Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed

There are many working dogs available from dog breeders when you are considering a dog. You will also find these working dogs make some of the best companions. One of the most popular working dogs in the northern United States is the Alaskan Malamute. They are largely used in Alaska for sled dogs, but also make wonderful companions.

If you are interested in finding an Alaskan Malamute to become apart of your family you will want to learn all you can about the breed and speak with dog breeders. The Alaskan Malamute dog breed is a medium to large sized dog weighing in at 75 to 85 pounds depending on the sex. The female dogs are a little smaller at 23 inches in height and weight less. You will find the male dogs are 25 inches in height. They are depicted with a curly tail, plenty of fur, and an almost wolf like face, though the snout is a little shorter.

They have grey, black, sable, red, or white coloring. You will find their coats can be a mix of all colors or they can be completely white. The coat is actually a double coat designed for warmth with the top coat being extremely thick and coarse.

The under coat is softer, and more dense. An Alaskan Malamute resembles huskies, though there are differences. As sled dogs the Alaskan Malamute is often very loyal, hard working, and intelligent. You will also find they are affectionate with their owners and other dogs they have been raised with. You can find a little aggression as they work on a ranked basis when sledding. However don't let this dissuade you as they make wonderful family pets.

Maturity will see a calming of the dogs spirit and a growing affection. While they make wonderful working dogs they are not the best guard dogs. They tend to be too friendly around others; though they can alert you to other animals or danger. With training you will find activity is best with a firm hand.

They like to have plenty to keep them from getting bored, but they can also be stubborn in nature so a firm, but kind hand is needed. You also need to keep training going even as adults to help them keep the skills fresh in their minds. The Alaskan Malamute breed should be given plenty of space to run. They do not like to be inside all day, in fact apartment living is not recommended. You will need plenty of space in a backyard.

You can even let them run all day while you are at work. You may find they get a little lonely if left for more than a day, but with other Alaskan Malamute dogs around they will be content. They also suffer from heat issues if it gets too hot. Being raised for Arctic weather they don't like the warmer climates.

Care for this dog breed will require a brushing at least twice a week. This will help you get the dirt out of their fur. They don't usually require bathes, but if needed it is okay. They tend to be heavy shedders because of the thick long coats, so you may have to clean your home a bit.

You will also find they are prone to a few diseases such as hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, and bloating. You should expect to have this dog in your home for a good twelve to fifteen years. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the most lovable dogs you can find for your family. They are a wonderful pet and extremely loyal. They also love meeting new people.

Gerry Ronson - Dog and Squeaky Dog Toys.