| The Alaskan Malamute might be a very poor | | | | *Special Health Considerations. The Malamute may |
| choice for an apartment. They are large, intelligent | | | | be subject to hip dysplasia, cataracts, inherited |
| dogs that need room to exercise and they can | | | | polyneuropathy and progressive retinal atrophy. |
| shed profusely. She is an Artic sled dog, bred for | | | | *Grooming. They shed quite a bit of fur. Brushing |
| power, big muscles, deep chest and vigor. She | | | | several times a week is good and baths should be |
| has a thick, coarse coat, of course, and a wooly | | | | rare. Their coat generally does not smell. |
| undercoat. They come in various coat colors, | | | | *Life Span. They live between 12 to 15 years |
| ranging from light grey through black, sable and | | | | with proper nutrition and care. |
| even a red tint. The tail is carried over the back | | | | *History. The Malamute is a Nordic dog that |
| of the animal. | | | | originally came from the Wolf. Its name comes |
| The Malamute does not like warm climates due to | | | | from the Mahlemut tribe of upper western |
| its heavy fur that was designed to withstand | | | | Alaska, who used Malamutes for transportation. |
| extremes in cold. Shaving this dog so it tolerates | | | | These dogs have been very valuable as freight |
| heat has the opposite effect because of the way | | | | and work dogs through the ages. They were |
| dogs cool themselves. They are very friendly but | | | | especially prized during the Alaskan gold rush of |
| not suitable for an apartment as they shed | | | | 1896. They even helped Admiral Richard Byrd |
| heavily, are large and need exercise. Fencing this | | | | reach the South Pole. DNA testing reveals that |
| dog in will help in the exercise area, as long as the | | | | they are one of the oldest breeds of dogs. |
| climate is cool. They will seriously dig so if you | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| fence, some of the fence needs to be buried to | | | | They hardly bark. |
| keep them in. Also, if you have a nice landscaped | | | | Very friendly. |
| yard, you had a nice landscaped yard. | | | | Generally like everyone, including outsiders. |
| *Are Malamutes good with children? They are | | | | They keep themselves clean. |
| good with older children. They are a large breed | | | | *SPECIAL NEGATIVE POINTS |
| so younger children may get hurt by them | | | | Can be predatory against small animals. |
| accidentally. They love people. Never leave young | | | | They hardly bark. |
| children alone with a dog for any length of time | | | | Poor watch dog. |
| without adult supervision. | | | | May be aggressive towards other dogs. |
| *Temperament. The Alaskan Malamute is friendly, | | | | May attempt to dominate his owner. |
| affectionate, loyal,devoted, playful and not a one | | | | Gets bored. Needs mental stimulation. |
| man dog. | | | | May howl like a wolf. |
| *Approximate Adult Size. Males run about 25 | | | | May ignore commands. |
| inches at the highest pointof their shoulders and | | | | May dig when bored, or to escape an enclosure. |
| can weigh 85 pounds. Females run about 23 | | | | Can be difficult to housebreak. |
| inchesto the top of their shoulders and weigh in at | | | | Sheds like crazy. |
| about 75 pounds. | | | | |