Alaskan Malamute and children. Alaskan Malamute - dog photo, price, breed description, character, video

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog breed. Their main purpose is to move a team with people or cargo across the snowy territory of Alaska.

Experts say that this type of dog is one of the most ancient varieties of dogs. This breed was bred by the Eskimo tribe. Due to their resemblance, they are often confused with Siberian Huskies.

Northern breeds have a similar, complex color pattern, however, malamutes are much larger than huskies and more active.

Brief description of the Alaskan Malamute and recommendations

Alaskan Malamutes strive to take a leading position in the family. Each of the family members must be able to demonstrate their superiority so that the dog obeys.

If you have no experience in communicating and caring for dogs, it is better not to deal with the above breed. They are difficult to train.

In the event that you are going to keep a dog in the yard, keep in mind that they are good at digging. Protect the plants with a special fence or allocate a separate territory for the dog.

Malamutes have more than enough energy, and if you do not properly train the dog or devote little time to it, then it will begin to entertain itself, destroying everything around.

With proper upbringing, Alaskan Malamutes get along remarkably well with other dogs and cats, however, this behavior only applies to the territory of the house. On the street, dogs can keep up with other animals.

This breed is famous for its thick and fluffy fur, so if you live in a hot climate, it’s better not to get a Malamute, they will feel bad.

Alaskan Malamute puppies cost about 10 to 30 thousand rubles. A low price may indicate that the dog is sick or not of a pure breed. Buy an animal only in proven nurseries.

Brief historical background of the dog breed - Alaskan Malamute

As noted above, this breed is considered one of the most ancient in North America. Teachings say that it is Malamutes who live most of all with the company of people.

The DNA of Alaskan Malamutes is close to the wolf. Such data became known after conducting special studies.

Based on the facts listed above, scientists have suggested that domesticated wolves were the ancestors of Alaskan Malamutes.

There is also an opinion that these dogs came to North America along with nomadic tribes who came from the eastern region of Siberia about 14 thousand years ago.

It is worth noting that the DNA is similar between such breeds: Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Kli-Kai. With the help of photographs of the Alaskan Malamute, you can clearly appreciate how this breed differs from those similar to it.

Description of the breed Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are large and strong dogs. They have great stamina and strength. Their maximum height at the withers reaches 64 centimeters, and their weight reaches 34 kilograms. Such parameters are typical for males.

The maximum height of bitches is 58 centimeters, weight - 34 kilograms. However, as an exception, there are smaller and larger individuals.

Size is not as important in judging a dog as its proportion, agility and activity.

Representatives of this breed have a large head, proportional to the size of the body. If you look at the muzzle from the front, then its shape should visually resemble that of a wolf. The shape of the eyes is almond-shaped, the size is medium. Normal eye color is brown.

If a dog has blue eyes, this indicates a vice.

The ears are triangular in shape with rounded tips. They are set wide apart on the head.

Alaskan Malamutes have a thick, double coat. Such a "fur coat" allows dogs to feel great even in the most severe winter.

In summer, dogs shed heavily and their coat becomes thinner. The color of this breed has several colors: gray, black and white.

Character

Dogs of the above breed are very friendly and energetic. They love people and are not afraid of strangers. When meeting a new person, these dogs greet him and invite him to play.

Such a gentle and joyful nature suggests that the Alaskan Malamute is not suitable as a guard dog, but its large size and external resemblance to a wolf will scare strangers from your home.

In addition, these dogs do not know how to bark, in the traditional sense of this meaning. But in some cases, when expressing their emotions, they can be very loud, making howls, grunts and growls.

Photo of Alaskan Malamute

Breed characteristics

• Growth: 59-64 cm.
• The weight: 35-50 kg.
• characteristic color: light gray, dark gray, with white spots, in rare cases - white. On the muzzle - a light or dark mask.
• Wool length: medium or short, very dense, with coarse thick undercoat.
• Lifespan: 13-16 years old.
• Breed advantages: pleasant appearance, friendly attitude towards people, playfulness and high activity. The main feature of the breed is that they do not bark.
• The complexity of the breed: Dominant character traits. Difficult to train.
• average price: from $ 200 when buying from the hands. Dogs with a good pedigree - up to $ 500, show breeds - from $ 800-1000 and more.

Origin story

Malamutes belong to a very ancient breed of arctic dog, which was used by the Eskimo tribes to ride in a team through snowdrifts. The history of this breed has almost 4 thousand years. In the middle of the 20th century, Malamutes began to be used in military operations, which led to a sharp decline in the population of the breed. But already in the fifties, breeders managed to restore the population of these animals. Now Malamutes are very popular all over the world. Due to its excellent ability to endure severe frosts, this breed has become very widespread in Russia.

What is the breed for?

These dogs are not without reason outwardly reminiscent of wolves - they are their direct descendants, but have innate kindness and lack of aggression, which is inherent in wild animals. Since Malamutes were originally used for sledding, they are genetically adapted to heavy physical exertion.

Malamutes are best suited as a friendly family member - they are very affectionate and love to participate in all people's affairs. Malamute is real gift for an active person who devotes a lot of time to physical activities in the fresh air. But Malamutes are clearly not suitable as a watchdog - their kindness and friendly attitude towards all people do not allow them to be used as guards and defenders, although they can scare away an uninvited guest with their appearance alone.

dog character

Malamutes are famous for their kindness, intelligence and amazing appearance, thanks to which they will fall in love with any member of the family, especially children. But behind the sweet appearance lies a bold and independent character, which begins to manifest itself when the dog grows up.

They are quite stubborn and not inclined to obey and also love to show their leadership qualities. That is why the upbringing of Malamutes should be started at an early age, constantly demonstrating to the dog who is the boss in the house.

At the same time, aggressiveness is completely uncharacteristic of Malamutes, therefore they don't need a special training approach.. Although representatives of this breed do not make good watchmen, devotion to their owner compensates for this shortcoming.

Malamutes love to play, they are very cheerful and playful, but they cannot be called noisy. These dogs can't bark. Instead of barking, they prefer to "talk", making peculiar rumbling sounds that can amuse any member of the family.

Since Malamutes suffer from lack of physical activity, they need to be walked daily. If you regularly give them the opportunity to run and frolic on the street, at home they will behave completely calmly and not cause unnecessary trouble to the owners.

Video review of the Malamute

Anyone who intends to acquire a dog of this breed, I advise you to watch the video. In this video you will see representatives of this breed, their features and characteristics. They talk in detail about the nuances of caring for and raising malamutes, as well as the correct methods of training these dogs.

How to choose a puppy

When choosing a Malamute puppy, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Health. The puppy should be active, his eyes should shine and express interest in what is happening. A healthy puppy can be distinguished by the condition of the coat and skin, as well as clean eyes and. In addition, you need to make sure that the puppy did not suffer from digestive problems. The breeder must provide certificates, about , as well as information about the dynamics of the puppy's development. Be sure to find out if the puppy's parents suffered from hereditary diseases. The breeder needs to require certificates confirming the health of the parents.
• Standards. It is necessary to look at the puppy's parents - do they meet all the standards? In the puppy itself, all parts of the body should be proportionally developed. He should have an even stance and an easy gait.
• Socialization. Malamute puppies must themselves run to the hands and love to communicate with a person, competing among themselves for the attention of a person. If the puppy does not show curiosity and is afraid to approach a person, it is not recommended to take such a puppy.
• Age. You can not take very tiny puppies of Malamute. The minimum allowable age is 6 weeks, and preferably 7 or 8. It is better not to buy older than 10 weeks, as they will be less responsive to education.

Malamutes are very clean dogs. do not have a pronounced "dog" smell. These dogs do not need to be bathed regularly as they take care of their coat on their own. One wash every 2-3 months will be enough.

But it is necessary to comb out Malamutes often, at least twice a week, and when the dog sheds - every day. Because of the very thick undercoat These dogs shed a lot. Malamute owners are advised to purchase a high-quality vacuum cleaner, as the hair remains throughout the house.

Malamute's teeth and ears should be checked frequently. A couple of times a week it is recommended to brush his teeth using a special paste for dogs. Besides, Malamute's claws need to be clipped periodically., for which it is desirable to use a steel claw cutter.

But the most important place in caring for a Malamute is given to physical activity. Every day the dog needs to run a lot, preferably - to complete exhaustion. If you yourself are not very fond of running or cycling, you can "chase" the dog using the "fetch" command.

Malamutes do not need a special diet. Any dog ​​food will do. If you have started feeding dry food to your Malamute, then Don't switch to natural food. It is recommended to buy only high-quality feed.

Malamute training

The most important thing in training is to let him know who is in charge in the house. Malamutes have a tendency to dominate and will always try to show their leadership qualities, if you do not establish the correct hierarchy in relations with him.

Already from an early age you need to start raising a puppy. If the puppy starts to resist your demands, you can turn him on his back and do not let him go until he becomes calm. When the puppy is older, other methods of establishing leadership can be used, such as picking him up or pressing him to the ground.

Malamutes are very intelligent dogs, they quickly remember commands, especially with appropriate encouragement. You should speak with the dog in a calm voice, and you can shout at the Malamute only as a last resort, if only he has been very mischievous.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before acquiring a Malamute, you need to have a good idea of ​​what kind of breed it is and what pros and cons it has. Some people - inactive, lazy or weak character - it is better not to start Malamutes. These dogs cannot live without daily exercise and, in the absence of such, begin to splash out their energy on pieces of furniture and other things in the house. Therefore, you can not leave a Malamute in the house alone for several days. It will definitely ruin a lot of household items.

Besides, The disadvantage of this breed can be considered their stubbornness and desire for dominance. In order for the dog to realize that he is not the “leader” here, you need to do a lot with him.

The advantages of the Malamute are much greater. than disadvantages: they are smart, friendly, very affectionate and not at all aggressive.

What problems did you face in raising a Malamute? Perhaps someone will find an interesting story related to these dogs. Tell us about it in the comments.

Wolf appearance is characteristic of many northern dogs, the Alaskan Malamute is no exception. A large dog with a memorable appearance, with inexhaustible energy and a sea of ​​​​charm. See photos of the Alaskan Malamute.

Story

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest native sled dogs. The creator of the breed is the Malemute Eskimo tribe. Their pets were powerful, hardy, with a rich coat. Dogs were indispensable helpers for their owners.

The beginning of the Gold Rush increased the demand for Malamutes, as the only way to get to their destination was by a team of strong and hardy dogs. But such popularity had a negative impact on the quality of the breed. Gold diggers began randomly crossing Malamutes with other dogs, hoping to get the perfect dog. As a result, purebred individuals remained a few. The breed was saved from complete extinction by the craze of Americans for dog sledding. Becoming a champion was only possible for a fast, tireless Malamute.

By 1926, the population of sled dogs had increased significantly and purposeful breeding of the breed began. 1935 brought the Malamute worldwide recognition and approval of standards.

During the Second World War, most of the dogs died, only 3 dozen individuals remained. It was possible to revive the breed only by 960.

In 2010, the Malamute became the official symbol of Alaska.

Appearance

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, well-proportioned dog with a well-proportioned build. There are two types of breed:

• M Loot - a variety of colors is acceptable, larger, faster and more efficient.
• Kotzebue - only wolf color is allowed

Males are much larger and more powerful than females, their height is 60-64 cm. The allowable weight is up to 40 kg.

The head is large, heavy, but looks corresponding to the torso. The muzzle is voluminous, powerful and rounded. Lips are dry and thin. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, the tips are rounded.

Jaws are strong. Teeth are large and white. Bite scissors. The eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanting, brown. The nose is exceptionally black. Brown, only in red individuals.

The body is almost square, muscular. The back is wide without arching. The neck is embossed, giving the Malamute to become. The tail is twisted in one turn. The coat is rather long, hard, thick with a silky undercoat.

The most significant disadvantage is the light color of the eyes.

Alaskan Malamute and baby.

Character

The character of the Malamute combines incompatible qualities. Kindness to people and desire for leadership. If you do not indicate to the pet its place in the “pack”, the dog will establish its own rules.

With the right upbringing, a good-natured, affectionate pet. Loves human society, and quite tolerant of children's pranks.

It does not tolerate loneliness well and, with a long absence of a loved one, can get sick from longing. The Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent dog that grasps everything on the fly. But often, because of his stubbornness, he refuses to follow commands. She may get bored with the monotony of training, then she will not be able to convince the dog.

The Alaskan Malamute is demanding for long, active walking. Daily jogging with a load will save the owner from home destruction and gnawed things. The best pastime for a pet will be running in a harness. By enrolling in a dog racing club, the owner can acquire a new hobby and get closer to his pet.

Photo of Alaskan Malamute puppies

See also photos of Alaskan Malamute puppies.

Alaskan Malamute puppies play.

Update: October 2017

The Alaskan Malamute can be called a domestic wolf, for its amazing outward resemblance to its wild relative, as well as strength, endurance and strong character. However, despite their large size, these creatures are extremely kind and friendly even to strangers. Such a pet will definitely become a full member of the family, companion and playmate. Owners and breeders distinguish the following distinctive features of the breed:

• A strong character, which sometimes borders on stubbornness, and the habits of a gentleman. Adults are regal, proud, cultured and reserved;
• Need for work. The dog requires tangible physical exertion and long walks;
• A strong need for constant communication. Lack of attention leads to obstinacy, sullenness, and sometimes aggressiveness;
• Mind, well-developed intuition and the ability to make decisions independently;
• Grunting instead of barking. Malamutes are extremely talkative and express their emotions with grunt-like sounds;
• Thick coat and the need for careful care for it.

Characteristics of the breed

The characteristic of the Malamute breed focuses on the working purpose of the dog, so the owners must be ready to actively spend time with the pet.

The size of a Malamute dog can be much larger than average. Some individuals reach 70 cm at the withers and weigh up to 57 kg. There are breeders who purposefully breed giant representatives of the breed.

Particular attention is paid to the proportions of the dog's body. According to the standard, the depth of the chest should be about half the height at the withers, and the length of the body should exceed the height of the animal.

The cost of puppies depends on the class and can vary significantly when they reach the age of 4-6 months. During this period, the perspectives and class of the animal become clear. So the price of the PET-class is reduced, and the SHOW-class is greatly increased.

Character and temperament

Extreme friendliness is a hallmark of the breed. A plush appearance goes hand in hand with a plush disposition, but that's only for humans. Malamute is a dog with an urgent need for a pack, which can be replaced by a large family. The pet will be equally devoted to all family members and will be happy to meet new people. He rarely chooses one owner, although he recognizes the authority of the leader. It is very important, even at puppyhood, to place accents on who is in charge in the pack.

The Malamute breed is not suitable for the “first” dog, because many consider their character difficult. In order to dominate the animal, the owner must show strength and firmness, not make concessions, but not forget about rewards. Otherwise, the dog may grow up uncontrollable, and it will be problematic to correct the mistakes made in education.

Freethinking and caution in the nature of malamutes have been acquired for centuries, when, on the vast snowy plains of Alaska, animals were forced to independently choose a safe path and protect the driver. But modern owners do not always perceive such independence unambiguously, and caution is perceived as an inability to learn. With the right approach, the pet easily learns and executes all commands, but the monotonous training quickly gets boring and a strike is inevitable.

A feature is the lack of territorial attachment. The nomadic way of life of the ancestors left its mark on the character of the Malamute. Therefore, do not expect that the dog will protect the territory.

Temperament deserves special attention. The breed is in dire need of physical activity, and work is a pleasure. Malamute will be happy to accompany the owners on hikes, jogging and walking, carry food and water, run next to the bike, and ride a sleigh in winter. If you teach a dog to certain types of work, it can become a valuable helper in the household and direct its energy in the right direction. However, it is possible to load the dog intensively, including with a dog backpack, not earlier than 18 months, when its skeleton is fully formed.

Despite the amazing friendliness, the pet will behave like a hunter towards other animals and may show aggression towards smaller relatives. If there are other dogs in the house, then the Malamute will certainly become the leader. It is worth noting that the pet will be quite tolerant of “their” cats, but this does not guarantee the safety of the neighbors.

Photo of Alaskan Malamute

No matter how problematic the Alaskan Malamute may seem, the care and maintenance of this species differs little from other dogs. The main thing is to take into account the peculiarities of character and temperament, devote a lot of time to walking, proper feeding and grooming. An unpleasant feature of the breed is a natural craving for digging the earth. In a private house, this behavior is not critical, although the cleanliness of the coat and the neatness of the animal can be greatly affected, but when kept in an apartment, there is no guarantee that parquet or other flooring will not be damaged.

Content Features

For centuries, animals have adapted to survive in harsh northern conditions and work hard, but this does not mean that the street is the best place for a Malamute to live. This species is categorically not suitable for keeping in a booth on a chain and guard service. Due to friendliness, the pet will not guard the yard, although the impressive appearance will surely scare away most intruders.

Malamute will do best in a private house with a large fenced yard, but if it is necessary to limit his free presence in the yard, it is better to build a spacious aviary in a shady place, protected from the vagaries of the weather. The length of the enclosure should be at least 5-6 m, with a width of 2.5 m. However, staying in a spacious enclosure does not exclude walks and communication with the family. The dog does not tolerate loneliness very well.

It is quite realistic, although undesirable, to keep representatives of this breed in an apartment. With such a content, it is recommended to organize something like a den for the animal, where you can spend time in the absence of the owner. In some cases, a cell becomes such a secluded place. Moreover, a favorite place can change depending on the season, because in the hot summer it is much more pleasant to take a nap on a balcony or a shady loggia.

walks

Physical activity and walks are vital, but you need to take into account the weather and time of year. Malamutes tolerate cold very well, love snow and can stay outside for a long time. In winter, you can walk with your pet at any time for as long as the owner is able to withstand.

Animals have a completely different attitude to heat. They tolerate high temperatures with firmness, thanks to a hard undercoat. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is undesirable. In the summer, it is better to walk in the early morning or evening, when the heat subsides.

The duration of the walk should be at least 1 hour per day, but most breeders recommend walking at least 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. On weekends, it is advisable to give the dog more time, come up with an active game or go to the training ground.

Feeding adult dogs

This breed has an amazing feature developed by many generations - to assimilate the food received as much as possible. If the diet is balanced, then the Malamute eats surprisingly little for its large size, and also in comparison with individuals of other large breeds.

However, they have no measure in food. Animals can eat until the bowl is full, and then suffer from overeating and possible intestinal volvulus. Therefore, it is very important for the owner not to overfeed the pet, to give food at a certain time and according to a strictly measured norm.

Up to 4 months the animal is fed 3 times a day, then 2 times. This breed is suitable for both natural food and dry food. The main thing is that the diet is balanced, and the feed is of high quality.

When dry feeding a Malamute, what to feed is of great importance. The food should be super premium with natural vitamin E content. The composition of the feed should be predominantly protein, and the main sources of protein should be chicken, lamb, beef and fish. Ideally, all components should be present.

Particular emphasis must be placed on the presence of fish oil or fish in the composition of the feed, since the beauty and health of the coat depends on these products. If the product is not available, then it must be additionally included in the dog's diet several times a week. To do this, just add a few tablespoons of canned mackerel or tuna to a dry coma.

With natural feeding of a Malamute, the diet should consist of several components:

• Meat (beef, chicken or sea fish without bones). Pork should not be given because of the high fat content;
• Offal (beef tripe, chicken or beef heart, lungs, tongue, ears). Giving an udder is not recommended due to the high concentration of hormones;
• Porridge. The ratio of porridge to meat should be 2 to 1 to prevent excess protein. The best option is rice, buckwheat and oatmeal boiled in water;
• Vegetables. Should make up 10% of the diet;
• Milk products. You can give kefir or cottage cheese, but whole milk is allowed only for puppies up to 2 months of age;
• Don't give bones!

Some owners combine dry food and natural food. At one meal they give food, at the other - natural products. This mixed feeding is often used for puppies, but the opinions of veterinarians and breeders on the correctness of this type of feeding differ.

Features of hair care

Representatives of the breed are clean and practically odorless. But like all breeds that have a double coat, the Malamute requires a lot of attention, especially during the molting season. A small molt occurs throughout the year, but there are several periods when intense hair loss begins. This usually occurs in the spring and fall, but males may only shed heavily once every 12-18 months if groomed properly.

The main thing in hair care is regular combing. This procedure allows not only to maintain cleanliness in the house, but also reduces the intensity of shedding, helps to maintain excellent condition of the coat and skin. It is necessary to accustom a pet to grooming from puppyhood. Intensive combing is recommended weekly, paying particular attention to the tail and pants.

Malamutes love to swim and do not miss a single body of water. However, after a river or sea bath, it is imperative to wash your pet using special products. It is important to rinse the detergent out of the wool very well. Bathing pets too often is not recommended. A few baths a year are quite enough if we are talking about a family pet, and not an exhibition specimen. After bathing, it is necessary to dry the coat with a towel, let it shake off, and then dry it with a cold hair dryer.

Training and education

It is necessary to teach the dog the rules of behavior in the house from the first days, firmly following certain rules. The dog does not like monotonous activities, so it is better to teach him commands in a playful way, not forgetting about tasty rewards, because malamutes love to eat.

Most representatives of the breed grasp everything on the fly, are very inquisitive and quick-witted, but this does not mean that the commands will be carried out implicitly. At the same time, it is useless to put pressure on the dog, because this can cause powerful resistance. Well-developed intuition and intelligence of animals allow you to subtly feel when you need to follow commands, and when you can ignore them.

A well-bred dog can only be brought up if you stock up on patience and perseverance, working together with the pet, constantly earning the authority of the leader of the pack.

prone to disease

Most of the diseases characteristic of this breed are hereditary, so it is important to know as much as possible about the health of the puppy's parents.

Chondrodysplasia

One of the most common genetic diseases. With this disease, the development of cartilage tissue is disrupted, which will lead to a significant decrease in joint mobility. Without treatment, the dog can become disabled and stop running.

eye diseases

Some diseases, such as "day blindness" (hemeralopia), are hereditary. The breed has a tendency to other diseases, but they arise under the influence of external factors: glaucoma, cataracts, retinal atrophy, corneal ulceration.

Diseases of the digestive system

The most common are gastric volvulus, bloating, and diabetes. Some of these diseases are caused by content errors.

Other diseases

Often there are diseases that are not included in the first three groups: atopic dermatitis, demodicosis, polyneuropathy, hypothyroidism, hemophilia and dwarfism.

Choosing a puppy and features of caring for them

Choosing a puppy is a very responsible decision, so before buying it is advisable to find out all the features of the breed and choose a good nursery. With a future family member, namely, such a place the puppy will take, it is better to get acquainted personally with the breeder. On the one hand, the breeder will always help with advice. On the other hand, you will be able to personally observe the conditions of the dogs and their parents, or at least one of them.

Before you grab the first furry that comes across, you should decide on the goals and purpose of the animal. If you need a companion and a family member, then you can close your eyes to some flaws in the exterior and only care about the health and character of the pet. Even at an early age, Alaskan Malamute puppies show personality traits that can be noticed if you watch their behavior for at least an hour. Mindfulness will help you choose "your" pet, avoid acquiring an aggressive puppy.

If you plan to take part in exhibitions, then you should pay special attention to the exterior. Individuals of the SHOW class are not cheap and are not found in every litter. In addition, it is difficult to see the prospects of a puppy at an early age without the appropriate experience. In this case, it is necessary to get the right of "first" or "second" choice and turn to the experience of the breeder.

What you should pay attention to when choosing:

• Health . Puppies should be active, with a good healthy coat, clean eyes and ears, free of foreign odors and digestive problems.
• Vaccinations and treatment for worms. It is desirable that the breeder provide a certificate of preparations and vaccinations that were made to the puppy. It is important to timely carry out treatment from helminths at the age of 5-6 weeks.
• Some hereditary diseases are known in Malamutes. and the breeder should remove such dogs from breeding, but it is difficult to consider possible problems in a puppy. Therefore, it makes sense to ask the owner for a certificate stating that no hereditary diseases were found in the parents.
• Friendliness. As a rule, in small puppies it is excessive, so unsociable and timid kids should be suspicious.
• Age and socialization. It is important to observe the golden mean between a small and grown puppy. The minimum age at which a puppy can be weaned from its mother is 6 weeks, but it is recommended to wait another 1-2 weeks for the babies to learn to communicate with their fellows. Delay the acquisition of up to 10 weeks or more is not worth it. Malamute puppies not weaned from their mother and dog pack before 10 weeks of age will begin to depend on the canine family and will be more difficult to adapt to the human.

breed standards

If you have to describe the Alaskan Malamute dog in a few words, the description of the breed will read: powerful, strong and friendly. This breed belongs to the group of Spitz and primitive dogs, section of northern sledding breeds.

Animals are characterized by a strong powerful physique, compact strong body, deep chest and strong shoulders. The posture is proud, with a warily raised head. The back is straight, slightly sloping from the shoulders to the hips. This body structure allows the Malamute to move easily and tirelessly. Its purpose is efficient work, but these animals are not suitable for speed racing.

The muzzle is massive, not too blunt, but not too pointed. The head is broad with wedge-shaped ears. Marks in the form of a mask or hood are clearly distinguished on the muzzle. The nose, eye rims, and lips are all black, with the exception of the "snow nose" characteristic of red dogs.

The eyes are brown, set obliquely, almond-shaped and of medium size. They are often called "wolf". Individuals with blue eyes are considered breeding.

The tail is fluffy, slightly curled, carried over the body. The tip of the tail does not touch the back. The hair on the tail is long, resembling a plume.

Paws are adapted for walking on snow and loads. Legs are compact and strong. Forelegs with large bone, straight, hind legs are powerful, wide, with an average angle of the hock joint. The paw pads are well cushioned with wool.

The coat is thick, designed for life in harsh conditions. Wool is represented by two types of hair: a coarse awn, which performs a protective function, and a soft undercoat. The length of the coat varies depending on the part of the body. The longest hair is around the neck and shoulders, on the back, trousers, croup and tail dewlap. On the sides, the hair is of medium length.

In the breed standard, it is customary to distinguish 2 types:

• Kotzebue

It was from this line that the first breed standard was written in 1935. The Kotzebue line is characterized by small wolf-colored animals, a wide strong head and a beautiful muzzle. The ears are small, neat, well set. The chest is voluminous and deep. The limbs are strong and the movements are smooth. As a rule, they are easy to train and calm down easily when a fight or struggle arises.

• M "Loot

The line was registered in 1947 and was distinguished by its larger size. Representatives of this type are characterized by a longer muzzle, a broad skull and tall stature. The ears are longer and set higher. The chest is smaller and the limbs are weaker. The character is more aggressive, which complicates training. Various color options are allowed: wolf, white, blue, sable-white, black-and-white.

History of the breed

The Malamute dog breed owes its origin to the Malemute Indian tribe, who once inhabited the banks of the Kotzebue River in western Alaska. This peaceful tribe used powerful strong dogs to transport goods and move around even in the most extreme conditions. No wonder the breed is considered one of the oldest. The dogs were trained to work in teams and pull boats, which was one of the reasons for their popularity among the prospectors who flooded Alaska during the "gold rush".

Possession of a team of strong and hardy animals has become a vital necessity in the conditions of the north, so Malamutes have become very popular. However, along with this, the breed began to decline, because the desire to increase the strength and stability of dogs forced new owners to use other breeds for crossing.

Purebred breeding of Malamutes began only in 1926, and 9 years later the first breed standard was approved and a club was created. However, during the Second World War, the number of representatives of the breed catastrophically decreased, and a real recovery began only in the late 1950s, when Malamutes were no longer considered only as working dogs and began to be bred as family companion dogs.

Just one look at the Malamute and in my head pop up stories about the harsh northern lands, strong male friendship and the hard work of gold miners.

Besides, it looks infinitely close to the wild. A kind of domestic wolf: noble, elegant and a little dangerous.

This is a sled dog breed, is aboriginal,. With its origin and They owe their name to the Malemute Eskimo tribe. Malamutes have a long and difficult life. Several times they were endangered:

• during the gold rush, they were brought together with other breeds to increase the speed of movement of the team;
• during the Second World War, the breed turned out to be unnecessary and its livestock rapidly decreased to a critical level.

Fortunately, dangerous times are behind us: the Malamute is right in the TOP-100 of the most popular dogs on the planet, it stands out noticeably among the conditional

In 2010, the breed was recognized as a symbol of Alaska.

Description of the breed

appearance requirements. First of all, it is a working dog and the requirements that are imposed on it are based precisely on this fact. The main function of the breed is to carry a heavy load far and long across the boundless, cold North. So the dog must be large, strong, hardy, with thick hair.

exterior standard

FCI Standard No. 243, dated 06/09/1999 "Alaskan Malamute"
Group 5 "Spitz and breeds of primitive type"
Section 1 "Northern sled dogs"

Ideal parameters:

• male 63 cm tall and weighing 38 kg;
• a female with a size at the withers - 58 cm, and a weight of 34 kg.

Fluctuations in size and volume are not strictly regulated, because the most important thing is the general condition of the animal, its ability to perform riding functions.

The description of the Malamute breed contains a characteristic coat structure - guard hair is hard and very thick, unevenly distributed throughout the body. The undercoat is very well defined and fluffy. The color is quite diverse, colors are allowed:

• white;
• grey;
• black;
• ginger;
• sable.

Color doesn't have to be uniform! An exception is made only for white dogs.

To put it bluntly, Malamutes are two-colored animals. The body should be in dark pigment, and the white color should dominate on the belly, chest, paws, muzzle of the animal. It is also allowed to have a light "collar" on the neck.

The average life span of an animal is 12 years. Malamute breed: photos clearly demonstrate the features of the exterior.

Character and skills

Alaskan Malamute: the characteristics of the breed are contradictory: in it great kindness is combined with self-will and aggression. The North does not like weakness in both man and animal. And Malamute, for a long time of selection, developed the dominance of behavior and selective obedience.

This is a dog with leadership qualities, which needs to clearly know its place in the human "pack". If this does not happen, then the owner will lose control over the behavior of the pet. But even if the dog recognizes you as the leader: unquestioning obedience is not the forte of these beautiful animals. This is a difficult breed to handle, it is necessary to educate them for a long time and with great patience.

A paradox, but by nature, this is a very good-natured and sociable breed, strongly oriented towards people.

It is difficult for them to live in a small family, to be alone. The Alaskan Malamute does not show even a bit of aggression towards a person, so the guard will not work out of it. They are contraindicated in the course of protective guard service (ZKS).

All the aggression of the breed is directed at other dogs. Here you need to be vigilant and careful so that the dog does not become a "thunderstorm of the area."

Another specific feature is great need for exercise. This is a dog for active people who are interested in:

• driving teams;
• weight pulling;
• dog tracking;
• agility;
• other sports and activities in which animals take part.

Husky or Malamute?

Malamute and Husky: the differences are not obvious. In the photo and in life they are often confused, because the breeds have a lot in common, including external resemblance. However, there are also enough differences.

So, Husky is a more compact dog, with a shorter, softer coat. Leaders in Eyes can be blue, yellow, brown and even multi-colored options are allowed. Malamute and Husky, what's the difference? Huskies are more adventurous, nimble and mobile, but less hardy. The superiority of strength is also on the side of Malamutes.

The nature of these breeds is almost identical: bad guards, self-willed, require heavy loads.

Left to right: Malamute, Husky

There is an opinion that this breed is unsuitable for living in an apartment, but this is only partly true. The Alaskan Malamute does not feel well without movement, if he gets his active exercise on the street - everything is in order.
Of course, living in a private house with free range is better. But here lies another danger: the Malamute must be with people. The role of a chain or aviary dog ​​is not suitable for him, especially since the protective qualities of the breed are not high. Only constant contact with a person.

But not only frosts should be considered by the owner. Malamute is a real shrew that will dig up a site in a matter of minutes. The instinct of the hunter makes them look for rodents and they indulge in this entertainment with all their unspent energy. And there are a lot of her!

Care and Nutrition

Malamute care will take time. Wool must be carefully combed 2 times a week. During shedding, this process will have to be given even more time, because the old hair will literally fall out in shreds.

In nutrition, these sled dogs are not particularly whimsical and they can either switch to special dry food, or completely better if the diet contains a minimum of grain crops. It does not hurt to include fish oil or fish in the diet (mackerel or canned tuna 2 r per week, half a can).

Feed a puppy 3 times a day, and an adult dog - 2 times.

Fans of this breed create a fairly close community. These are people who often cannot imagine life without sports, hiking and long walks in nature. Strong not only physically, but also in character.

There is even a joke in specialized communities: Get a Malamute and your life will change forever! This has a good reason: the breed requires specific treatment and the former mode of being will no longer be possible. Malamute: owner reviews are extremely specific. If you are not ready to change your life radically, then this breed is not for you.

Just as the North does not like random people, so Malamute is a dog for a person of a special warehouse.

Additionally, check out the video about the Malamute dog breed:

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