Alaskan Malamute

THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE IS MADE TO PULL SLEDS AND CARGO

The Alaskan Malamute is a true “work” dog. It has been around for thousands of years and usually associated with pulling sleds and cargo in Alaska. To do that type of work they have to be as strong as a Sherman tank.  Extremely muscular and compact the breedcan concentrate their muscular energy in such endeavors as pulling sleds. They are adapted to cold climates with their thick hair-coat. This breed should not be kept in areas of the country with hot, humid weather such as Florida. It is too hot for them!  The thick coat of the Alaskan Malamute insulates it.  That is great in cold climates but in warm climates it can lead to early heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

DO BEST IN A RURAL ENVIRONMENT

When I practiced in Ohio, the Alaskan Malamute would be jumping all over the place in the snow in winter but come March, they would shed hair continuously!  Many of the Alaskan Malamutes in temperate climates are shaved down in late spring and the hair-coat is allowed to grow out that summer and fall.  This prepares them for the upcoming winter. This breed needs a tremendous amount of exercise and should not be kept in small homes or apartments. It is strongly recommended that they undergo obedience training. This will make it easier to handle the animal. Most of the medical issues associated with the Alaskan Malamute are similar to that of the Akita; skin conditions due to improper grooming and combing of the dog. The hair-coat must aerate and be kept clean. If you have the time to take care of an Alaskan Malamute it will be a life long companion.  Learn more about the Alaskan Malamute on Animal Planet’s® Dog Breed Selector.