Alaskan Malamute - Dog Breeds - Facts Everyone Should Know About This Breed

In this article we will firstly look at the simple stats of this great breed, then move on to an in-depth look at whether you will be suited to this dog.

Breed group: Working

Weight: male 85 lbs, female 75 lbs

Height: male 25, female 23 inches

Overview
Many agree that the Alaskan Malamute is one of the most unchanged breeds today. These dogs are originally from the western part of Alaska, and it is believed that they are the descendants of the dogs of the Mahlemut Tribe. This breed is very distinctive, and also very significant to the people in this area. The Alaskan Malamute helps these people with all areas of life - this includes tasks such as hunting as well as living with them. Many agree that the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest dog breeds today, and there is DNA proof supporting this claim.

Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is an extremely loyal dog which is also very clever and friendly. When these dogs reach maturity, they will usually settle in being a calm and gentle adult dog. Seeing that these dogs are very friendly, they are not ideal guard dogs. Even although these dogs are very intelligent, they can also be stubborn. This breed has a strong intuition, and it is therefore best to keep an eye on them when they are around small animals.

Care
This breed requires a lot of maintenance, and their coats will have to be brushed quite a few times during the week. It is also important to look after the teeth of these dogs as well by brushing it as often as you brush their coats. The toe nails of these dogs should also be trimmed. The Alaskan Malamute sheds it coats twice during the course of the year, and by brushing it, the shedding will be minimized.
Training

The Alaskan Malamute is an extremely active dog, and they will therefore need intensive training for them to learn how to behave. These dogs were originally bred for sledding and also to be independent which often lead to them being stubborn. But apart from this, they are still highly intelligent dogs.

Health problems
Potential owners should be aware that these dogs do have some health issues. The Alaskan malamute is prone to hip dysplasia, and they are often suffering from chrondodysplasia and muscle tone and weakness problems. This breed also has a tendency to develop cataracts, and have problems with their eye sight as they get older. But in general these dogs are fairly healthy, and the majority of the common health problems are seen as normal in the larger dog breeds.