Dog class - Working
Average height - 23 to 25 inches
Average weight - 80 to 120 pounds
Size - Large
Average life span - 10 to 12 years

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed that loves the cold outdoors, and is at home in the country or the suburbs. This dog can be boisterous and energetic, and is best for experienced owners only. However, the Malamute has a high degree of sociability with strangers, and bonds well with children, as well as with the entire family. These dogs love to run, love to work and love to roam. They need a lot of exercise, a sturdy fence, and a lot of room for activity.

The Alaskan Malamute gets its name from a group of native Innuits known as the Mahlemute tribe who used this breed to pull sledges. These people lived mainly in the area surrounding the upper part of the Anvik river in Alaska. These dogs were bred to pull large amounts of weight over very long distances at a steady pace. Although originally found primarily in this region, the gold rush of 1896 created a high demand for these dogs and they become common in other areas. Today, there exists two "kinds" of Malamute: the M'Loot and the Kotzebue. The former tends to be larger and come in a variety of colors, while the latter is always wolf-grey and smaller in size.

The Alaskan Malamute is a working breed, and they thrive best when they have something to do. They enjoy a lot of exercise and interaction. While mushing is the best form of exercise for this breed, if you lack the necessary sledge and other equipment, frequent walks, hikes, and playing will do just fine. Since they like to work and have a lot of stamina, they do well with activities such as roller bladeing and ski-touring. If you enjoy going for long hikes, buy a dog pack and bring along your Alaskan Malamute, for she will be a reliable, working companion on your adventure.

Be careful of the summer heat; Malamutes and other heavy-coated dogs are intolerant of heat. During the summer, work them only in cooler times of the day, and make sure they have plenty of water.

The Alaskan Malamute is very intelligent and active. It's a very good pet for an active, athletic family. Malamutes are a friendly, affectionate breed as well, but they can be rather independent as well (a bit like cats). They love winter sports, and are great companions for those who enjoy cross-country skiing, ski-touring, or even winter hiking. They are playful and friendly, and if raised with children, enjoy romping and playing with children.

Some common health problems for the Alaskan Malamute include hip dysplasia, zinc-deficiency, skin disorders, bloat, thyroid deficiencies, and achondrodysplasia. The latter is a congenital dwarfism where a puppy, born with a normal head and body, will have short, warped legs. There are also several eye disorders that have been detected in the breed: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), central progressive atrophy (CPRA), and hemeralopia ("day blindness"). Make sure your breeder has screened her breeding dogs for dysplasia and eye disorders.

This dog does not like heat - its ideal environment is a cold climate. So if you live in a hot climate, don't get a northern breed like a Malamute! During the summer, Malamutes and other wavy-coated dogs can be prone to hot spots, which are red, itchy infected areas of skin. See your veterinarian immediately if you see these develop.

The Alaskan Malamute is a strong dog that requires time and attention to train properly. Its shedding can prove to be a bit of a problem, as can its howling. This breed has been known to "re-landscape" yards with their incessant digging. They are pack oriented, and do best when they are included with the family in their events. However, other smaller family pets or other dogs may not be the ideal companions for the Malamute, as they might harass or even attack them. Also, Malamutes love to roam and can be excellent escape artists.

Although they are affectionate, they are also independent and can be somewhat aloof (a bit like cats). Because they may not care if they please you (even though they'll like you just fine), they can be stubborn about training at times.

Further Alaskan Malamute Dog Resources