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Alaskan Malamate
This large and very powerful
animal was once a working dog and a constant companion for the
North American Inuit.
History:
The Alaskan Malamute is one of
the Spitz-type dogs that has been used for centuries by the
North American Inuit. The Alaskan Malamute was bred to be
hardy enough to withstand the extreme cold and strong enough
to drag heavy sleds across the frozen wastes of the Arctic.
Records reveal that Alaskan Malamutes sometimes carried packs
as heavy as 50 pounds (22.5 kg). It is likely that the Alaskan
Malamute is a direct descendant of the boreal wolf. The
present-day characteristics of stockiness and muscularity have
been selectively bred over the generations, while the Alaskan
Malamutes' other traits of stamina and height can still be
seen in its ancestor, the wolf.
The
modern-day use of motor sleds has meant that the Alaskan
Malamute is now called to be a sled dog only during displays
and competitions. Yet this incredible dog is still loved by
the people of the Arctic Circle, as it provides both
protection for their property and excellent companionship for
their families.
Physical
characteristics:
The Alaskan Malamute is a
large solid-looking dog that resembles a very stocky wolf.
Height: 21 - 28 in (55 - 71 cm). Weight: 85 - 125 lb (38.6 -
56.7 kg). Small upright ears are set far back on a
proportionately large and broad head. The small triangular
eyes are deep-set and fix you with a penetrating gaze over a
thick muzzle containing powerful jaws. The muscular body
slopes straight back from high shoulders towards rugged
thighs. A thick bushy tail is carried high and curved over the
back. The Alaskan Malamute has a double coat: the inner coat
is thick and woolly and covered by a coarse outer coat. The
most common coat colors are usually light gray or black and
white.
Behavior:
As an adult, the Alaskan
Malamute is a tall dog, and so is usually also very confident.
The Alaskan Malamute is normally good-natured with other dogs
and can be extremely playful, although owners should be aware
that other smaller dogs can sometimes become fearful and
aggressive the first time they meet an Alaskan Malamute.
However, once they see the Malamute remaining calm, the fear
goes away.
When
you look into the eyes of an Alaskan Malamute you are met with
the steady gaze of a very intelligent dog. This dog has a
tenacious spirit that allows it to overcome many difficulties
in life. Its keen sense of hearing makes it an excellent
watch-dog, and its size and power means it really can act as a
true guard dog.
If
you intend to keep your Alaskan Malamute around people, then
the dog must be adequately socialized. The dog must be allowed
to learn that people are not harmful to it, and should also
not be pushed around. The Alaskan Malamute can make a
wonderful family dog if it is kept under strict control from
the beginning. Care should be taken that the dog does not
accidentally knock over small children, and rough play should
be inhibited.
As
this dog thrives on the attention it receives from people, it
can be readily trained and most certainly enjoys the work.
This intelligent dog requires the stimulation of regular
activities and exercise to maintain it in peak condition.
Traditionally,
this dog has been kept in cold or temperate climates where it
still often prefers to sleep outside. Where this dog is kept
in hotter climates, it should only be given intensive or
sustained exercise during the cooler parts of the day so as to
avoid heat exhaustion.
If
the Alaskan Malamute is exercised regularly it will require
quite a lot of food to keep it in top form. Usually an Alaskan
Malamute which receives little exercise will moderate its own
diet, and leftover food should be discarded. The thick double
coat should be brushed several times a week to keep it in top
form, especially when molting. The Alaskan Malamute is rarely
ill and makes an excellent companion.
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