History and Function
The
Alaskan Malamute gets its name from a particular group of Inuit (Eskimo)
known as the Mahlemuit. Some historians believe the Inuit people
originally migrated from Asia some 15,000 years ago. It is thought
these people were accompanied on their migrations by dogs. The Mahlemuit
developed a breed of dog that assisted them in their survival in
the harsh Arctic environment. The Alaskan Malamute was naturally bred to pull a heavy load over long distances at a moderate speed. Dogs who could not perform that function or could not survive the harsh environment soon perished. So developed a breed of dog which was extraordinarily hardy and able to withstand cold temperatures. With the discovery of gold in the Klondike these were a dog in great demand.
In the 1920's dog team exhibitions in the United States sparked public interest in the breed and in 1935 the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. The Alaskan Malamute was first brought to Australia in the late 1970's. In 1982 there were 16 registered Alaskan Malamutes in Australia. Breed population has increased considerably since then and 1992 population estimates were put at between two and three thousand dogs.
You and The Alaskan Malamute
The
Alaskan Malamute is a "powerful and substantially built dog". He
is immensely strong and for this reason responsibility of care should
not lie with a child. His affectionate and friendly disposition make
him an ideal family dog. The Malamute is not a one man dog and likes
to share his love with all people. His affections do not always extend
to other dogs and although he is unlikely to start a fight you can
rest assured he'll finish one. He is not a guard dog, however his
size and appearance make an excellent visual deterrent. Being a large
dog he will need to be taught some manners. Puppy preschool or basic
obedience is recommended but if you want a dog who will always come
when called then please, don't get a Malamute. Malamutes have a double coat - a coarse outer coat and a soft woolly undercoat. Coat care is managed with weekly grooming however it should be noted that Malamutes shed out their undercoat once or twice yearly. A lot of hair comes out when they shed and coat care must be increased accordingly. A well fenced yard is essential and if you treasure your garden you may want to fence off a section for the dog, Malamutes don't just dig - they excavate! One other ingredient essential for ownership - a sense of humour.
How are they with Children?
How are your children
with dogs? All children must be taught to respect dogs. Children
must not interfere while dogs are eating and should be instructed
to let sleeping dogs lie. No child under the age of ten should be
left unsupervised with any dog no matter what the breed. Having said
all that, Malamutes are terrific with kids. Always willing to share
a game Malamutes will chase a ball (they won't always bring it back),
play hide. and go seek, bounce on the trampoline and they love a
tea party.
When considering purchase of an Alaskan Malamute do ask:
- Are you a registered breeder?
- Are you a member of the breed club?
- Can I see the puppies?
- Can I see the sire and dam?
- Do you screen the parents for heredity problems?
- What guarantees do you offer?
- Will the puppy be vaccinated?
- How much will the puppy cost?
If you love to get out and do things with a special friend then a Malamute is the dog for you. Malamutes enjoy a range of activities including sled dog racing, weight pulling, back packing, dog shows, obedience, agility, swimming, bush walking and just lying around watching TV.
General Appearance
Alaskan Malamutes vary in size. The average size for males is 63.5 cm (25 ins.) at the shoulder and 38.5 kg. For females 58.5 cm (23 ins.) at the shoulder and 34 kg. The Malamute is a heavy boned dog (compared to the Siberian Husky) and is strong and muscular in appearance. The head is wedge shaped and ears are set wide apart on the skull. The eyes are always brown in colour. Coat colour varies from light grey through to black, sable and red are also acceptable. There is always white on the legs, underbelly and parts of face. The tail is a distinctive feature, carried over the back it should give the appearance of a waving plume.
