Alaskan Malamute: Breed Description

Alaskan Malamute is a very beautiful dog,energetic and agile. For such a dog, a very active host is needed, who will be willing to spend enough time with his friend, doing with him and exercising.

Malamute Alaskan: description

Malamute is a beautiful arctic dog. Initially, it was intended for harness. However, at present the dogs of this breed have become favorite pets of a large number of dog breeders. Alaskan Malamute even received the nickname "snowball" or "northern train". But this dog can adapt to the most difficult conditions of the north, where eternal winter, snow and frost reigns. Malamutes can carry a sled with people or a cart with a luggage a few kilometers. This breed is considered to be very ancient among sled dogs. And the name of this species came from the name of one of the tribes in Alaska.

Alaskan Malamute is an incredibly friendly,hardy, strong and sociable dog that needs attention from the person. The breed stands out with an amazing intellect and strong stubbornness, which determines its desire to always rule.

Malamute is considered a working dog. Physical stress and work - this is the norm for the dog of this breed, without them the animal can turn into a stupid, weak-willed and lazy creature. If you decide to buy yourself such a dog, then in his person you will gain loyalty, love, good nature. For those who are looking for a true true friend, the Alaskan Malamute will be a good option, but do not expect from the dog obedience and obedience.

Differences between husky and malamute

Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute havesome external similarity, why they are sometimes confused. However, on the exterior, these similarities end. It must be said that the Alaskan Malamute differs from the wonderful husky by its too stubborn character and great endurance. Huskies are also able to be harnessed, but they will not be able to carry a load for a long time.

Malamute is a bit large, and at the same timehe is a slower dog, but such an animal on the shoulder is the hardest job. This breed is the largest of all riding species, which is explained by strong muscles and a powerful backbone. Undoubtedly, both breeds are good. Alaskan Malamute and Husky, the difference between which is obvious, well tolerate the cold due to their wool.

Interesting is the fact that by hardying the malamute incold conditions, but in the warmth he feels extremely uncomfortable. Therefore, they require more thorough care at such a time. This feature is very simple. The reason for all - the thick coat and undercoat of the animal. However, getting into their usual environment, the malamute can tirelessly run away day and night. In this case, the animal will not show signs of fatigue.

History of the breed

Alaskan Malamute (photos are shown by us inarticle) has its own interesting history. As we mentioned earlier, the breed got its name thanks to the Malemutes that inhabited the coast of Alaska. The people were very hardworking. The ancestors of modern malamutes were very strong, powerful and well-groomed animals with good thick wool. They were endlessly devoted to their masters, worked in sledges and helped to carry loads (boats).

At the very beginning of the last century, Alaska was struck by the "gold rush". This event rather favorably influenced the further development of the breed. The demand for animals of this breed began to grow.

An incredible number of gold prospectors overflowedthe land of Alaska in search of gold. Many perished, not having time to get to the place. It was possible to reach the goal only for those who used harnesses with Alaskan malamutes. This historical fact is even reflected in the adventure novels of the famous Jack London.

The number of malamutes grew, but at the same time appearedand the negative side of this demand. Gold prospectors have tried to randomly interbreed a variety of breeds with malamutes, in order to get the animal with even greater endurance and speed. Such crazy experiments led to the fact that the number of thoroughbred dogs was reduced to a few litters.

Then the "gold rush" was replaced by a sports fever. Americans fell in love with sleigh races and began to spend money and time to restore the purity of the breed. After all, only real and thoroughbred animals are able to win in the race. Good results were achieved by 1926. By this time, it was possible to significantly increase the number of purebred animals. It was from those very days that the breeding of purebred dogs began.

And in 1935 the Alaskan malamute breed wasrecognized throughout the world, was established its own club and published standards. However, World War II led to the fact that there were only thirty purebred dogs left. The reason for this was the people themselves, leaving the dogs to die of hunger. The next measures to restore the breed began after the war. And only by the sixties of the last century it was possible to achieve an increase in the population. Already in the 1970s, malamutes became very numerous all over Europe. And now the breed takes the eighteenth place among the most popular in the world. In 2010, the malamute even became an honorary symbol of America.

Characteristics of the breed

The Alaskan Malamute, whose characteristicsis shown in our article, gained such popularity due to its friendliness and benevolence. Such a dog likes to be the center of attention. It is for this reason that the animal is very suitable for large families with children. It will always play the role of nurse and will play with the kids.

Although the Alaskan Malamute (photos shown inarticle) and is very attached to his masters, he will certainly demand reciprocity from a person. This breed is flock, and therefore needs a family. And it does not matter what kind of family it is: human or canine. For malamute, the content in the enclosure is by no means appropriate. If the dog is deprived of communication, it quickly closes, and you will forever lose its trust, respect and love.

Malamutes have their own peculiarity. Animals of this breed do not fixate on one master. If you hurt him at least once, then the dog, having lost confidence in you, will quickly switch to another person. It's even hard to say whether this is an animal betrayal or not. Malamutes simply get bored of the monotonous actions. For example, if a dog is given daily tasks to bring slippers, then she will negatively perceive such requests and consider it disrespectful.

It is because of such nuances that newcomers do notrecommend buying a dog like the Alaskan Malamute. Characteristics of the breed is such that, in the absence of proper experience of communication and education of dogs, beginners will make such mistakes that are unacceptable for these animals.

Stubbornness makes it difficult to train andtraining, although the natural curiosity and intelligence allow you to remember the malamutes of any team the first time. The dog will even be able to fulfill your wishes a couple of times, but no more. Very quickly, she gets bored.

Is malamute good as a security guard?

If you are attracted by the impressive size of the breed andyou decided to buy yourself a pet for protection, then you are deeply wrong. The fact is that external power and power are very deceptive. The dog never uses them against a person. She is not capable of aggression. This is explained by natural kindness and friendliness. Malamute will never attack the one who is dangerous to you. And to all your guests the dog will be treated very kindly. The only thing an animal can scare with is its size.

Of course, there are exceptions when puppiesAlaskan Malamute, after suffering a psychological trauma, become aggressive. Experienced breeders do not advise taking such an animal. It is unlikely that it will be possible to cope with such a problem on its own. It will require the work of specialists.

Breed Standard

Alaskan Malamute is a mobile, powerful dog. She has a strong build, deep chest and compact body, the coat is very thick, with a dense and soft undercoat. The height of males varies from 60 to 63 centimeters, and the bitches range from 57 to 59 centimeters. The weight of the animal is 35-38 kg.

The dog's head must be powerful and wide, thatreflects the level of intelligence. The muzzle of the animal is voluminous, the ears are triangular and standing. The eyes of the dog should be almond shaped, but of small size. The neck of the dog is slightly curved, which makes it more graceful. The back is straight and muscular. But the tail should curl.

Wool is the main distinguishing feature. Since we are talking about the northern breed, the nature was conceived by a thick undercoat. And for greater water resistance, wool is always a bit greasy. The color of the animal can be from light gray to black and white, sometimes even blue.

Maintenance and care

Malamute needs careful care. Dogs of this breed are very fond of water, so bathing for them is a favorite entertainment. Since malamute has a smart thick wool, water procedures for it in hot time are simply necessary. However, there are some peculiarities that should be known to the owners of such pets. It's about painting animals. The fact is that dark and light spots should be washed with a variety of detergents. This is primarily due to the fact that the light areas of the coat are more polluted, and the dark ones can lose the color depth due to the incorrectly selected shampoo. After bathing, the coat should be thoroughly rinsed from the detergent and dried, otherwise it will simply roll down. Drying can take an hour, because you also need to comb your hair together.

In the spring and autumn, the dogs begin to molt. During these periods care for the animal should be more thorough. Daily it is necessary to comb out the undercoat, otherwise collars will form.

In addition, care for malamute includes a haircutClaws, which are very sharp and long in the representatives of this breed. Eyes wipe dogs once a week, and their ears are cleaned at least once a month. You always need to monitor the discharge from the spout, this is a very important indicator.

Malamutes adore pulling pits, even under the conditioncontent in the apartment they can try to dig the floor. For animals, this is not even entertainment, but rather an instinct. It is impossible to exclude them from such employment, therefore the best place of the maintenance there will be a summer residence or the house.

The apartment is not very suitable for malamutes,because they are very freedom-loving, mobile and active. For them, limited space is a disaster. Large sizes of dogs are incompatible with our apartments, malamutes will unintentionally destroy everything around them. For such a large animal, a large space is needed.

How to choose the right puppy?

If you decide to have a dog, you need toknow how to choose the right puppies of the Alaskan Malamute. Of course, do not buy a baby somewhere on the market, it's simply unacceptable. It is necessary to apply to the kennel of the Alaskan malamutes, where you can look at the potential candidate. Be sure to pay attention to his behavior: the puppy should be cheerful, active, eat well. Outwardly the baby should look healthy, his fur should be thick and shiny. Also pay attention to the ears and eyes. Be sure to check the presence of vaccinations in the animal. The most frequent problem of this breed is the stomach turn. The owners should also have references on the parasite run.

We have already mentioned all those virtues,which possesses the Alaskan Malamute. Animal mating plays a huge role in the heredity of puppies. If there is a possibility, it is definitely worth getting acquainted with the parents of the baby. Check the pedigree and rewards. Puppies are a reflection of their parents. Do not take the first child you suggested. It is better to spend a little time, but watch all the puppies. It is important that the animal does not have an obvious or covert aggression. Well, if between you and the baby runs a spark of love and understanding. Only in this way you can acquire a true friend and companion.

Cost of puppies

It should be noted that the prices for puppies in differentregions may differ. So how much does the Alaskan Malamute cost? Moscow in this regard is the most expensive city. Here the cost of the animal ranges from ten to twelve thousand rubles for a baby without a pedigree. If you want to have a malamute with a pedigree, then the puppy will cost you from fifteen to thirty thousand rubles. The most expensive are the individuals with titled parents who were the winners of prestigious exhibitions. The cost of such elite puppies will start from thirty thousand rubles.

Malamute training

With regard to education and training, then immediatelyIt is worth recalling the stubbornness of the Alaskan malamute and his desire to dominate in everything. Begin the educational process from the very first days of the appearance of the puppy in your home. Immediately we advise you to have patience and endurance, because it will not be easy. To complete it, it will take many difficulties.

It should be understood that the malamute is a clusterenthusiasm and energy. This is an inquisitive dog, which grasps everything on the fly, if it interests her. But she quickly gets bored. Therefore, you must become a leader for it. Always remember the special temperament of the animal and try not to put pressure on it.

Remember from the first days that your little puppywill soon become a big dog. If you do not resist before his charm and affection at the very beginning and allow, for example, to sleep with you in bed, then do not count on the fact that, having grown up, the dog will be able to disaccustom from this habit. Rather, you will leave the sofa or bed, rather than you will be able to move your friend from there.

We have already mentioned that the malamute is a schooling creature, it needs a leader. The owner should become not only a friend, but also a leader. At the same time, the animal should be respected so that it can trust you.

Malamute is a very clever dog. She herself will think and assess the situation, deciding whether to obey her or not. Therefore, it is always necessary to control its behavior. It is impossible to let her down even small faults. Curb the irrepressible temperament of the animal can only through work and physical exertion. To all was well, the malamute should be loaded with work, in which the owner himself will also participate. It can be active games with animals, long walks, hikes and even picnics.

Reviews of breeders about malamute

If you want to have a great, kind friend, thenyou will certainly approach Malamute Alaskan. Reviews of inexperienced breeders sometimes amaze the ignorance of the breed. Some people consider the dog to be stupid due to the fact that she refuses to perform any commands. However, this is not at all the case. On the contrary, a smart animal evaluates the situation. And if he does not see the sense of doing something, he will not fulfill your desires. A dog needs motivation. Experts know perfectly well about such a character trait of malamute, as stubbornness, and are able to cope with such a problem. According to breeders, this kind and intelligent breed of animals is the best friend for a person. However, at the present time there are a lot of dogs that do not meet standards, but they have long beautiful wool. Experts are not advised to acquire such animals, as uncontrolled matings lead to a deterioration in the health of dogs. You want to buy not a furry toy, but a good healthy friend.