Alaskan Malamute Information And Pictures - PetGuide

An energetic dog, the Alaskan Malamute will need lots of attention and activities to keep it busy, healthy and out of trouble.

Also known as an independent dog, it likes to be alone, but you will still find the Alaskan Malamute to be a loyal and devoted pet. Even if you have other animals in the house, it prefers its own company. The Alaskan Malamute is quiet, but it still makes an excellent watch dog… even though it’s too friendly to be a guard dog.

Common Health Problems

There are several health issues that you should be aware of that are common in the Alaskan Malamute. One is a genetic disorder called chondrodysplasia, or malamute dwarfism. This disease causes abnormal shape and length of limbs and this condition in is passed down to a dog’s puppies.

Another issue is autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a problem more common in the middle-aged Alaskan Malamute. This is when the dog’s immune system destroys red blood faster than new ones are produced. The reduced red blood cell disorder will cause anemia.

Other conditions that your Alaskan Malamute may suffer from are hip dysphasia, inherited polyneuropathy, eye problems and cataracts.

Life Expectancy

Alaskan Malamutes have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Your active Alaskan Malamute needs exercise and physical activity in order to live a happy, healthy life. This breed was used for pulling heavy sleds in the Arctic, which conditioned them to be kept busy.

The minimum amount of time spent exercising should be about one hour. Always use a leash when walking or running with your Alaskan Malamute, as it cannot be trusted around smaller dogs or animals. A large yard is recommended, but keep a close eye out on your dog because this breed enjoys enjoy digging and exploring new scenery.

An energetic dog, the Alaskan Malamute will need lots of attention and activities to keep it busy, healthy and out of trouble.

AKC

The American Kennel Club says this about the breed: “The largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute possesses great strength and endurance. He is not designed to race, but rather to carry large loads over long distances. Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are highly athletic and still capable of enjoying sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging and swimming with their owners.”

Coat

The Alaskan Malamute’s double coat consists of a woolly coat and a coat made of long guard hairs that are slightly coarse. Its coat is blown twice a year so expect excessive hair to fall out (sometimes in clumps). After a blowout, the Alaskan Malamute is considered to be a shed-free breed. As well, this breed odor free and will clean itself as often as a cat would.

The colors of the Alaskan Malamute vary from a light gray to hues of sable or black, with sable to red shadings. When showing this dog, acceptable color combinations are found in its undercoats or trimmings, in addition to their points. The only solid color accepted is white, and broken colors extending over the body are considered unacceptable.

Puppies

It is important to remember that your Alaskan Malamute puppy is much more energetic and hyper than an adult. But don’t worry – your puppy will often mellow with age, becoming a dependable, calmer pet, especially when it is given enough attention and exercise.

Photo credit: Liliya Kulianionak/Shutterstock