Alaskan Malamutes are often called Alaska’s treasures, but in truth, they are a national treasure that is treasured by families all over the world.
Alaskan Malamutes rank in popularity as one of the most beautiful breeds of dogs with their heavy fur coat and stunning eyes.
If you’re considering getting this dog as your pet. Here’s what you need to know.
Grooming
Alaskan Malamutes have very long fur that needs to be brushed 3 to 5 times a week.
This breed’s undercoat can become heavily matted if it’s not brushed out regularly which results in more brushing!
You can find out more at The Malamute Mom about the right grooming tools.
But keep in mind that these dogs should only be bathed when they’ve accumulated too much dirt and dust because shampoos strip away their natural oils.
When giving your dog a bath, use a conditioner afterward to help restore its natural oils so it doesn’t dry out its skin or fur.
Origin
The Alaskan Malamute is a member of the Spitz family. It’s related to dogs like the Samoyed, Chow-Chow, and even wolves!
Early ancestors are believed to have come from Siberia or other parts of Asia because this breed has very thick fur that was meant to protect them from the harsh weather conditions in these regions.
Eventually, they were domesticated by native people who used them as hunting partners.
When white settlers came to Alaska in the 1890s, they saw how well suited these dogs were for Arctic life so they took some home with them. That’s where their history really began being America’s dogs.
Temperament
Alaskan Malamutes are very sociable and friendly dogs with a gentle soul and heart of gold! This breed is especially good for first-time dog owners because these dogs tend to be less hyper than other breeds.
They’re patient and calm around children, even those who aren’t known for being gentle with pets.
If you’re looking for a loving companion that will protect you from danger, then this may be the right dog for you.
Diet
Alaskan Malamutes can be messy eaters due to their heavy coats.
They also have a high metabolism which means the more they exercise, the more food they need!
This breed of dog should be fed three times a day and it’s recommended that you stay away from cheaper brands of dog food because these brands often use fillers like corn and soy which are not good for this breed.
Look for higher quality dog food with proteins like chicken or beef and with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or coloring in them.
Size
This breed is medium-sized, weighing 50 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Females tend to be smaller than males on average but both sexes range within that weight range.
Males are 23-26 inches tall while females are 21-24 inches tall.
Health
Alaskan Malamutes are very healthy dogs that average 12-14 years of age when fully grown, but there are some hereditary disorders that they’re known to be prone to which you should be aware of if you’re considering getting one of these dogs.
These dog health issues include hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip joint), cataracts (cloudiness of eye lens), and epilepsy (seizures).
If buying a puppy, make sure both parents have been tested for these defects before purchasing them because it’s possible for a dog to inherit these health issues.
Fur
This breed has thick double coats that insulate them against harsh Arctic conditions.
The undercoat is made up of short fur that keeps the malamute nice and warm, while around its neck is longer fur that protects its throat from ice when travelling across frozen tundra.
Alaskan Malamutes shed year-round, which would mean lots of extra vacuuming for you!
Exercise
Alaskan Malamutes require a lot of exercise every day in order to stay happy and healthy!
That goes double if you have an adult dog because these dogs tend to get bored more easily than puppies.
Take your malamute on long walks or jog around the neighbourhood with it before returning home so it can expend all that pent-up energy roaming free in your yard.
This means that this breed is not suited to apartment life, and it’s best suited for owners with large backyards that can provide lots of room to run around.
Alaskan Malamutes are a medium-sized breed of dog that originated from the northern parts of Alaska and were used by native Inuit tribes to pull sledges.
They typically have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and require a lot of exercises every day in order to remain healthy!
This particular breed is very sociable and can be great with kids if it’s raised with them.
If you’re looking for a loving companion as part of your family, then an Alaskan malamute might just be the perfect pet for you!