Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute has a fascinating ancestry and they are thought to have ancient dogs in their lineage, including dogs associated with prehistoric humans who migrated across the Arctic during their journey to Greenland over thousands of years.

The result was that dogs evolved naturally, with some having long coats and others shorter coats, depending on the region in which they were found. Some evolved into dogs with longer legs, which can be found today in the lakes and forests of Canada.

Malamutes are native to Alaska, as their name suggests. They were bred by an Inuit tribe called Mahlemuts to pull sleds and, as highly skilled hunters, they helped their masters track food dogs, creating an interdependence between dog and man.

These dogs were bred to be resilient and strong enough to cope with the harshest Arctic climate and they share the same ancestry as other dogs from the arctic regions of the world, namely the Eskimo dogs of Greenland, the Labrador, the Siberian Husky and the Russian Samoyed.

However, these dogs were friendlier than many others and found in different regions a trait noted by explorers of the time.

During the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s, the Malamute and other sled dogs became extremely valuable to recently landed gold prospectors and settlers who regularly crossed them with imported breeds with the end goal of improving the breed and increasing the number of available dogs, as true Alaskan Malamutes were very few at the time.

This crossing almost led to the true breed almost disappearing completely, but the Inuit tribes continued to breed purebred Malamutes and later American enthusiasts ensured that these dignified, proud-looking dogs did not disappear from the face of the earth forever.

The Mahlamutes bred these dogs to be powerful and strong rather than because of their speed, and they groomed and nurtured them, making both people and their dogs prosperous and thriving. The breed was discovered by settlers in the mid-19th century, and there are those who believe Alaskan Malamutes were used during Peary Cook and Byrd's expedition to the North Pole in 1909.

They were Malamutes bred at Arthur T. Walden's Chinook Kennels and later by the Seeleys used by Byrd during his expedition in the 1930s. Through their efforts, dogs similar to those in the Norton Sounds area were reproduced and would become known as the Kotzebue species.

Paul Voelker Senior and his son developed a species that was slightly different by using dogs they imported from Alaska in the early 1900s and then other dogs again that they introduced in the 1920s, which were known as the M'Loot species, having been named by the Voelker kennels. During the two world wars, some of the dogs were used in service and again for another of Byrd's expeditions.

Recent DNA analysis shows that the Malamute is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It was not until 1935 that the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club and a little later they were accepted by the Kennel Club here in Britain. In 2010, the breed was declared the official state dog of Alaska. Today, the Kotzebue and the M'Loot remain terms used in the genetic lineage of an Alaskan Malamute, whether they resemble their ancestors or not.

Interesting facts about the breed

• Is the Alaskan Malamute a vulnerable breed? No, they are one of the most popular dogs, both in Britain and around the world
• Alaskan Malamutes do not have blue eyes. Their eyes range from light to dark brown and amber, depending on their coat colour
• Malamutes have an extremely high prey drive and will chase smaller animals and dogs if given the chance, so they should be kept on a leash in public places to be on the safe side
• Alaskan Malamutes get along well with other female dogs, but can be aggressive and dominant towards other males
• Malamutes shed large amounts of fur throughout the year, especially during spring and then again in autumn

Height at withers: Males 64 - 71 cm Females 58 - 66 cm
Average weight: Men 38 - 56 kg Women 38 - 56 kg

The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful and handsome dog. They are heavily boned, which contributes to their overall impressive appearance. Malamutes have large, broad heads with a large muzzle as wide as their skulls. They have almond-shaped brown, medium-sized eyes, although lighter-coated dogs have lighter-coloured eyes, which is acceptable as a breed standard.

Their ears are small in proportion to their heads and are triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips. They are widely spaced on the dog's head. Malamutes have strong upper and lower jaws with perfect scissor teeth. Their neck is extremely powerful and dogs hold it slightly arched.

Their shoulders are well boned and firm with well-muscled front legs and their bodies are powerful, very muscular with a deep rhombus and a straight back that slopes down from their shoulder to their croup. The hindquarters are extremely well-muscled and look powerful with strong, well-developed hind legs that are a good indication of a Malamute's strength. Their feet are large and well-rounded with closed toes and well-curved soles.

Malamutes have thick-haired tails that are set high and curve upwards a very little. At rest, these dogs keep their tails down, but they carry their tails over their backs when they are put to the test.

When it comes to their coat, the Malamute has an extremely thick and coarse outer protective layer that is soft and never too long. They have a very dense undercoat that is both woolly and oily and is 2.5 to 5 cm deep, offering tremendous protection from the elements.

Their guard coat and undercoat can vary in length, being thicker around a dog's shoulders and neck, as well as on the back and across the crotch. The hair also forms breech on a dog's legs.

Malamutes have a variety of colours, but the accepted Kennel Club colours for registration are as follows:

• Agouti & White
• Black and white
• Blue White
• Grey white
• Red White
• Sable & White
• Seal & White
• Silver-white
• White
• Wolf grey and white
• Wolf Sable & White

Whatever colour a Malamute is, they always have white on their lower body, on various parts of their legs and on part of their masks. The markings on their face can be mask-like or cap-like, with some dogs having a combination of both, which is acceptable as a breed standard. Dogs may also have a white glow on their foreheads and a white collar, as well as a white spot on their necks.

Gait/movement

When an Alaskan Malamute moves, they do so freely with a tireless and easy way of walking that is extremely rhythmic. They have an enormous amount of drive from their hindquarters and cover a lot of ground with each step.

Faults

The Kennel Club frowns upon all exaggerations and deviations from the breed standard and assesses any faults based on the extent to which they affect a dog's overall health and welfare, as well as their performance.

In males, both testicles must be fully descended into their scrotums, and it is worth noting that the size and weight of an Alaskan Malamute can vary, with dogs being slightly taller or shorter, as well as slightly heavier or lighter than indicated in their Kennel Club breed standard, which is given as a guideline only.

The Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent dog, although it can be slow in responding to commands. Although they look large and impressive, these dogs are exceptionally friendly by nature, and as such they are not known as good guard dogs, especially as they rarely make a sound or bark other than their own.

They need to be well socialised and introduced to as many new people, animals and situations early in their lives to be truly versatile dogs. They should be handled firmly but gently by someone who is an experienced dog owner.

As such, they are not the best choice for novice dog owners, as the Malamute needs to know its place in the pack and who is the Alpha Dog in a household. The ideal owner is already familiar with this type of dog, as the breed is known to have a very independent and self-reliant nature by nature.

They are also extremely good escape artists, which means backyards need to be extremely secure, bearing in mind that Malamutes are excellent 'diggers' and will happily dig their way out of a garden if they want to. This is why many owners do not trust their Malamutes enough to leave them alone and unsupervised outside in a garden.

Are they a good choice for starters?

Alaskan Malamutes are not the best choice for novice dog owners and are better suited to people who are familiar with their specific needs and who know how to train and socialise them properly so that they become better-behaved dogs.

Malamutes can have a strong will and an independent disposition, they should be handled with a firm but gentle hand and their training should be not only consistent but continuous throughout a dog's life, bearing in mind that a Malamute is always ready to test the limits and boundaries set for them by an owner.

What about prey drive?

Malamutes have a very high prey drive and would quickly get it wrong when it comes to chasing animals that come into their sights. Therefore, careful attention should always be paid to where and when a Malamute can run free, with most owners preferring not to let a dog loose in a public place to be on the safe side.

What about playfulness?

Alaskan Malamutes are naturally playful and some dogs excel in many dog sports activities, including things like agility, weight pulling, cani-cross and backpacking. They remain very playful throughout their lives and enjoy entertaining and amusing their owners with their extroverted playful and highly comical personalities.

What about adaptability?

Alaskan Malamutes are better suited to people with extremely secure backyards where dogs can run around safely without the risk of escape. They are not the best choice for anyone living in a flat, as these dogs need a lot of vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and occupied.

What about separation anxiety?

Alaskan Malamutes are very loyal and devoted to their owners and hate being left alone for long periods of time. As such, they are better suited to households where one person stays at home while everyone else is away to prevent a Malamute from suffering from separation anxiety. This can lead to a dog being destructive all over the house, which is their way of entertaining themselves and relieving the stress they experience.

What about excessive barking?

Malamutes are not like many other breeds, they are much quieter, but they do have their own language and if there are two or more in a household, they often start crying as they all start and end their chorus at the same time.

Do Alaskan Malamutes like water?

Most Malamutes do not particularly like being in water and will even avoid getting their feet wet. Having said this, a dog that does not like swimming should never be forced into the water, as it would only frighten it. Others go swimming when the weather is warm.

Are Malamutes good guard dogs?

Alaskan Malamutes are not the best guard dogs, as they tend to greet everyone they meet as friends. With this said, a Malamute will quickly let an owner know when there are strangers around or when something is happening in the area that makes him nervous.

Alaskan Malamutes are known to be a dominant breed and therefore their training and socialisation should start as early as possible so that they can become well-rounded obedient dogs. They are intelligent and with proper handling training and guidance, an Alaskan Malamute responds and learns new things well. However, they are not so responsive to the commands they are given and have to take into account during training.

They respond well to positive reinforcement, but it takes time and patience and a lot of understanding of the breed to successfully train a Malamute. Therefore, they are better suited to people who are familiar with their needs and have the time to devote to them. an intelligent, but quite independent-thinking canine companion.

It is essential for these dogs to know their place in the pack and who is the alpha dog in a household, otherwise they will take over and show the more dominant side of their characters. Once a Malamute understands what is expected of him, he will respond well, but he will always push the limits whenever he can. Puppies should be taught basic commands from the start, including the following:

• Come
• Sit
• Stay
• Quiet
• Let it
• Down
• Bed

Malamutes have an increased prey drive, so although Malamutes are generally lovable around people and can be taught to tolerate other pets, you should handle them with caution when they are around smaller animals and toddlers, but just to be on the safe side.

In short, it is best to always keep a close eye on children when they are around a Malamute, to make sure that everything remains calm and that no one gets too excited, which could lead to a child being knocked over, injured or frightened.

This is why Pets4homes advises that Alaskan Malamutes are not the best choice for families with babies or very young children. Anyone who already shares a home with a Malamute and has younger children should always ensure that they are never left unattended together.

It is also crucial for parents to teach young children how to behave around dogs and when to stay away from them, especially if there is food around or while playing.

If a Malamute is introduced to other animals and pets from an early age, they will generally accept them, although care must always be taken as they have retained a very strong hunting instinct. A Malamute regards smaller animals and pets as 'fair game', which can end in disaster.

The average life expectancy of an Alaskan Malamute is between 10 and 12 years if he is cared for properly and given an appropriate diet of good quality appropriate to his age.

As with many other pure breeds, the Malamute is known to suffer from certain hereditary and acquired health problems that are worth knowing if you hope to share your home with one of these impressive-looking dogs. The health problems most common in the breed are as follows:

• Hip dysplasia (HD) - test available through BVA/KC
• Cone generation (CD) - DNA screening available via blood sample or oral smear
• Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) - DNA screening available
• Epilepsy
• Gastric torsion/ bloating
• Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) - X-rays may be taken in puppies between the ages of 5 and 12 weeks to see if their front limbs are deformed
• Jas funk/alopecia X

More on coat funk/alopecia X

Malamutes may suffer from a condition known as coat funk or alopecia X, which is believed to be an inherited skin condition. That said, more research is needed to determine the mode of inheritance and as such, any affected dog should not be used for breeding purposes. Some people believe that breeders should wait until a dog is over 5 years old before using it in a breeding programme, although this is quite controversial.

The condition also has other names, including Black Skin Disease or Follicular dysplasia, to name just two. The condition also seems to affect breeds with thick, dense double coats, such as those of the Alaskan Malamute. It is also thought to be an endocrine disorder and studies have suggested that it could be due to dogs producing too much cortisol, a steroid hormone in their systems. Symptoms include the following:

• Abnormal loss causing the coat to look dry and dull
• Protective hairs become brittle and dry especially around a dog's neck, tail and breeches
• Bald spots appear around a dog's tail gland, body and neck, giving the skin a black appearance

Alopecia X seems to affect men more than their female counterparts and especially before the age of 5.

More on epilepsy

When a dog experiences seizures or convulsions and vets cannot determine the causes, it is referred to as a dog suffering from idiopathic epilepsy or generalised primary epilepsy. It is thought that the condition could very well be hereditary.

Studies have shown that about 6% of dogs, regardless of breed, can suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, although the condition is more common in certain breeds than others. However, there are other reasons why a dog may suffer from an episode, such as because it suffers or has developed the following conditions:

• Brain tumours - more common in dogs over 5 years old
• Injuries to the head
• Strokes
• Low blood sugar - a condition known as hypoglycaemia
• Low blood oxygen levels - a condition known as hypoxaemia
• Liver disease/infection
• Infectious or inflammatory disease of a dog's nervous system
• Toxins - when a dog ingests toxins, including pesticides, he may suffer from a seizure
• Botulism - bacteria in food
• Parasites - an overload of intestinal parasites may be the cause of an episode
• Low magnesium or low serum calcium levels
• Imbalances in sodium or potassium levels in the blood
• Renal failure
• Hyperthermia
• Thyroid hormone deficiency - a condition known as hypothyroidism
• Hyperactive thyroid - a condition known as hyperthyroidism

More on the longcoat

A test is available to determine if a Malamute has the "long coat" gene and all responsible breeders would have their stud dogs tested before using them in a breeding programme to determine if this is the case. The condition is known to have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and the test would only determine whether a dog is carrier or free and will not identify any modifiers in a dog's coat.

However, it is worth noting that Malamutes carrying the Longcoat gene often have much better 'bone' and substance.

What about vaccinations?

Malamute puppies would have received their first vaccinations before they were sold, but it is up to their owners to make sure they get follow-up shots in time, with the vaccination schedule being as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old, keeping in mind that a puppy does not have full protection immediately, but would be fully protected two weeks after he has had his second vaccination

There has been much debate about the need for dogs to have boosters. Therefore, it is best to talk to a vet before making a final decision on whether a dog should continue to receive annual vaccinations, also known as boosters.

What about spaying and neutering?

Many vets prefer to wait until a Malamute is between 6 and 9 months old before spaying or neutering them. This is because dogs are slightly more mature before they have to undergo the procedures. However, other vets recommend spaying and neutering dogs when they are six months old, but never younger unless there are medical reasons.

What about obesity problems?

Most Malamutes do not have a problem with their weight because they are naturally so energetic and active. That said, some dogs may gain weight after they are spayed or neutered and when they reach their golden years. Then it is important to monitor their weight and adjust their calorie intake accordingly. Obesity can have a serious and negative impact on a dog's overall health and well-being, shortening its life by several years.

What about allergies?

As mentioned earlier, the Alaskan Malamute is susceptible to Alopecia X and if there is a flare-up, it is important that a dog is examined by a vet sooner than later before the condition gets too bad and is therefore harder to treat and clear up.

Participation in care programmes

All responsible breeders would ensure that their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary or congenital health problems before using them in a breeding programme. As such, they would use the following tests and schedules to reduce the risk of puppies inheriting the conditions:

• Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) - DNA screening available
• Cone generation (CD) - DNA screening available
• Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) - X-rays can be taken in puppies between 5 and 12 weeks of age to see if their front limbs are deformed

More on Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN)

Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy or AMPN is a condition also known as hereditary polyneuropathy, idiopathic polyneuropathy of Alaskan Malamute (IPAM). The condition adversely affects a dog's peripheral nervous system, which then leads to nerve degeneration. Eventually, a dog's muscles deteriorate over time because they do not receive the necessary stimulation they need to stay healthy.

There is a lot of research on why the mutation exists in the Alaskan Malamute, but it is known that it is an autosomal recessive disease and symptoms first appear during the first two years of a Malamute's life, with dogs falling over for no apparent reason. or walking on the top of their feet with a slightly abnormal gait. As the condition progresses, it can affect a dog's larynx, making it difficult for him to swallow and barking often also changes.

More on kegel generation (CD)

Cone degeneration or CD is another autosomal recessive disease that seems to affect certain breeds more than others, the Alaskan Malamute being one of them. The condition causes day blindness because the cone function in a dog's retina is absent. Dogs first start showing signs that something is wrong with their eyesight when they are between 8 and 12 weeks old. That is when the retina is fully formed.

Alaskan Malamutes should be tested for CD before being used in a breeding programme to reduce the risk of puppies inheriting the condition from their parents.

What about breed-specific breeding restrictions?

Apart from the standard breeding restrictions set by the Kennel Club for all recognised breeds, there are currently no further breed-specific breeding restrictions in force for the Alaskan Malamute.

As with any other breed, Alaskan Malamutes need regular grooming to ensure their coat and skin are kept in top condition, bearing in mind that the breed is known to be prone to a condition known as Alopecia X. need regular daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy. In addition, Malamutes should be fed good-quality food that meets all their nutritional needs throughout their lives.

Caring for a Malamute puppy

Getting a puppy is an exciting experience, but it is also a big decision because sharing a home with a dog is a lifelong commitment. The timing of introducing a puppy to its new environment also requires careful planning, and it is best to organise it when someone will be around for at least the first week or so.

No matter how extroverted a puppy is, they will feel quite vulnerable if they have just left their mother and littermates. In short, they need to know they are not alone in a strange environment that could cause them further stress.

Puppies are notorious for chewing on things some of which they get, while others are things they leave lying around the house. Therefore, puppy-proofing the house and garden is essential and this should be done well before their arrival. Electrical wires and cables should be put out of the way and anything breakable should be stored in a safe place to prevent breakage. Garden tools and garden equipment should not be left out, as a rambunctious, playful puppy could injure himself on them.

Investing in stair gates that fit on doors limits the amount of space a puppy can wander around in, making them safer as well. Another option is to buy a well-made playpen, which also keeps young puppies safely out of the way and completely eliminates the risk of them stepping or tripping over it.

Puppies also need to sleep a lot, which can be up to 21 hours a day, so they need a nice, quiet area where they can retreat when they want to take a nap. The area should not be too far away, as puppies need to know someone is around and it is also important to listen to them if they get into trouble.

The documentation provided by a breeder for a puppy should include full details on the date of deworming and the product used, as well as information regarding their microchip. It is essential that puppies are dewormed again, adhering to the following schedule:

• Pups should be wormed at 6 months of age
• When they are 8 months old, they should be wormed again
• Pups should be dewormed when they are 10 months old
• They should be wormed when they are 12 months old

Things you need for your puppy

There are certain items that new owners should already have in the house before bringing home a new puppy. It's often a good idea to limit the space a puppy takes up, especially if you can't keep an eye on what he's doing. Keep in mind that puppies are often quite noisy, which means you need to invest in puppy gates or a playpen that is large enough. that will give a Malamute puppy the space to express himself and stay safe at the same time. The gear needed is therefore as follows:

• Good-quality puppy or baby gates that fit on doors
• A good, well-made box big enough for a Malamute puppy to play in, so he can really express himself as puppies like to do
• Lots of well-made toys, including good-quality chewy snacks, suitable for puppies to gnaw on, bearing in mind that a puppy starts to get all sorts of things from 3 to 8 months of age
• Good-quality food and water bowls, which should ideally be made of ceramic rather than plastic or metal
• A grooming glove
• A smoother brush or one with soft bristles
• Dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush
• Scissors with rounded ends
• Nail clippers
• Puppy shampoo and conditioner to be specially developed for use on dogs
• A well-made collar or harness
• A pair of strong dog leashes
• A well-made dog bed that is neither too small nor too big
• A well-made dog kennel for use in the car and at home, large enough for a Malamute puppy to move around in
• Baby blankets to put in your Malamute's crate and bed, for when he wants to nap or go to sleep at night

Keeping the noise down

All puppies are sensitive to noise, including Malamute puppies. It is important to keep noise levels low when a new puppy enters the house. Televisions and music should not be played too loudly, which can stress out a small puppy.

Keeping vet appointments

As mentioned earlier, all puppies would have received their first vaccinations before being sold, but it is essential that they have their follow-up shots on time. The vaccination schedule for puppies is as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old, keeping in mind that a puppy does not have full protection right away, but is not fully protected until two weeks after he has had his second vaccination

When it comes to boosters, it is best to discuss them with a vet, as there is much debate about whether a dog really needs them after a certain time. But if a dog ever had to go to a kennel, his vaccinations would be needed

What about older Malamutes when they reach their advanced age?

Alaskan Malamutes need a lot of special care, because as they reach their golden years, they are at greater risk of developing certain health problems. Physically, a Malamute will start to develop a greying muzzle, but there will also be other noticeable changes, including the following:

• Coat becomes coarser
• A loss of muscle tone
• Malamutes can become overweight or underweight
• They have reduced strength and stamina
• Older dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperature
• They often develop arthritis
• The immune system does not work as efficiently as it used to, meaning dogs are more susceptible to infections

Older dogs also change mentally, which means their reaction time is slower and therefore they develop the following:

• They are less responsive to external stimuli due to impaired vision or hearing
• They tend to be a bit pickier when it comes to their food
• They have a lower pain threshold
• Become intolerant of any change
• Often an older dog may feel disoriented

Living with a Malamute in their golden years means taking on a few more responsibilities, but these are easy to manage and should include rethinking their diet, the amount of exercise they get, how often their dog beds should be changed and keeping an eye on the state of their teeth .

Older Malamutes at this stage of their lives should be fed a good-quality diet that meets their needs, while at the same time keeping a close eye on the dog's weight. A rough feeding guide for older Malamutes is as follows, keeping in mind that they should be fed easily digestible food that does not contain additives:

• Protein content should be between 14 and 21%
• Fat content should be less than 10%
• The fibre content should be less than 4%
• The calcium content should be 0.5 - 0.8%
• Phosphorus content should be 0.4 - 0.7%
• The sodium content should be 0.2 - 0.4%

Older Malamutes do not need the same amount of daily exercise as a younger dog, but they still need the right amount of physical activity to maintain muscle tone and prevent a dog from becoming overweight. All dogs need access to fresh, clean water and this is especially true for older dogs when they reach their golden years, as they are at greater risk of developing kidney disease.

Malamutes have a very thick coat and therefore require a lot of maintenance in the grooming department. They need to be brushed daily to keep their coat looking good and control any hair that falls out.

They are heavy shedders which, like other breeds, are more common in spring and then again in autumn, when Malamutes need even more grooming. It pays to have a Malamute professionally groomed at least 2 to 3 times a year, as it makes it much easier to keep his coats neat between visits to a groomer.

Malamutes do not need to be washed too often and if they do, it is best to leave this to a professional groomer who can ensure that a dog's coat is thoroughly dried after being washed.

Malamutes should get plenty of exercise daily, ideally at least 1 hour twice a day. If possible, these dogs love to run free so they can really let off steam, but you should only let a Malamute loose in a place where it is safe to do so and where there is no risk of them running away and worrying other animals and livestock.

Nowadays, there are many sled clubs scattered across the country, which are a great place to take a Malamute so they can do what they were originally bred to do: pull a sled.

If you want to buy an Alaskan Malamute, you should be prepared to pay something from €250 to well over €800 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Alaskan Malamute in the Netherlands is €20.04 a month for basic cover, but for a lifetime policy it would cost €47.19 a month (September 2107 rate).

When insurance companies calculate pet insurance, they take a number of things into account, including where you live in the UK, the age and breed of the dog, and also whether a dog has been spayed or neutered.

When it comes to food costs, you need to buy the best quality food, both wet and dry, so you can feed your dog throughout his life and make sure it suits the different stages of his life. This will save you between €40 and €60 a month.

In addition, you need to factor in vet fees if you want to share your home with a Malamute, including initial vaccinations, boosters, the cost of spaying or neutering your dog when the time is right, and then visiting their annual health check-up all of which could quickly add up to well over €800 a year.

As a rough guide, the average cost of keeping and caring for a Malamute is between €80 and €120 per month, depending on the level of insurance cover you choose for your dog, but this does not include the initial cost of buying a puppy.