Are you thinking of bringing an Alaskan malamute into your home? Maybe you are planning on showing a dog of this breed, or even starting a dog breeding business. If so, there's a few things you should know about Alaskan malamutes. This article explains what to look for in order to pick the best dog possible.
So, you’ve decided to adopt an Alaskan malamute. Though these dogs are a lot of work, they make wonderful pets. However, if you’re planning to show your dog, there are a few things you need to know. Breed standards will help you choose a Mal for show.
Characteristics
Mals were originally bred as sled dogs. They are capable of pulling heavy loads, including full grown humans. They are able to survive in harsh Arctic temperatures and they love every minute spent outdoors frolicking in the snow.
Appearance
Mals are heavy boned, long in the leg, powerfully built and not too compact. They have a long range of colors, including red and white. They look a lot like wolves and are sometimes mistaken for them.
Head and Skull
A Mal’s head is broad between the ears, gradually narrowing to the eyes. The head is powerful and shouldn’t be out of proportion to the rest of the body. The skull should be moderately rounded between the ears, flattening out as it reaches the eyes, then rounding off to moderately flat cheeks.
The muzzle is large in proportion to the skull. The nose is black, except in red or white Mals, when it is brown. A pink or streaked nose, known as a “snow nose” is accepted by the Alaskan malamute breed standard.
Temperament
Mals are loyal, affectionate and devoted. They are not a “one man” dog. They enjoy interacting with members of their “pack,” which in this case is everyone in the household. They are always ready to play when invited and often do the inviting themselves. Rough housing should be kept to a minimum. Mals don’t usually bark, but communicate using “talk.” A whoo-whoo-whoo, is their way of greeting you and when they want something they will “talk” to communicate their need. They will often continue this communication until they get whatever they are asking for.
After maturity, Mals are very dignified, but may show dominance to other dogs. They are “people” dogs, so don’t expect to use them as guard dogs. They are more likely to kiss a burglar to death than protect your home and belongings. However, just having a dog of this size within your household often deters people from trying to enter you home for criminal activity.
Mals are very stubborn. When your pet is still a puppy, take him to obedience school. You will have to spend hours training him, using a firm but gentle hand. If not, the will dominate everything in your life.