CATXDOG

Appearance: The Alaskan Malamute is extremely powerful and strong dog. The coat is a dense and double layered, somewhat harsher than that of the Siberian Husky . Outer guard hairs are coarse while inner coat is thick, oily and wooly. The usual colors are various shades of grey and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white. Eyes are almond-shaped and brown; blue eyes are sometimes found, but will disqualify the dog in shows. The physical build of the Malamute is compact with heavy bones, structure of their strong muscles is easily felt under coat. In this context 'compact' means that their height to length ratio is fairly even, unlike dogs like Great Danes which are longer and lankier in their ratios. While they may bark like other dog breeds, Malamutes normally tend to "talk" by vocalizing a "woo woo" sound, sometimes they may howl like wolves or coyotes when feeling excited, sad, or lonely. Desired freighting weight of the dog is 75 to 85 pounds (34-38.5 kg) and a height of 23 to 25 inches (58-63.5 cm). Heavier individuals (100+ pounds) and dogs smaller than 75 pounds are common - there is often a marked size difference between males and females. Weights upwards of 140 pounds or more are occasionally seen; these dogs are uncommon and are produced primarily by breeders who market a "giant" malamute. These "giant" sizes are not in accordance with the breed's history and although they look remarkable they are not considered „natural“.

History: The Alaskan Malamut is named after Malhemuit tribe of Inuit people who lived in northwestern Alaska . They were nomadic and they used dogs to haul their possessions while they moved. The Malamute is one of the most "unaltered" of breeds, retaining its original form and function. Responsible breeders should preserve this heritage of the Malamute's working abilities. For a brief period during the Gold Rush (end of 19 th century), the Malamute and other sled dogs became extremely valuable to recently landed prospectors and settlers, and were frequently crossbred with imported breeds. This was often a misguided attempt to improve the type especially the speed of the breed because smaller dogs were much faster, or to make up for how few true Malamutes were up for sale. This genetic dilution seems to have had no long standing effect on the modern Malamute, and recent DNA analysis shows that Malamutes are one of the oldest breeds of dog , genetically distinct from other dog breeds. It is considered as one of fourteen ancient breeds of dog.

Temperament: Due to its size and considerable strength, firm training from an early age is essential. Malamute is by most breeders considered as extremely stubborn dog. Understanding Malamute behavior requires understanding life in an original Arctic village of Malhemuit tribe. Malamutes were originally bred to think and act independently for the sake of protecting the sled team. Hazardous and unpredictable Arctic trail conditions rewarded the ability of a Malamute to rely on its own senses and, when necessary, override the sled driver's judgment and commands. As such, the breed is notorious for displaying a highly independent streak that manifests itself as stubbornness. Malamutes are sometimes downright insubordinate toward their human handlers and may ignore commands, particularly when young. But at the same time it was important to accept members of the sled team, family, and village community. Therefore they are usually very affectionate to members of their own pack - human and dog members alike. A Malamute may talk in glee in greeting a returning family or pack member after a period of separation, and howl in protest when it feels ignored, neglected, or excluded from group activities. That is making them very open and friendly toward people outside their family, very valuable trait for family dogs and pets, but very unwanted trait for a guard god. They are widely regarded as handsome, affectionate toward humans, intelligent, resourceful, and hardworking. Because they were developed in conditions of extreme harshness and little amount of food it is possible that Malamute instinctively attack animals such as house cats, squirrels, rabbits, but there are also harmonious households with cats ad Malamutes together. Historic competition for food is also a reason why Malamutes may regard dogs outside their own pack or team with disdain or hostility. Malamutes dug for food when required, and digging is now a common way in which Malamutes deal with boredom. It is not uncommon to see a Malamute digging madly in pursuit of a mouse, mole, or gopher. Malamutes may also dig to escape a fenced yard, and have been known to dig escape tunnels underneath houses. This tendency to dig can be particularly frustrating to owners who maintain yards or gardens.

Health issues: While Malamutes have been successfully raised in places such as Arizona and other temperate or hot climates, their dense coats generally make them unsuited for hot climates. When the weather gets hot, they—even more than other dogs—need plenty of water and shade. Also, being a winterised breed they will grow a winter coat and subsequently, come spring, shed it again. Dogs cool themselves internally by panting, not externally by sweating like humans do. Cooling internally means that their thick coats allow them to be more resistant to heat, the same as their coats allow them to be resistant to cold. Shaving a dog for the summer will have the opposite effect than what is intended. The thick coats mean bad heat tolerance is a myth and any real dog expert would know and understand this. Health issues in the Malamute are hip dysplasia , inherited polyneuropathy , chrondo dysplasia , and the usual northern-breed eye problems (particularly cataract and progressive retinal atrophy ).