The Alaskan Malamute is the heaviest of the Artic sptiz-type breed and was breed originally for use as an Alaskan Sled dog.  It is ‘Wolfy’ in appearance and is often mistaken for a Siberian Husky.

 

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and well muscled body.  The coat is a dense double northern dog coat, which is critically important to the dog’s survival in Arctic conditions.  The tail should be well furred and carried over the back, giving the appearance of a waving plume.

 

Originally used as a freight dog to pull sleds the Malamute is capable of surviving Artic temperatures and of pulling heavy loads at steady speeds. The Malamute thrives on hard work and exercise and it is their strength and endurance that makes them such great working dog.

 

The malamute is generally a quiet dog who seldom barks like other dogs breeds, but when it does vocalise it tends to ‘talk’ by vocalising a “woo woo” sound (Chewbacca in the film Star Wars was based upon a Malamute called Indiana  owned by George Lucas).

 

 

The Alaskan Malamute is very affectionate and loving dog who likes lots of attention and affection.  Malamutes are of a very friendly disposition and if they are not teased would enjoy the company of children. They are a very powerful dog therefore should not be left unsupervised with children for the sake of the dog as well as the child.

 

Malamutes are very clever and easily bored, so the key to training them is to keep them interested and to challenge their intelligence.  

 

Alaskan Malamutes are fantastic workers and enjoy competing in: Sled races, weight pull, dog shows, agility, obedience, carni-cross and make excellent back packing companions.

 

Owing to the Malamutes independent nature, physical strength and its high levels of energy and intelligence, most breed specialist advice that Malamutes not be homed to people who:

 

Are inexperienced in training dogs

Lack the time and energy to exercise them

Lack the patience and stamina to repeatedly engage in contests of willpower with large powerful animal without becoming angry.