THE BREED FOR YOU?
Alaskan Malamutes are big, powerful, friendly, intelligent, active, superb looking dogs.
They are also extremely stubborn, demanding and aggressive with other dogs. Their size and amazing strength makes them unsuitable for many people - they are simply too powerful to be left under the control of children or the elderly. And while the fact that they do not bark can often be an advantage, they have a howl which will send shivers up any spine.
If you are not a person who enjoys getting out and involving yourself and your dog in a whole range of activities, this may not be the breed for you. Likewise, if having a dog which likes to look you in the eye (usually by putting its paws on your shoulders) does not appeal, look elsewhere. However for those people looking for a dog who's loveable nature and extreme cuddle -ability is only matched by its intelligence and personality, the Alaskan Malamute offers a lifetime of enjoyment and fun.
CARE AND FEEDING
Bred for their ability to pull heavy loads over long distances, Alaskan Malamutes need a large amount of exercise, and can take all the activity you can dish up. The mental stimulation of regular exercise is also important, as a bored Malamute easily becomes a one dog garden remodeling unit. Good fences are essential.
They are a hardy, durable breed, capable of enduring extreme cold, yet also able to deal with the heat of an Australian summer, given shade, plenty of cool water and the care of an owner who is aware of the dangers of overheating.
They need surprisingly little food, being extremely efficient eaters. However, a Malamute will eat anything it can lay its paws on - having a survival instinct which leads it to believe that any meal could be its last.
And, of course, there's hair. They drop hair constantly - all over the house, the car, your clothes and furniture. They also have a large drop at least once, sometimes twice a year.
TEMPERAMENT
Alaskan Malamutes are friendly, intelligent dogs that love all people. Because of this they are not guard dogs, and cannot be attack trained (although their size and appearance makes them an effective visual deterrent). However, they are as strong willed and determined as they are friendly, and must have obedience training in order to be under control at all times. If a Malamute makes up its mind to chase something they are frequently impossible to call back until they are ready to return.
What's more, this friendliness does not extend to other dogs - especially those of the same sex. Malamutes can, and will, take any opportunity to scrap with other dogs, and will also hunt down and kill other animals, especially cats, possums and farm livestock. They will also dig up gardens and plants with equal vigour.
Malamutes are not "one-man" dogs, offering blind faith and obedience. Rather they use their independence and intelligence to establish relationships with those people they come in contact with, be they family members or strangers. They are superb companions, ready to please and eager to take part in an active and exciting life.
ACTIVITIES
The Alaskan Malamute is the ideal breed for anyone who wants to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer, from leisurely neighborhood walks to snow sledding in the high country, from the glamour of dogs shows to the excitement of weight pull competitions and the challenge of obedience work. Malamutes will happily take part in any activity their owners can organise.
Malamutes are hard working individuals who apply themselves to any task with enthusiasm and energy in abundance.
THE BREED
Malamutes range in size from 58-80cms tall (23"-30'') and 32-65kg in weight. Bred for heavy freighting work, they are a heavy boned dog, well proportioned and muscular in appearance.
Malamutes have a large head with wide set ears and brown eyes (blue eyes do not occur in Malamutes). Marking on the head and body vary greatly, however they should be even.
Malamutes come in a variety of colours, from light grey through to black, sable and shadings of sable through to red. All white is the only solid colour, however, all dogs have one thing in common - a thick course guard coat combined with a dense, woolly undercoat.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A MALAMUTE
· How long has the breeder been involved in the breed?
· Does the breeder belong to the breed club?
· Can you see the puppies?
· Will the sire / dam be there?
· Have both parents been x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia?
· Are the hip scores available?
· Does the breeder offer a guarantee?
· Will the breeder or you select the puppy?
· How much will the puppy cost?
