| |
The Alaskan Malamute is a large northern dog breed originally developed for use as a sleddog. The Malamute is a descendant of dogs of the Mahlemiut tribe of upper western Alaska. Most Malamutes today are kept as family pets or show dogs. The Malamute temperament is friendly and affectionate by reputation, but they are known among dog drivers for their readiness to scrap with other dogs.
From time immemorial northern people have relied for transport on sledge dogs, directly derived from northern wolves. travelers in polar regions argue hotly about the merits of the different breeds, some of which still have the reputation of being unreliable as working dogs and untrustworthy in temperament. However, northern peoples have deliberately bred more disciplined animals. such breeds are the Alaskan malamutes, the national dogs of Alaska; the Russian laikas; the nooka dogs of Iceland, and the samoyeds.
In keeping with the dog;s ancient past, toady's malamute is described in its breed standard as loyal, affectionate, friendly, diginified and devoted. With this standard guiding its breeding, it's little wonder that the well-bred malamute commands such enthusiasm from its human companions.
While many people dream of bringing a new puppy into the house and raising into a lovely adult it is destined to be, doing this right requires a great deal of time and effort.
Photo courtesy of hundund.de
To raise a puppy correctly, you must for all practical purposes, become the young dog's surrogate mom and commit to molding into a well-behaved adult. This, as any mom can testify, can be a full-time job. Obedience training, household manners, housetraining, and socialization are the ingredients that lead to a well-behaved adult malamute. Such a dog does not occur as a natural phenomenon; it is the product of hours of nurturing, sweat and consistency.
Those who honestly do not believe that they have the time to raise a puppy, but believe that must have a malamute in the house, may be more interested in adopting an adult dog, that has already received its basic education and experienced the challenging trials of adolescence. In fact, many have found hat they prefer a dog that is 5 or 6 years of age, as this dog will tend to be more settled, its youthful exuberance will have mellowed somewhat, and he will be more content devoting its time to its duties as family companion. If you overcome the prjudice too many people harbor against bringing an older dog into the home, you may just find a treasure.
MALAMUTES & CHILDREN The Alaskan Malamute is fiercely loyal to its "pack," loves the children of its own family, and gets along with other animals if socialized with them early. However, in mixing Malamutes and children, thought should be given to Mal's independent nature, his dominance level in the pack and his hunting instincts. Care must be taken by the parents to ensure that the child is the dominant partner in the relationship and the child respects the dog. Dominance discipline administered by an adult dog to an infant can be fatal. An infant crying seems particularly disturbing to some Malamutes and may activate a prey response.
A Malamute is likely to endure only so much ear-pulling, climbing, squeezing before expressing his annoyance. Few will accept outright abuse, especially from children who do not "belong" to them. Therefore, you should not stake out a Malamute where children might tease or torment him.
The Alaskan Malamute comes from an Arctic line of dogs. This is a strong, outdoor-loving breed of dogs. The Malamute's thick, course double-layer of fur makes it a more suitable breed for areas with mild to colder climates.
While the Alaskan Malamute mostly enjoys the outdoors, they make great house pets. In return for their loyalty the Malamute requires a great deal of companionship and attention from their owners.
The Malamute is friendly and fond of people, especially children. He is very intelligent but also very independent-minded. He needs an owner who is definitely the pack leader and needs plenty of exercise to occupy his mind and body.
|
|
Topics to Explore
Alaskan Malamute Breed Outline
|
Country of Origin: | U.S.A. |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 5: Spitz and primitive types; Section 1: Nordic Sledge Dogs. |
| Utilization: |
Sledge Dog
|
| AKC Classification: | Working Group |
| Personality: | Intelligent, calm, loyal. The large size and solid structure of these dogs can be intimidating, even though in actuality Alaskan Malamutes generally possess a calm and friendly demeanor. They are usually reserved toward strangers. |
| Size: | Large
|
| Height: | 23-25 inches at shoulders |
|
Colors: |
The usual colors range from light gray through intermediate shadings to black, sable, and shading of sable to red. Color combinations are acceptable in undercoats, points and trimmings. The only solid color allowable is all-white. |
| Other Names: | Malamute |
| Average Litter Size: | 6 |
| Life Span: | 10-14 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Low. Malamutes need to be brushed 2-3 times a week to maintain their thick coat in proper condition. |
| Shedding: | Heavy seasonal. |
| Social skills: |
Early socialization with other dogs is critical. They can be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex. |
| Suitability for Children: | Malamutes need close supervision while they are around small children to prevent any unforeseen mishaps that can happen between a young child and a large dog. |
| Exercise Needs: | High. Alaskan Malamutes are strong and powerful dogs and need daily exercise for at least 2 hours, preferably several times a day. These powerful dogs need a job in their lives. Without being busy, they can be very destructive and tend to escape in search of adventures. |
| Train Ability: | A bit slow to learn new commands, these giants perform quite well in obedience and agility competitions. |
| Health Issues: | The Malamute is one of the hardiest dog breeds. Hip dysplasia and mineral deficiencies (skin problems) are most common of the few ailments this breed suffers from. |
COMMENTS
For the love of Sam
14 years ago I went to our local shelter and I found a 4 year old Alaskan Malamute that was looking for a home. Sam, as I named him, would become my best friend and part of the family. He was very well-behaved, after a little work and a lot of love. As the family, or I guess the pack in his eyes, grew he seemed be even more happy. Everyone loved Sam and as time passed, we could see him beginning to experience difficulties with his health. The vets and technicians that cared for him were the best and they all loved him.
Last month we had to come to terms with his declining health and had to put him to sleep. This was a very sad day in our lives, but the thoughts of how his life was with us always brings happy thoughts back to us. When he went, it was at home, under a tree in the grass. Out vet came to our house to make it easy for Sam. I will always be grateful to them for giving us these final moments at home with him.
We will get malamutes once more after we have had some time. With a big home and a yard, it just seems empty with our Sam. To all of you that love malamutes you know they are wonderful. To all you thinking of getting a malamute, they grow on you and you can't help but loving them. Take care and love them and you can enjoy a long life with them.
Sam we love you, Mike & Tessa
Posted by mjfahrney on Sunday, June 15, 2008
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
|