a large piece of land, expect your Alaskan Malamute to roam around and patrol the borders. Our dogs walk our fence line daily. A healthy Malamute can live as long as 15 years. The oldest living Malamute on record was over 20 years old. They shed fairly heavily in the spring and fall. Malamutes possess a "double coat" which is nothing but two layers of coat called a topcoat (long "guard hairs") and an undercoat (a layer of thick, downy fuzz next to their skin under the guard hairs). The undercoat acts as an insulator and grows thick during winter so that they shed and be discarded during spring and summer. Generally, the male dogs only shed heavily in spring and summer. But the females frequently shed at the time of their estrus or heat cycle also. Malamutes do not have that "wet dog" smell like other dogs do. Regular bathing is unnecessary as the Malamutes coat sheds dirt readily and the dog is clean and has little odor. They are a very clean dog, grooming themselves frequently. Some of my dogs go to bed filthy dirty from swimming in the pond and wake up squeeky clean. The Malamute Bath Fairy must come in the night and bathe them.~ The Alaskan Malamute was ranked 58th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations. |
| SKYLAND MALAMUTES CENTRAL OKLAHOMA 405.640.0635 |
| Black and White |
| Black guard hairs with black or gray undercoat. |
| Alaskan Seal and White |
| Black or black tipped guard hairs with white or cream undercoat. Dogs appear black at a distance, but is not a true black because of the light undercoat. |
| Wolf Gray and White |
| Gray guard hairs with a light gray, cream, or white undercoat. No red factor is evident. Dogs definitely appear gray, even though there may be some black hairs on the topline. |
| Red and White |
| A definite shade of red, either light or dark; with light points (lip line and nose), and eye color. A rare color. No black factor evident. |
| Wolf Sable and White |
| Black or gray guard hairs with a reddish undercoat and red trimmings. Both red and black factors evident. |
| Silver and White |
| Light gray guard hairs with white undercoat. No black factor evident. |
| Blue and White |
| Pure White |
| Both guard hairs and undercoat are white. Often evidence of a mask in cream color. A rare color. Only solid color allowed. |
| Trimmings |
| Shades of gold, cream, buff, brown or reddish hues often found on the legs, ears, between white areas of the underbody and the dark color above. |
| Cap |
| A cap of color covers the top of the head and the ears, usually coming to a point at the center of the forehead. |
| Goggles |
| Dark areas under the eyes, extending sideways to the cap. |
| Bar |
| A dark area extending from the center point of the cap down the nose. |
| Eye Shadow |
| Dark marking under the eyes that do not extend out to the cap. |
| Star |
| A small white spot in the center of the forehead. |
| Blaze |
| A white mark extending from the center point of the cap back up the forehead. Width and length can vary. |
| Open Face |
| A cap covering the head with no other markings on the face. |
| Closed Face |
| Dark colorings covering the face with no distinct markings on the face. |
| Chest Markings |
| Necklace Curving band of dark color across the chest. Eagle Two bands of dark color protruding partially across the chest forming a pattern resembling the eagle emblem. |
| Neck Markings |
| Collar White band of color encircling the neck Wither Spots White marks varying in size but centered at the withers or at the base of the neck. |
| An off-black or bluish-charcoal gray color. Eye color may be affected. No black factor evident. |
| After all, he will excavate your backyard, chew up your shoes, run away and get lost easily, and howl if Who deserves a Malamute? Only someone who can keep him safely and confined, exercised and trained sufficiently, fed and groomed year lifetime. What is a Malamute REALLY like? Of the three Arctic Breeds (Samoyeds, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute), he is the largest. His strength and endurance are second to none. As a puppy, he is affectionate and full of life. Chewing is one of his bad habits; therefore, crate training is recommended when you are unable to supervise him indoors. He may argue about leash-breaking, but he is highly intelligent and will learn quickly, enjoying the camaraderie and exercise from daily walks. He must learn to relinquish his food and toys on command, but these lessons must be accomplished with fairness and patience. He may be reserved with strangers. The Malamute loves children but, like all large dogs, should be supervised during interaction. He is unsuitable for guard work, although is size alone will discourage intruders. It is not unusual for a Malamute to become intolerant of other dogs of the same sex; therefore, caution must be exercised when introducing him to other canines, regardless of their size. Now that you have him...what will you do with him? A Malamute is a pack animal with natural instincts to "lead or be led"; therefore, training must begin early. Because he is independent and smart, he may be little harder to train than other breeds, but don't become discouraged. He is a true athlete--a dog with which you can enjoy sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging, hiking, and even swimming or almost any outdoor activity you enjoy. The Malamute cannot be allowed to grow up lacking controlled socialization with humans and animals, or he may become dominant over people he doesn't respect and aggressive with other dogs and cats. A sensible combination of love and discipline will result in a devoted, trustworthy companion. For his general care, the Malamute should be fed an high-quality diet. His body should be trim and hard with no excess fat. He should receive yearly inoculations and be checked for parasites regularly. Your vet should likewise check his ears and teeth with each visit. While not a high-maintenance dog, the Malamute coat should receive regular brushing to remove dead hair. Bathing is occasionally necessary to remove dirt and oil and to keep the coat a healthy, shining condition. ~Alaskan Malamute Club of America~ |
