Is an Alaskan Malamute the right Dog for You?
What do you know about this strong, hard-working, loyal animal that may be the oldest dog breed on the North American continent? Here are 13 interesting facts about Alaskan Malamutes.
The Alaskan Malamute is believed to be the oldest
dog breed on the North American continent. Bone and ivory carvings depicting the Malamute (almost identical to the breed today) have been found dating back 12,000-20,000 years!
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to haul
heavy loads over long distances in very cold climates. The breed is named after the Mahlemuts, a tribe of Inuit (Eskimos) in Alaska’s interior, who depended on these dogs for transportation across the frozen tundra.
Originally, the name given to the official UKC standard
by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America was “Large Working Dogs”. In 1935, at an Alaskan Malamute Club of America meeting, it was decided that the breed’s name would change from Large Working Dogs to Alaskan Malamute.
Alaskan Malamutes can make wonderful family pets
because of their affection, but they require a lot of attention. They are loyal and protective over their families, especially children. However, they do not always get along with other animals in the household and can be a bit stubborn!
A Malamute’s exercise requirements are high
so they should be given daily strenuous activity. They are very skilled in pulling activities such as sledding and weight pulling. Because Alaskan Malamutes have a fast metabolism, they burn energy more quickly than other breeds.
The Alaskan Malamute has almond shaped eyes
small triangular ears and a long “otter tail.” This dog breed has a double coat that typically ranges in color from white to red, sable or black and sometimes with white markings on the face. The only solid color allowable is all white.
Malamutes are a relatively healthy breed
with a lifespan of 10-14 years, but do suffer from a few health problems such as Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (exercise intolerance, change in bark, noisy breathing, muscle atrophy) and Hip Dysplasia.
The Fast CAT is a 100 yard dog race
conducted by the AKC each December in Orlando, FL. The average running speed for Alaskan Malamutes was about 22 mph and the fastest recorded speed was by a dog named Ixa’s Clever Cody at 26.75 mph!
In research from the University of Pennsylvania
(C-BARQ Study) the Alaskan Malamute was shown to rate very high in dog rivalry. They ranked 10 out of 124 breeds in displaying hostility towards other familiar dogs. They rank even higher, 7 out of 124 breeds, in displaying aggression (barking, growling, and baring of teeth) towards other unfamiliar dogs.
In research done on the intelligence of dogs
the Malamute ranked 50 out of 130 dog breeds. They are considered average intelligence. This means they will generally learn new commands between 25 to 40 repetitions.
Purebred Alaskan Malamutes have brown eyes
they cannot be blue or heterochromia (two different colors). Purebred Malamutes do not possess the merle gene-which helps determine eye color/coat color.
The Giant Malamute
can reach weights up to 200 pounds! They are not considered as a separate breed, but due to their tremendous size, do not meet the breed standard for size and weight. They have the same coat colors and temperament as regular sized Malamutes.
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