Breed
Origin, Character and more
Get to know an
Alaskan Malamute
The rugged Alaskan Malamute is a working dog, best suited to people who love the great outdoors; always happy to tackle almost any working activity. Learn more about Malamutes, their habits and needs, their power and composure.
Alaskan Malamutes and
their Origin
Well, having a malamute is like having a love affair w/ nature. It’s more than just a dog, it’s a companion, who needs adventures and affection.
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest dog breeds and known as a faithful companion of the indigenous tribe the Mahlemuts. They use the dogs to pull heavy loads from here to there, to hunt seals or to scare polar bears. During the gold rush, approximately toward the end of the 19th century, having a sled dog got popular. The demand was very high, so sled dogs were mixed with other breeds. The result: The purebred Alaskan Malamute almost extinct.
A few decades later, a standard was created to preserve the purity of the breed. The Alaskan Malamute officially get recognized by the American Kennel Club, based on the Kotzebue line. At the same time, from the Kotzebue line, there exist two other lines: the M’Loot line and the Hinman line. The standard has been reopened, and all three lines were taken into the official standard. Are you interested in more informations about the early days of mushing?
Inspiration for a
partner in crime
Characteristic for this Breed:
Independet, strong and gentle
If you know the breed, you immediately think of a strong soul with a clear mind and a wild heart. An Alaskan Malamute features a sturdy body built for strength and power, but the breed also convinces with pure intelligence. The army also recognized these advantages and used the Malamutes during the Second World War, and later in expeditions in Antarctica. Both took a heavy toll and again the Breed was almost extinct.
Malamutes are not only immensely strong and heavy-duty worker, they’re also known as an intelligent, loyal and playful canine. Malamutes always need a consistent leadership and a “why” in their life. Give ‘em a job and they’ll be happy. As wild as they appear, the gentler their disposition. Notice: Malamutes are sensitive and require lots of love, companionship, and attention. They also need an open space, preferably surrounded by nature.
Characteristic for a Malamute is a strong body with substantial, heavy bones, a deep chest, powerful shoulders, and a dense, waterproof coat. Also, the breed with the proud attitude has erect ears, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a plumed tail – always carried over the back. A Malamute stands 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weights around 75 to 85 pounds.
Malamutes are pack animals, they’ll also love family life and all about it: snuggling, sleeping in beds and so on; but be aware: the leader still must be you. If a Mal doesn’t respect you, you’ll immediately know. So, the recipe is, to let them work, to trust them and to give them constant stimulation – for their body and their mind. The breed is super independent and intelligent, they’ll never stop learning and should constantly have something to do. Also be aware of the shedding season, it’s much more fur than you’ll ever expect.