Alaskan Malamute
Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 63.5 cm
Female: 58.5 cm
Weight:
Male: 38.5 kg
Female: 34 kg
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Sledge
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Families, active people
About This Breed
The Alaskan Malamute is the tallest member of the North American spitz family. Malamutes must be heavy boned and strong enough to haul heavy sleds. The Alaskan Indians found them invaluable some of their duties included droving, herding, hunting and hauling heavy sleds.
They are very active and exceptionally friendly to people but not to other dogs. They look intimidating, but are not good watchdogs. They make loyal and affectionate family pets.
General Characteristics
Appearance: One of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. Wolf like expression, erect ears and eyes are brown, never blue. Furry tail carried over the back.
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly dog. Loyal, devoted companion, playful on invitation, but generally impressive by their dignity once matured.
Characteristics: Their function as a sledge dog for heavy freighting in the Arctic must be given consideration above all else. The legs of the Malamute must indicate unusual strength and tremendous propelling power. Face markings are a distinguishing feature.
Colour: The usual colours range from light grey through intermediate shadings to black, sable and shadings of sable to red. Colour combinations are acceptable in undercoats, points, and trimmings. The only solid colour allowable is all white.
White is always the predominant colour on under body, parts of legs and feet, and part of face markings. A white blaze on the forehead and /or collar, or a spot on the nape is attractive and acceptable. The Malamute is mantled, and broken colours extending over the body or uneven splashing are undesirable.
Coat: Thick, coarse guard coat, never long and soft. The undercoat is dense, from 2.5 – 5 cm in depth, oily and woolly.
The coarse guard coat varies in length as does the undercoat. The coat is relatively short to medium along the sides of the body, with the length of the coat increasing around the shoulders and neck, down the back, over the rump, and in the breeching and plume.
Malamutes usually have a shorter and less dense coat during the summer months. The Malamute is shown naturally. Trimming is not acceptable except to provide a clean cut appearance of feet.
Grooming: Their dense, coarse coat needs regular brushing, with extra care during moulting. The undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. Bath when needed.
Exercise: They need a reasonable amount of exercise, but don’t over do it in the warm weather.
Health: This breed is generally sound but some can suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems