Family: Wolf-Spitz
Breed Group: Working
Origin: Alaska
Date of Origin: Ancient
Originally used for: Fighting, hunting and sled pulling dog,
Used today: Exhibition, companion, sled pulling
Other Name(s): None
History of the Breed: The Alaskan Malamute evolved in the Artic regions, shaped by the adverse climatic conditions. Its origin
is unknown, but it was first described living among the native Inuit people known as the Mahlemuts. The word Mahlemut comes from Mahle,
an Inuit tribe name, and mut, meaning village. The dogs served as hunting partners for big game seals and bear. They hauled the heavy
carcasses back to the village or homes. These dogs were, of necessity, large and strong rather than fast, enabling one dog to do the work
of many smaller dogs. They were an essential part of the Inuits’ lives. With the discovery of gold in 1896, a flood of outsiders came to
Alaska and began to use the dogs for hauling supplies.
General Appearance: A large breed with a Wolf-like appearance. The head is broad and deep with brown almond shaped eyes. The
triangular ears are small and set wide apart. The chest is deep, and the shoulders and legs are well muscled. The tail is carried over the back.
The coat is thick and coarse providing a wolf-like appearance, the tail is well furred.
Height & Weight:
Height 23-25 Inches
Weight 75-85 Pounds
Coat: A doublecoat, with a dense, wooly, and oily undercoat and a thick and coarse outercoat.
Color: Light gray through to black, with white shading and a white mask or cap, also shades of sable or red with
shading, or all white.
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: Very friendly, because of this they are unsuitable for watchdogs.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: With proper socialization starting at an early age.
Suitability as a watchdog: This breed is too friendly
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: CHD, cataracts, renal cortical hypoplasia
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 57
First Registered by the AKC: 1935
Registries: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Alaskan Malamute Club of America, Inc.(AMCA)
The Alaskan Malamute Club of Canada (AMCC)
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