The Malamute is a more than friendly and peace-loving dog, although sometimes it can be stubborn and wayward. It is worth accustoming your pet to other animals from an early age, otherwise it may awaken a hunting instinct, from which birds, cats and small dogs will suffer. This dog cannot be a watchman, because it is too friendly towards people. And he doesn’t know how to bark: the place is barking, Malamutes make such interesting sounds that it may seem as if they are talking to you in the same language.
Origin story and what it looks like in the photo
There is no exact information about the time of the appearance of the breed, but it is known that Alaskan Malamutes descended from domestic dogs that belonged to the Malamute tribe and were distinguished by power and endurance and had thick and dense hair.
These animals were used for riding and carrying heavy loads.
The so-called “gold rush”, which marked the end of the 19th century, had a significant impact on the development and spread of the breed, since Alaskan Malamute teams were the only way to get to the deposits.
The desire of gold miners to acquire and use these dogs was reflected in the population of the breed.
Active attempts to increase the number of Malamutes and increase their endurance and speed led to interbreed matings , which reduced the number of purebred individuals .
The revival of purebred Malamutes began when sled racing became popular. It was only in the 1920s that the Alaskan Malamute managed to avoid extinction and increase its numbers. 20th century, and in 1935 the breed was officially recognized.
Another difficult period for these dogs was during the Second World War, when their numbers were reduced to no more than 30 individuals..
Thanks to work to restore the breed in the post-war period, the extinction of the Malamute was avoided.
For a private home
A country house is an ideal place for a Malamute to live. To make your pet feel comfortable, you need to equip him with a spacious enclosure and a large booth with wooden flooring. Malamutes are northern dogs with thick hair and a dense undercoat, so they feel more comfortable in cool weather.
You need to be prepared for the fact that your pet will completely tear up the entire yard. This is not a simple whim and self-indulgence, but an instinctive need for survival. Lemmings form the basis of the diet of the Malamute's ancestors, and breeders were unable to eradicate this feature during breeding.
Interesting Facts
- Representatives of this breed starred in the films “White Captivity” and “Snow Dogs”.
- Alaskan Malamutes are included in the Top 30 popular dog breeds and occupy 18th place in it.
- In 2010, the breed was appointed as the symbol of the American state of Alaska.
- It is the Alaskan Malamutes that are described in the books of Jack London and Rudyard Kipling.
- Representatives of this breed have an unusual paw design - after pressing on the pad, their claws jump forward, like cats.
Malamute puppies cost
Those who are planning to buy a northern beauty are probably wondering how much an Alaskan Malamute costs? If the future owner is going to purchase an exhibition specimen, then the puppy will cost him around 100 thousand rubles. A small Malamute without documents will cost several times less and will cost about 15 thousand rubles. Such a huge difference in price is ensured by the fact that purebred puppies are suitable for breeding, and babies without a passport are purchased only for the soul.
The price of Alaskan Malamute puppies can also be influenced by the title of its parents. The more regalia they have, the more expensive their babies will be.
Description and standard according to RKF
Alaskan Malamutes are dogs with a powerful, strong build, a deep chest, but a compact body of a square format.
This is an excellent example of working dogs, but, unfortunately, they are not suitable as guard dogs, since they are completely devoid of aggression.
Representatives of this breed, in accordance with the standard, must have the following traits:
- head wide, but proportional to the body;
- voluminous, non-pointed muzzle;
- triangular, erect, wide-set ears with rounded ends;
- scissor bite;
- small almond-shaped eyes with brown irises;
- black or brown (in red-haired individuals) nose;
- powerful, bear-like paws.
Blue eyes and aggressive behavior are considered abnormal . Serious faults include incorrect positioning of the paws and changes in their shape, excess weight or thinness, imbalance in body proportions, and too long hair.
According to the breed standard, the depth of the chest should be approximately half the height at the withers, and the length of the body should exceed the height of the dog.
Types of crossbreeds (mestizos)
As is the case with other dogs, Malamutes are often crossed with representatives of other breeds, which leads to the appearance of a variety of mixed breeds.
Malamute and Shepherd
This cross was bred in Great Britain at the end of the 20th century. as a result of crossing Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies .
These are good-natured, affectionate and cheerful dogs with watchdog, protective and hunting instincts.
With a husky
Mixed breeds have a higher degree of endurance and larger dimensions than ordinary huskies.
They are quite massive in appearance, have a calm and friendly character, and may have a unique coat color..
From a husky (Alaska)
These mestizos arose as a result of interbreed matings of the northern sled dogs husky and malamute, and can be used for sporting competitions or simply as companions.
They have a beautiful appearance, strength, endurance and good-natured disposition.
With a wolf (wolamut)
Mestizos were bred at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries. when crossing timber wolves and malamutes .
Active animals that can only be kept in a spacious enclosure in a fenced area.
Appearance is not constant and varies from litter to litter. Due to their wolf blood, these dogs are not aggressive, but are very wary of strangers.
There are also known cases of crossing Malamutes with Canadian wolves, Caucasian Shepherds and other large dogs..
Character traits
Alaskan Malamutes are friendly and good-natured dogs . Despite their impressive size and rather menacing appearance, they are absolutely not suitable for the role of guards, because they are too sociable and kind, they have no aggression.
This breed needs companionship and constant contact with its pack, whether that be other dogs or the human family. Living alone and in a closed enclosure is not suitable for these dogs; such conditions can even make them sick.
Malamutes become attached to their owner, but it is important for them that he constantly proves his authority and leadership, otherwise they begin to look for these qualities in other people.
These dogs need physical activity; they prefer an active lifestyle full of different experiences. The monotony quickly tires them.
Malamutes are smart and able to quickly remember commands, but due to their natural tendency to dominate, stubbornness, willfulness and dislike of repeating the same actions, they may refuse to carry them out..
That is why it is important to approach the learning process correctly, showing your pet from puppyhood who is the leader in the house. In many cases, it is impossible to do without undergoing OKD from professional dog handlers.
Among the harmful and almost ineradicable habits of Alaskan Malamutes, their love for digging holes, even if they live in city apartments, and their manner of howling at the moon are especially notable.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
Alaskan Malamutes are not dogs for beginners. They are by nature stubborn, self-willed and accustomed to dominate; these character flaws can only be smoothed out by proper upbringing. Representatives of this breed are not characterized by aggression, but such behavior can be the result of psychological trauma suffered during puppyhood, errors in education, cruelty of people and a number of other reasons that can instill anger even in such peace-loving animals.
Alaskan Malamute dog breed - reviews
- + Leave a review
Leave a review Reset
smirnih61
https://otzovik.com/review_2238970.html
This is the only breed that I have owned and I can’t even imagine another dog next to me. Over the course of five years, I had a wonderful opportunity to get to know this breed from A to Z. When we decided on the choice of breed, there were only a few conditions: not a trifle (so that it had an impressive appearance), but at the same time that the dog would not “eat me” personally (I’m afraid of dogs, a paradox, but a fact), and beautiful, of course)) ) Huskies also fit these requirements. But how glad I am still that we finally got a Malamute! Huskies are only for very active people, they suffer without movement, they need to run all the time. Malamutes are calmer dogs that can be captivated by various activities; their main need is to be in society and participate in your life. The Malamute may not be a working sled dog, but activity is required in general in the lifestyle of these dogs (long walks, cycling together, swimming, skiing and rollerblading, running). Even if you have never played sports, but you will strive to respect your pet, believe me, you will succeed! You will study together.
But it’s still hard work! This is in general terms. Raising this breed is not difficult if you understand and accept the dog as a person. Malamutes understand everything from a half-word, from a half-tone, from a gesture and a glance. But for this to happen, the dog must learn to trust you. Under no circumstances should you use violence against Malamutes - remember this forever!!!! They can only be praised and encouraged (including a treat) or scolded in a stern voice. But the fact that Malamutes are petty thieves and big landowners - you will most likely have to come to terms with this; it will not be possible to completely ban them))))) Education begins almost from a month. In my opinion, character development ends around the age of three - by this age it is already clear what you can expect.
As for nutrition. In general, Malamutes eat everything, but meat and fish are mandatory components. 1 kg of meat or fish per day for an adult animal. My boys also enjoy buckwheat and rice porridge with meat, bread, vegetables, and some fruit. Malamutes can be susceptible to allergies - be careful (one of my dogs died in two hours from an attack) During shedding, the fur swirls around the apartment - during this period, be patient. Better yet, I recommend buying a construction vacuum cleaner right away with your puppy - you won’t regret it, it will save you. Ordinary vacuum cleaners don’t seem to withstand such loads (we burned out as many as 3 of them!!!)
Among other things, when deciding to get a Malamute, understand that Malamutes are very strong dogs and in some cases can be stubborn (even men are often unable to restrain them!). Therefore, a child should definitely not walk with a Malamute! Malamutes are dominant dogs. Malamute males are pugnacious with males of all breeds and sizes. But you can’t allow them to fight; if they feel their strength, it won’t be good for everyone. We avoid male dogs.
About health. In general, Malamutes are in good health. Of the people I know, no problems have been noticed. This says a lot!!!! But let me remind you once again about our tragedy - allergies. Regarding whether I recommend this breed. No. I recommend thinking about whether you can handle it, whether your physical and mental strength is enough to raise the right Malamute (an untrained Malamute is terrible and dangerous).
markel89
https://otzovik.com/review_2491882.html
I got this breed three years ago; I then lived with my parents in my house. After I moved, the dog stayed with my parents and when I visited them, the dog was always sad and decided to take it with me as I was not convinced that it didn’t belong in the apartment. But even in an apartment, such a dog can feel comfortable, but the point is that you need to walk a lot with it, not to forget that this dog is a heavy weight compared to its northern counterparts, it needs constant exercise. The wool has no smell, but to avoid getting it all over the place, don’t be lazy, comb it, plus the dog really likes it, bathing, as they didn’t try to force on me, that once a month we go through this procedure once a week, without going overboard with food, the main thing is that a lot of. With the birth of my first child, I was afraid at first, but soon became the best of friends and proudly endures all the games with the child, something I couldn’t stand.
But if you decide to envy your little one in the apartment, be prepared: Long walks are guaranteed for you or destruction of the apartment During shedding, the fur is difficult to cope with Cooking like a full-fledged member of the family Well, what a wonderful friend But don’t forget about the character of this breed, he will not do anything he doesn’t wants and you need to fight this from a very early age and don’t rely on him as a security guard in trouble, but he can also invite thieves into the house. In general, it’s up to everyone to decide, but I found in this breed that I was looking for a faithful and dedicated friend
Luidmilik
https://otzovik.com/review_1747405.html
A dog of this breed has been living with our family for 3 months. During this time, I realized that the dog is a quick learner, although everyone said something different about Malamutes: “stupid, dumb dogs, they won’t protect the family.” We already know how to give a paw, a voice, ask, hug, flip, spin and many more cool things. By the way, each team was trained for a maximum of an hour. He forgets nothing, remembers everything.
He is only 4.5 months old, but he is already guarding the yard! The dog is not at all like the one they say is “clueless.” Very beautiful and pleasant wool. Soft, warm Malamute. For people who love big and kind dogs, Malamutes are just right. (+chic bouffant ponytail). I'm in love
Markiza86
https://irecommend.ru/content/ne-sobaka-khodyachii-koshmar-k-tomu-zhe-nakhodka-dlya-kvartirnykh-vorishek
This cute, at first glance, dog is a complete walking nightmare! My relatives have such a dog. As soon as you go out with him, everyone immediately admires him, saying, what a handsome thoroughbred! If only they knew him better! This is an absolutely uncontrollable dog that is rarely interested in the owner’s opinion. When he is left alone, he begins to howl in anguish so that the entire yard can hear him. On the street he is eager to get into a fight with all the male dogs, you can only walk with him separately from other dogs. Hunts for cats. Not just hunts, but kills them. Once he strangled an unsuspecting kitten:-((If he leaves his owner, it is difficult or even impossible to finish screaming and bring him back. But he loves people very much, everyone!
The most favorite breed of burglars. When a complete stranger comes into the house, the dog is ready to lick him from head to toe. And if he gets completely overexcited, he can even stand on his chest with his paws. Absolutely not trainable. He only knows the command “come to me!” But even my cat knows this command, so this is not an achievement. We tried to train him, but a strong reaction to commands was never developed. As the trainer said, this is useless, because the breed was originally bred to run in a harness, and not to perform any tasks and serve one owner. Stupid and acts like a puppy. Now he spends his time at the dacha, all he knows is that he is jumping around the garden beds :-))) If a stranger approaches the gate, he does not react at all. In general, a quiet horror, not a dog. The owners already regretted having him. After all, he eats like an elephant, but there’s no point, just a burden.
anghelalol
https://irecommend.ru/content/malamut
I came across an article about the Malamute breed, which is not flattering because it is supposedly an uncontrollable dog. I myself got a Malamute because I fell incredibly in love with this beautiful, proud and intelligent dog. Of course, as a responsible owner (this is the first dog in my life), I read/watched/asked about this breed and came to the following conclusion: this is my dream, I can’t find a dog so suitable for me. Yes, indeed, a difficult and uncontrollable dog, but only if it is not trained. Sorry for the rudeness, but this also applies to people - if you don’t educate, it turns out to be crap. Armed with knowledge, I found such a wondrous creature and brought it home.
Yes, the puppy howled - but it’s a small, frightened puppy, I distracted him as best I could so that he wouldn’t miss his mom and brothers... new toys, my cat, ribbons, treats, walks, etc., etc. then adolescence came, I felt the dog begin to show its character…. There was no time for affection here; in order to raise a good dog, I had to show my character. Then my dog lost access to the kitchen, walked around wearing a muzzle (so as not to pick it up), could not lie down on my bed, I had to hide all my shoes, even re-stick the wallpaper in the hallway, we began to do a lot of training, I took her to training courses, we were very happy there. I didn’t like it, and I decided to raise and train the dog myself. By the way, Malamutes are very voracious, they are ready to do whatever you ask for a piece of meat, so in 1 month I taught her the basics - sit, lie down, give her paw, you can’t wait for a stranger to come to me, die, etc. (checkmate, people who decided that a Malamute is not trainable, pfft)) now the dog is 2.5 years old, we are waiting for an addition, the dog has become for me not just a well-mannered pet, but also an excellent companion, friend and ally, if someone decided that the Malamute does not know how to protect, then apparently my dog is special, because when a stranger comes up to me, she sits at my feet, and if necessary, she can growl, which is very impressive for her size.
Fortunately, I have not yet been able to test her guarding skills, but I am sure that if I am attacked, she will not lick the attacker’s face, as many here claim. I think that everything depends on the owner, love, the carrot and stick method, understanding (well, I can’t swear at her when she starts to roll in a puddle on a hot day, it’s no one’s fault that she’s hot))) In general, my advice, you are not ready to spend a lot of time on a malamute, don’t get one, keeping him on a chain to guard the house is nonsense, love her and she will be a great friend for you! Cons - sheds a lot, girls every six months, boys - less often, but if you brush them outside, at home almost unnoticed. There is no smell, He walks nearby, does not run away, because he is attached to the pack (to the owner), if there are a lot of people (for example, a hike) he will keep an eye on everyone so that he does not get lost, (even accompanies him to the toilet) Not a dog, but gold. By the way, another plus is that the dog is unobtrusive and independent, does not interfere with toys, does not need constant affection, everything is more on its own, which in my case is simply necessary (I don’t like calf tenderness). There must be something that can be frayed/gnawed (soft toy, bone, rubber toy)
La belle verte
https://irecommend.ru/content/idealno-77
Well, how can you not love him?
For our Norilsk, the most suitable candidate, and a husky too).
We bought our Valdai from a nursery.
I honestly don’t remember how long.
But from that day I know and learn everything new about Valdash Smile
As a puppy, his strength and desire for transportation were already visible, he rolled another puppy in a box), with his teeth he grabbed a larger piece and drags it along the linoleum, and he sleeps contentedly)).
Calm dog.
But at one time we took him to the dacha, where he acted as a security guard.
In constant fresh air and lack of control, he became brutal and wild, began to bark at all his neighbors, and once broke the huge chain to which he was tied, in our case he became an excellent guard dog.
Then, for some time I had to adapt to the urban environment),
He became a cute, calm, fluffy felt boot), so we call him affectionate)).
Of course he sheds, of course he loves walks. Thank God, we are lucky that our son does not have allergies, and he is eager to take the dog for a walk.
Ours loves car rides).
The dog, of course, is luxurious, but in terms of upkeep, it is an unbearable burden for some, which is why we have only 2 malamutes in our city, and those are the stars.
☆ People often ask to take a photo with Valdaika, pet her, or kiss her. ☆
He calmly allows you to do everything; if he doesn’t like something or is already tired of it, he just climbs deeper into the cabin and closes the window))), I’m kidding about the window)), until he learned how to do it himself). But there have already been successful attempts Smile
He loves to run and dig in the snow and loves all sorts of loads.
Pulling and just doing something.
♡I adore him. Just like our whole family. ♡
With the right approach, treating the dog as a full-fledged member of the family, he will be the most faithful friend and an excellent life partner.
Those who are thinking about getting this dog should soberly evaluate themselves and their capabilities and be sure to communicate as closely as possible with the breeder; the more you learn and regimen about the habits of a particular dog, the faster it will be possible to determine exactly your Malamute.
♡♡♡ My most beloved and priceless friend! ♡♡♡
On November 30 he turned 8 years old, but for me, he’s still the same baby Smile
Tatiana
https://kutyata.rf/Reviews-of-the-breed/Alaskan.malamute
Positive traits
- don't bark
- do not require special heating
- excellent ride quality
- chic exterior
- excellent wool
Flaws
- too big for an apartment
- always strive for dominance
Anastasia
https://kutyata.rf/Reviews-of-the-breed/Alaskan.malamute
Positive traits
First of all, this is their natural beauty!!! The second is their MIND! This is an incredibly smart and understanding breed, and their intelligence is manifested not in training, but precisely in the way these dogs know how to communicate with a person, they perfectly understand speech, words, if you talk to them like a person! And yes, they even respond, they can complain about anyone or anything! Tell me how bored you were while the owner was at work! This is also a very strong and hardy breed that requires physical activity and long walks! And they really like to do this together with their owner. With the right approach and upbringing, they are wonderful nannies and friends for children. Malamutes are not empty dogs, and they rarely make noise! But they can howl loudly :))) Malamute is a thinking dog, and often makes decisions on its own!!!
Flaws
One of the disadvantages of Malamutes is their dominant temperament, and as a result they can be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex. They are very stubborn, Malamutes will never obey like working breeds!!! But it’s hard to call this a minus! These are character traits, just like in people.
Natalya Mamedova
https://kutyata.rf/Reviews-of-the-breed/Alaskan.malamute
Positive traits
This is a very smart dog, it’s not for nothing that she is a highly intelligent dog, very good-natured, playful, for me personally this is the best dog in the world, they simply won my heart forever. but this is also a very wayward dog and you need to love it for who it is with its difficult character. wool doesn't smell
Flaws
for me there are no negative sides
Ivan
https://domashnij-zapovednik.com/sobaki/porody-s/malamut/harakteristika-por.html#i-25
Malamutes are one of the best dogs. Spectacular, kind, smart, but with a character that not everyone can overcome. You need to find an approach to them, you need to make an effort to educate them, but it is definitely worth it - they grow up to be loyal friends and companions.
Rita
https://domashnij-zapovednik.com/sobaki/porody-s/malamut/harakteristika-por.html#i-25
My North is a gift from children for their anniversary. The puppy, reminiscent of a plush toy, has grown into a stately, beautiful dog that evokes admiring glances from everyone who sees it. Yes, he is not a guard or a watchman, but I don’t need these qualities in a dog, the main thing is that he is a great friend and companion.
Dmitriy
https://domashnij-zapovednik.com/sobaki/porody-s/malamut/harakteristika-por.html#i-25
Sometimes I hear that Malamutes are stupid and untrainable dogs. But this is not true at all. They are very smart and remember all commands almost the first time. They are simply stubborn and may refuse to carry them out, but this is a question of how authoritative the owner has become for them.
Mora
https://www.woman.ru/psycho/medley6/thread/4080251/
my friend has a malamute, a very calm, phlegmatic dog, very friendly, comes up to children and waits to be petted, they don’t walk with her much, about 40 minutes a day, but she doesn’t need more, she’s so slow, she wanders always somewhere behind. The dog is well-mannered, they talk to her like a person, she understands and does everything. The only negative is that there is a lot of wool in the house, a huge amount is collected every day.
tatka89
https://spasibovsem.ru/responses/luchshe-nyanki-ne-najti.html
For a long time I fought with my son about buying a dog. But still he broke me. We were very meticulous about this “acquisition”, bought a bunch of books about dog breeds, and scoured the entire Internet. And in the end, our choice fell on the Malamute breed.
The day came to buy a new family member, we were preparing for the arrival of a “child”. We brought him home and he immediately settled into our family. They became best friends with the child.
I have never experienced love for dogs as such, but when our Goshka appeared, everything changed. This is the kindest breed of dog that knows how to listen and, of course, can answer. He barks little, almost never, but he grumbles like an “old man.” He is easy to train, but at the same time he doesn’t do everything right away, he wonders if he needs it.
Despite his kindness and obedience, our Goshka can be very mischievous and disobedient. But these are small things compared to his wealth.
London86
https://spasibovsem.ru/responses/krasivejshaj-i-umnejshaya-sobaka.html
The Alaskan Malamute is a special breed. Sometimes I think our 5-year-old is more human than dog. Smart, big, beautiful, very wayward.
He understands everything perfectly, but he carries out the commands leisurely - thinking about whether he needs it. And sometimes he does things his own way.
Malamutes practically do not bark. Ours, for example, often grumbles, as if talking to us. at the same time uses different intonations. But I’ve only heard him bark a couple of times in five years. And when an ambulance or a fire truck drives past us, he howls. Just like that, for real, like a wolf.
There is a lot of Malamute hair at home. But we are already used to it. Even though we comb it regularly, it still doesn’t help. Therefore, we learned to treat wool philosophically.
In the summer it’s very hot in his apartment (he’s wearing such a fur coat), so he prefers to sleep on the tiles in the bathroom.
Long walks are required. But if it’s hot outside, then it’s better not to walk far or for a long time.
He is not picky or greedy when it comes to food. Eats exactly as much as needed. Doesn't overeat.
It is very difficult to fight parasites, and checking for ticks is almost impossible due to the thick fur.
Advantages and disadvantages
In addition to their bright and attractive appearance, Alaskan Malamutes have a number of other advantages.:
- good-natured disposition;
- friendliness;
- endurance;
- mind;
- love for children;
- no dog smell;
- lack of aggression;
- communication skills.
Along with its advantages, this breed also has disadvantages.:
- tendency to dominate;
- stubbornness;
- lack of protective instincts;
- independence;
- love of digging holes;
- howl.
In addition, these dogs cannot live in isolation or even relative solitude; they need constant contact with other animals or people.
Very beautiful, smart and kind man's best friend!
Advantages: Quick to train, smart, kind, strong, and the list goes on and on.
Disadvantages: There are no disadvantages if you take good care of the dog.
Review: In my opinion, the smartest, kindest, trainable and trainable dog (or better yet, man’s best friend) in the world, but this is all subject to good care and maintenance, otherwise you can raise an aggressive one (and this is still mild said) malamute. A friend of mine has a malamute named “Dan”, he is a very kind dog, although he loves to win, he once dug up flowers that my friend’s wife was growing, she later lamented this incident for a long time, he loves to chew on everything that is not... Read more
Color variations
The color of the coat depends on which within-breed species the individual belongs to.
The coat of Alaskan Malamutes can be:
- black and white;
- gray-white;
- silvery white;
- red and white;
- sable
Representatives of the breed with a uniform coat color can only be white.
Choosing a Malamute puppy
Before you buy an Alaskan Malamute, there are a few important rules to consider. To avoid possible risks, it is better to purchase a puppy from a kennel or registered breeders. Perhaps in this case the price of a Malamute puppy will be high, but the future owner will be able to be sure that he has acquired a purebred representative of the breed.
In addition to the pedigree, a small Alaskan Malamute must have documents from the RKF and SKOR. Club documents should not be trusted, since in the end the dog may turn out to be either not purebred or have defects.
A baby should be purchased between 1 and 4 months of age. Month-old puppies are taken by those owners who want the little Malamute to begin to get used to a new family from infancy. But if the future owner wants to see the makings of the exterior and character, then he should wait until the baby grows up a little.
Regardless of how old the puppy is, he should be active, cheerful and playful. Healthy Malamute puppies should look like little bears with dark eyes, thick paws and a tail. The color of the baby should match the color of the adult. The coat should be thick and fluffy. If a small Malamute has show potential, then in addition to its appearance it must have a daring and self-confident character.
To choose a child who will grow up balanced and have leadership abilities, you need to check him as follows. You should put a collar and leash on the puppy, and then call him to follow you. If he follows his future owner without any problems, then he will grow into a worthy and well-mannered Malamute.
Types and brief description
There are 2 intrabreed species of Alaskan Malamutes, which have some exterior differences: M'Loot and Kotzebue.
M'Luth
These dogs grow up to 63 cm at the withers and weigh 38 kg . Despite their powerful bones and large dimensions, these are active animals that are characterized by some aggression.
Their coat can be white, black and white, brown and white, sable, silver blue or red and white.
Kotzebue
Representatives of this species are smaller than M'Lut - their height is no more than 60 cm and their weight is 36 kg . These dogs with wolf coat color are less active, more docile and not prone to aggression.
Owner reviews
Catherine. Samara. We have had an Alaskan Malamute dog living with us for a long time. She is a good companion for us, has amazing mental abilities, practically does not smell and does not bark. The animal is complex and requires careful training.
Andrey. Cherepovets. The Alaskan Malamute breed literally captivated me. I live with a huge “bear” that all my friends are afraid of. To my assurances that he is very kind, they nod suspiciously. He is very active and friendly, but can be difficult to handle due to his size.
Is it suitable for living in an apartment? On the street?
Malamutes are freedom-loving dogs that do not tolerate cramped, enclosed spaces and need space . Representatives of this breed are not suitable for keeping in city apartments and cramped enclosures, and they should not be chained.
The most suitable option is a fenced area of a private house, where the dog can move freely. If a dog lives in an enclosure, it must be spacious and open.
The coat of Malamutes allows them to be kept outdoors throughout the year..
About Malamute and personal experience
Pikabu, hello!
It’s us, Ksenka and Ragnar, jumping onto the departing train with stories about a dog’s life. Why leaving? Because Ragnar is a malamute, a northern sled dog, and the fashion for such dogs, hurray, is slowly passing. Why are we still jumping in? Because the fashion for SES (Malamutes, Huskies, Samoyeds) has not yet completely passed, and our experience will certainly be useful to someone.
We now have him as a Malamute, more than three years old, with a stern character, very stern behavior and a gentle soul. When it was just being planned, it was assumed that the dog would immediately go to live in an enclosure in the house that we were just about to complete. But construction is an unpredictable business, so the dog lived in an apartment for the first year, and then moved to a separate living space.
An immediate educational program for those who will someday read this while deciding whether to get a Malamute. Mel is a serious breed, even very serious. The breed standard says that they are little dogs and bunnies, they don’t know how to growl at people at all, they are friends with everyone, especially children, they don’t eat cats, they don’t rush at passers-by, and the list goes on. Malamutes like those in the standard certainly exist. I saw these mostly on videos on Instagram and YouTube. I didn’t have a chance to do it live. At best, the Malamutes I know are serious, gloomy dons and donas who graciously allow themselves to be petted and admired. At worst, they are very aggressive and poorly predictable comrades. Hello, hello, active breeding of a fashionable breed (possibly only in our region).
Article on the topic: Nissan x trail 2012 owner reviews
I don’t want to say that every mel is a rabid aggressive creature that wants to devour your entire family down to the fifth generation. But an adult dog weighs 35+ kg if it is a girl, and 40+ kg if it is a boy. Managing these kilograms, if they are determined to snack on the neighbor’s dog or just a neighbor, is very difficult (tested on myself). Therefore, to be on the safe side, you should be prepared for one of two options.
The first is to train and raise the dog. Straight tight. Sparing no time. With dog handlers. At home. On a walk. Constantly. Not just “we came up with rules in the house, but when we are lazy, we can’t control their observance.” No: if you can’t get on the sofa, the dog flies off the sofa whenever you try to climb on it. Even if by the time of this attempt she weighs the same as you and is ready to fight for sofa privilege. The period of active study for us personally took two years. We are still raising it)
Second, buy a barbell. And more. And in advance (muscle mass will grow slower than a puppy). And pump up the muscle. So that you have the physical ability to restrain your Malamute if he decides not to listen to you.
Ideally, the first option is combined with the second.
And about the gentle little soul. They write a lot about her in articles and on forums, and breeders like to talk about her. Personally, it almost ruined us. According to the concept of the malamuch soul, each mel is a magical creature, strong in character, but wise, fair and loyal. In general, God forbid you offend with punishment, drills or a sharp shout. You need to live with your Malamute soul to soul - loving and not scolding, becoming a strong leader for him, raising a faithful dog with exceptional affection.
We were raised according to this concept for up to five months. During this time, the puppy became noticeably obnoxious and began to regularly taste the taste of its owners. Since there was only one child among the owners, the concept had to be abandoned in favor of a standard canine approach. Anticipating possible objections: I re-read and tried a lot of things, from the theory of dominance to the techniques of zoopsychology, psychological unloading, switching attention and psychological leadership (ha-ha). The result was given by the OKD approach. Everyone has the right to try their own, but my next Malamute (be careful, the breed is addictive!) will be raised OKD from the cradle.
Article on the topic: Yokohama bluearth-es es32 owner reviews
The introduction turned out to be very chaotic, from now on I will tear off strictly one cover at a time)
Attitude towards children and does he get along with other pets?
Malamutes get along well with children; friendships are quickly established between them . At the same time, it is important to ensure that the puppy does not behave aggressively towards the baby even during play.
CAREFULLY!
If a child comes into the family when the dog is already grown, it is necessary to ensure that it does not harm him - a large dog can accidentally hit the baby, frightening or injuring him.
They can get along with other pets if they grew up together. The most difficult relationships for Malamutes are with cats and birds, which they most often pursue as objects of hunting.
Relationship building
Dogs of this breed need a pack; constant loneliness will simply destroy them. In order for the puppy to feel like a full-fledged member of the family in the backyard house, he needs to make a separate free entrance, the so-called manhole, into the door at the back of the yard.
Malamutes tend to be dominant from an early age. A small pet needs to be instilled from the very beginning with the feeling that the role of leader in the pack has already been taken.
Important! You need to pay attention to training starting from two months of age!
A small Malamute definitely needs a lot of elastic rubber toys to massage his teeth.
With kids
Malamutes are a child-friendly breed. If a child has not tormented or offended a child since childhood, they grow up to be great friends for life. It has been noticed that shy, complex teenagers become self-confident by raising a Malamute from puppyhood. A dog that is regularly beaten or abused becomes aggressive or weak-willed.
With cats
For an adult Malamute, a small cat is more likely prey. Even if an animal has been living with a cat in the house since birth, this does not mean that street cats are completely safe. But the roommate will always be considered a member of the pack.
There is no need to bring a small kitten into a home with an established Malamute!
With other dogs
This breed is more social than not. From childhood, a puppy should be taught to communicate with other dogs if she lives in a city. If the dog is raised in a suburban area in a large family, the dog will not acutely feel melancholy and loneliness.
Bad habits
Such dogs have been fighting for leadership in the family since childhood. They instinctively climb into their owner's bed and try to steal food from the table. These habits need to be stopped at an early age, because an adult dog will not retrain.
Malumutes are stubborn animals, so when raising such a dog you need to be strict and consistent. Under no circumstances should you show aggression, especially physical aggression. Adult dogs, especially males, are prone to revenge.
Aggression towards the owner
The role of the dog in the family must be constantly pointed out throughout life. You won't be able to dominate such a dog. They will listen only to those who treat them with respect and love, spend a lot of time and feed them.
Care and maintenance
Caring for representatives of this breed is not too difficult . The main thing is to do this regularly and accustom your pet to all hygiene procedures from an early age.
Wool and bathing
To avoid matting of the coat and the formation of tangles, these dogs must be brushed at least 2 times a week, using combs, combs and slickers that help care not only for the top coat, but also for the undercoat.
During seasonal shedding, your pet needs to be brushed daily..
Malamutes' coat has the ability to clean itself, so you can bathe them no more than once a quarter, using shampoo and conditioner appropriate for their coat type and color.
It is necessary to rinse off the shampoo thoroughly, otherwise it can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes . After bathing, dry and comb your dog thoroughly.
Ears
Regularly, once every 1-2 weeks, inspect and clean from accumulated dirt and sulfur using a cotton pad soaked in warm boiled water, and in case of severe contamination, in hydrogen peroxide.
Claws
If the nails do not grind down on their own during walks, they must be trimmed monthly with a guillotine nail clipper designed for large dog breeds.
Teeth
Brush twice a week using a special brush and paste for dogs . You should also give your pet treats and toys that help mechanically clean the teeth of plaque and stones.
Eyes
Wipe weekly with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion or tea leaves.
Caring for an Alaskan Malamute also includes timely vaccinations, treatment for external parasites and deworming..
Puppy care
A Malamute puppy leaves the breeder fully adapted to independent living. Therefore, he is simply allowed to explore new possessions and shown where his bowls and bed are located. And to make it easier for the baby to bear the separation from his mother, some thing with the smell of his native “nest” is placed in his place.
Important! To prevent the curious Malamute puppy from being injured, all wires, poisonous plants, medicines and household chemicals are removed from the house even before his arrival. And so that the little mischief does not spoil anything, valuable and fragile objects are hidden from him.
So that you can safely walk with an Alaskan Malamute puppy, it is subjected to preventive vaccination. This will protect it:
- from parainfluenza;
- leptospirosis;
- plague;
- rabies;
- parvo and coronavirus enteritis.
The first vaccination is given to the puppy at 8-9 weeks and repeated after 21 days. Before vaccination, he is given anthelmintic drugs, the dosage of which is calculated exactly according to the pet’s weight.
Antihelminthic treatment is carried out twice with an interval of 10-14 days.
Life expectancy and major diseases
Alaskan Malamutes have good health.
However, they are prone to such pathologies as:
- diabetes;
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- autoimmune hemolytic anemia;
- epilepsy;
- bloating;
- chondrodysplasia;
- hip dysplasia;
- hypothyroidism;
- gastric volvulus;
- retinal atrophy;
- hemeralopia;
- polyneuropathy;
- adenocarcinoma of the anus;
- corneal ulceration;
- hemophilia;
- atopic dermatitis;
- demodicosis;
- hypothyroidism
In addition, Alaskan Malamutes may have a condition called “snow nose” (weakened pigmentation), which is characterized by a pink instead of black color on the nose, lips, and eye area.
These pets are prone to sunburn, so care must be taken when taking them out into the open sun.
With proper care and proper housing conditions, Alaskan Malamutes live on average 13-16 years.
Nutritional Features
The number of daily feedings depends on the age of the dog:
- 1.5-2 months – 6 times;
- 2-3 months – 5 times;
- 4-5 months – 4 times;
- 6-7 months – 3 times;
- 1 year and older – 2 times.
These dogs can be fed with natural products and industrial food. Each type of food has pros and cons, so it is impossible to clearly judge which one is better; the choice depends on the owner.
The natural diet should include:
- rice, buckwheat, oatmeal;
- chicken and beef by-products;
- kefir;
- cottage cheese;
- lean sea fish without bones;
- vegetables, fruits, herbs;
- boiled eggs;
- lean meat.
It is forbidden to feed representatives of this breed:
- pickles, smoked meats, marinades;
- sausages, bakery and pasta products;
- corn, legumes;
- fatty meat and fish;
- fried foods.
IMPORTANT!
With a natural diet, it is necessary to additionally give the dog vitamin and mineral supplements.
When choosing industrial feed, you should purchase premium products, or better yet, super-premium or holistic feed. The most suitable foods for these dogs are Royal Canin, Nutra Nuggets, Advance, Brit Care, Nutra Gold, 1st choice, Artemis, Orijen, Grandorf, NOW.
Sample menu for the week
| Day of the week | Food |
| Monday | 500 g beef, 200 g cottage cheese, 200 g rice porridge, 100 g vegetables and herbs, 1 egg |
| Tuesday | 500 g veal, 200 ml kefir, 200 g buckwheat porridge, 100 g vegetables and herbs |
| Wednesday | 600 g fish, 250 g cottage cheese, 150 g rice porridge, 100 g vegetables and herbs |
| Thursday | 250 g beef, 250 g offal, 200 g natural yogurt, 200 g oatmeal, 100 g vegetables and herbs |
| Friday | 500 g beef, 200 g cottage cheese, 200 g rice porridge, 100 g vegetables and herbs, 1 egg |
| Saturday | 600 g fish, 250 g cottage cheese, 150 g rice porridge, 100 g vegetables and herbs |
| Sunday | 250 g chicken, 250 g offal, 200 g natural yogurt, 200 g oatmeal, 100 g vegetables and herbs |
Training and education
| Team | Education |
| To me | When your pet remembers its name, you need to call it by it, saying “Come to me!” When the dog approaches, he should be given a treat |
| Near | The dog should walk at the owner's left foot. To do this, you need to say a command and pull the leash so that the Malamute cannot move to the side or forward. |
| Sit | Pull the leash up and lightly press on the pet's croup, forcing him to sit |
| Ugh | When the puppy does something forbidden, you need to grab him by the withers, shake him slightly and say “Ugh.” |
| Right left | While walking, you need to make turns in different directions. 1-2 m before the turn, you should repeat the “right-right-right” command 3 times, and then make the turn, if necessary, helping the dog with a leash |
| Towing | When the puppy is six months old, you can prepare him for towing training by letting him pull, for example, an empty sled. Representatives of this breed are ready to tow a person no earlier than 1 year. While walking, you need to give the dog the command “Forward” and pull on the leash. |
| Stop | While the dog is moving, it is necessary to loudly say “Stop” and immediately stop, pulling the Malamute with a leash. |
Breeding recommendations
Puberty in Malamutes occurs up to 6 months. Important subtleties that you should know about when breeding a dog for the first time are given below.
Estrus
A week before the start of the heat, the behavior of the Malamute girl changes. There is frequent urination.
The first heat can be divided into 2 stages:
- Up to 10 days - the appearance of mucous-bloody discharge. She doesn't let the male dog near.
- After 10 days , the discharge is clear, without blood. The perfect moment to breed a dog.
Mating
ATTENTION! Malamutes cannot be bred during their first heat, as the puppies will be weak.
It is advisable to take a male for mating from the same breeder as the female. The main thing is that the animals are healthy.
The ideal time for mating is in the morning and on an empty stomach. There are 2 options:
- Freestyle - for dogs that have already had offspring. The Malamutes are being brought together and waiting for the results.
- Manual - 2 hours animals get to know each other. Then a muzzle is put on the bitch. The male is placed next to the female and his paws are placed on her back. The procedure takes 15–45 minutes. This mating is repeated after 1–2 days.
Pregnancy
The first month of pregnancy in a Malamute passes without any changes. The dog is given the same loads, as it is full of strength and does not feel discomfort. In the 2nd month, walking time is reduced. The diet is being revised. Eating becomes easier.
2 weeks before giving birth, you will need to prepare a warm place for the pregnant woman. Place a bed and an aviary.
Childbirth
You can determine the moment of the onset of labor by the behavior of the animal. 10 hours before giving birth, the “girl” begins to worry and begins to struggle. At this moment, she needs to be taken to a pre-prepared place where she will initially live with the babies.
Stay with her. Reassure the expectant mother by talking while stroking her.
When the puppies start walking, it is better not to touch her, as she may bite. After giving birth, it is also better not to touch her and the children. After a while, call the dog to you and wipe its genitals with warm water using a sponge.
Ask someone from your family to take a walk with the young “mother.” At this time, examine the kids yourself and select outcasts. They usually don't survive.
ATTENTION! To make a Malamute accept puppies back from your hands, lubricate their faces with cow butter.
A female can only fully feed 4–5 puppies.
Castration and sterilization
The optimal age for castration is 8–10 months. Premature castration can disrupt the functions of the genitourinary system.
There are 2 ways:
- Chemical: after taking certain medications, the animal does not produce the necessary hormones. Complete sterility occurs after a month.
- Surgical - removal of the testes or ovaries is done through an incision in the abdomen or scrotum. It is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can be performed with a special instrument through a small puncture (laparoscopy).
Malamutes are huge dogs with a cheerful disposition and love of communication. At the genetic level, they have a developed pack feeling. It is very important that they accept their owner as a leader.
These shaggy giants should be trained from day one, as these dogs are not used to changing their ways. When caring, special attention is paid to the wool. Such a dog is easy to train, but at the same time, if it gets bored with training, it will not obey.
How to choose? Boy or girl?
to purchase a puppy from a specialized nursery - this eliminates the possibility of buying a purebred or sick pet .
It is also important to inspect the living conditions of the dogs, meet the puppy’s parents and find out about their health, since many malamute pathologies are hereditary.
The puppy should have shiny fur without bald patches or traces of dandruff, clean skin without rashes or irritations, pink mucous membranes, clear eyes without signs of increased lacrimation and other pathologies.
The puppy must be active, inquisitive, sociable, aggression is unacceptable.
When choosing between a male and a female, you should remember that girls are more docile and affectionate; some inconveniences in their maintenance are associated only with regular estrus.
Boys are more stubborn and willful, and tend to mark territory . At the same time, if you have plans to participate in breeding the breed, you should buy a female; if you plan to have an exhibition career, you should buy a male.
