Alaskan Malamute: features of the breed, nature and content

Dog is man’s best friend. Many people know this firsthand, keeping their furry companions at home. There are a lot of different breeds of dogs - these can be miniature fluffies for city apartments, and large healthy people, which can only be kept in a private house. Today we will meet unique sled dogs of the Alaskan Malamute breed.

Alaskan Malamute is a very powerful, intelligent and attractive dog. To appreciate all its positive qualities, you should understand the history of its origin. There is no exact information exactly when the Alaskan Malamute appeared, however, it is known for certain who its immediate ancestors were. The ancestors of these solid and beautiful animals were domestic animals belonging to the Malamute family. They inhabited the shores of Alaska. These animals were distinguished by a powerful and strong physique. They were very hardy and wore a dense, thick coat of wool.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the "gold rush" raged with might and main. This fact also influenced the development and distribution of Alaskan Malamutes, since getting to rich deposits was only possible if the team was entrusted to strong dogs. A large number of gold prospectors wanted to get such a useful and powerful favorite.

However, the listed phenomena also had a downside. People who longed for countless wealth and luxury tried to cross Malamutes with other existing breeds.to get even more hardy, effective, fast and not requiring difficult care of the dog. Such activity ultimately led to the fact that there were catastrophically few pure-bred animals, they were extremely rare.

Then the gold rush was replaced by a sports rush. Gambling people, keen on racing sledding, began to actively revive the thoroughbred northern breed. Huge amounts of money were invested in this process, but gambling people did not skimp, because only with a pure-bred malamute could they win races.

Only closer to the 20s of the last century it turned out not only to stop the disappearance of representatives of this beautiful breed, but also to increase their population. It was at that moment that the work on breeding Alaskan Malamutes was raised to the highest level. After a dozen years, this breed has gained worldwide recognition. Moreover, a special club was opened and the Malamute standard was built.

Everything went well until the war period. During this period, significant extermination of the recently recognized Malamutes was observed. As a result, this led to a marked decrease in their numbers. There are no more than 30 individuals left. When the war ended, it was necessary to carry out truly titanic work to restore the population of Alaskan Malamutes.

By the 60s of the last century, the problem of their disappearance was completely eradicated. The disappearance of this breed was no longer discussed. In today's world, these smart and hardy pets are among the twenty most popular and necessary breeds in the world.

Yes, the historical path of Alaskan Malamutes was quite long, but today representatives of this breed are enviable and widespread in the world.

If you decide to get such a beautiful and smart companion, then you should analyze his description in detail in order to know who you are dealing with.

• The weight of Alaskan Malamute directly depends on its gender. So, the average weight of a healthy adult male is usually about 38 kg. Among males, sometimes heavier giant individuals are also found. Females are lighter and smaller. Their body weight reaches no more than 34 kg.
• Sex also affects the growth of Alaskan Malamutes. Typically, the height of females at the withers is 58 cm, and that of males is 63 cm.
• Representatives of this famous northern breed may have a different coat color. Most often, this factor is influenced by the inbreed line. For example, in the Kotzebue line there are individuals that have only a simple gray color, which is popularly called wolf. If we are talking about the Mlut line, then there may be such colors as blue, red, black and white, brown with white, sable. One-color thoroughbred dogs are exclusively white.
• Many people are interested in the question: what is the life expectancy of these dogs? On average, Alaskan Malamute lives from 12 to 15 years. Representatives of the northern breed are considered long-livers. Of course, much depends on the conditions in which the animal is kept. This factor has a serious impact on the quality and life expectancy of malamute, like any other breed.

It is worth understanding the appearance characteristics of this beautiful and intelligent animal.

• The head of an Alaskan malamute is usually wide, large and proportional. The expression on the muzzle of these dogs is friendly and kind. They do not inspire fear and horror.
• Malamute's nose is black.If the rest of the coat color is red, then the nose will correspond to it. A special “snow nose” is also acceptable. In this case, the tip of the nose is covered, covered with whitish veins, contrasting against the background of the main shade.
• The bite of Alaskan malamute is scissor-like.
• The eyes of this good-natured dog have the shape of an almond, stand obliquely. The color of the iris is most often dark. Common animals with brown and a little less - blue eyes. The last color of the iris is considered a disadvantage of this breed.
• The ears of Alaskan Malamute grow triangular and slightly rounded at the ends. They should not be planted high, since this feature is considered a significant drawback of the breed and does not apply to the norm.
• The loin of malamute is proportional and very strong. Usually its length is medium. If the loin is long, then this factor can be attributed to the lack of a dog.
• The tail of these dogs is raised and slightly twisted. It has a rather magnificent edge. Visually, the tail of a malamute looks like a plume.

If we consider the description and characteristics of purebred Alaskan people, then it is worth paying attention to some of their distinctive features, which may surprise many breeders.

• Dogs of this breed have wolf habits. The wolf is one of the ancestors of the Malamutes, and it was he who gave them the habit of howling at the moon. For this reason, leaving such a pet alone with himself at night and in an open-air cage, you can hear a dreary and protracted howl.
• These animals have non-standard cat claws. This is one of the most interesting and unusual features of representatives of this northern breed. Their paws are very different from most other species. When you press the pillow, the claws of the malamute are knocked forward, as is the case with cats. By the way, the last Alaskans can not stand.
• Distinguishes these individuals and a special bearish tread. Their limbs are somewhat similar to heavy snowshoes. In terms of direct appearance, the paws have much in common with the bear - they are wide, massive and heavy. Due to such features, malamutes do not go deep into the snow, moving along it. The creature's weight is optimally distributed during the step.

If you plan to make a luxurious Alaskan malamute, then you should definitely familiarize yourself with all the features of its character and behavior. Only making sure that you are ready to become a friend for such an animal can you decide to purchase it. Alaskan Malamute is a very friendly and sociable dog. Representatives of this breed are big fans to attract a lot of attention, to be the center of the company. That is why such animals are ideal for large families, where they will feel at ease.

Such conditions of detention will certainly please the thoroughbred northern dog. Alaskan Malamute is a good nanny for children. He can easily become a companion for a child in active games. This pastime for dogs of this breed gives them great pleasure. Despite the fact that northern thoroughbred dogs are madly in love with people close to them and are very attached to the owners, they all the same all the time will expect from a person the same mutual relationship. This dog is a herd, so it is vital for her to be in the family - it is not just a pet’s whim.

Be sure to take into account the fact that Alaskan Malamute is not a dog that can be closed in a large cage or in an aviary. The enclosed spaces are absolutely not suitable for representatives of this northern breed. For them, such conditions are akin to torture.Long solitude for malamute is also not recommended. If you allow this attitude to your pet, then soon he will surely withdraw into himself, lose confidence in you as a master (and this is a very serious omission, which will entail a huge number of problems). Often, Malamutes, who are not given due attention, cease to love their man and respect him.

Alaskan, unlike most furry brothers, is not considered the darling of only one single owner and for life. It is enough to once question the trust of this animal in itself, to insult it in any way or to lose its respect, as it very quickly “throws” its interest to a completely different person. Such behavior cannot be called treacherous from the Malamute.

The fact is that representatives of this breed are extremely stubborn and quick-witted. Constantly repeated identical actions quickly bother these creatures. Simply put, if you start to give orders several times a day to deliver your slippers or a newspaper, then the stubborn Malamute can receive such signals as a demonstration of disrespect.

This fact suggests that Alaskan Malamute - This is not a dog that should be started by novice dog breedersnot having the proper experience in dealing with such pets. If you have not yet learned to raise dogs with such a difficult character, then in the end you can make a lot of mistakes in communicating with Malamute. As a result, this will lead to many problems that will be difficult to solve.

Malamutes are big stubborn. Because of this, it is incredibly difficult to train and educate them. However, it is interesting that because of their natural curiosity and high intelligence indicators, they can remember many of the teams literally the first time. Not every dog ​​can boast of such qualities. Often, Alaskan Malamutes quickly and easily fulfill requests and commands from the hosts, but not more than a couple of times. A little later, these animals simply get tired of doing the same things. They will seem boring and monotonous to the Malamute.

It should be noted that if you are struck by the impressive dimensions of these pets, and you decide to get yourself a dog so that it guards your property and home, then you will be very disappointed. Despite its large size, powerful legs and skeleton, the Alaskan Malamute will never use this chic “arsenal”. To demonstrate aggression towards another person. This feature of the behavior of Malamute is due to its natural kindness and friendly disposition.

Do not expect from Alaskan Malamute that he will rush at a stranger who is completely unfamiliar to him. An exception can be only those cases when a stranger poses a real danger to the owners of a thoroughbred northern dog. Guests and any other people entering your house can be absolutely calm - Malamute will treat them very friendly and hospitable. He certainly will not rush at visitors, will not snap at them, demonstrating aggression.

There are situations when, due to improper upbringing or serious psychological trauma experienced at an early age, the dog can become a truly uncontrollable and terribly aggressive beast. Experienced breeders and veterinarians strongly advise against buying puppies with similar traits and inclinations. If such a pet has nevertheless appeared in your home, then under no circumstances can you further cultivate excess aggression or attempt to direct it against other people. As a result of such actions, all the dangerous aggression of Malamute can turn against its own owners. This result is very common, and this must be borne in mind when choosing a pet.

Having noticed the first attacks of aggression of Alaskan malamute, it is necessary to immediately and firmly stop them. If you are unable to resolve such problems on your own, it is recommended that you give the pet to specialists. It is advisable not to waste time in vain and do it as soon as possible, because the Alaskan Malamute is a large and strong dog, and not a small "plush" Spitz, it will not be easy to deal with it.

Before you start the Alaskan Malamute, you need to understand what conditions of detention suit him most. First of all, it should be borne in mind that representatives of this well-known northern breed simply need serious physical activity. A dog of this breed should spend a lot of time in the forest, parks and other open areas of this type. If you think that such a pet can be brought out for a walk around the house and this will be enough, then you are deeply mistaken. Such walks to the Alaskan Malamute will be negligible.

Alaskan Malamute must be lowered from the leash while walking. Of course, it is recommended to do this at specialized sites where there are special slides, obstacles and other intricate structures made specifically for physical exertion. If such loads are not enough for the Malamute, then the dog will literally begin to languish, it will become very lazy. Often Alaskan Malamutes, who do not waste their energy, begin to get seriously ill.

It should be borne in mind that the Malamutes are big fans of digging holes. This is another reason to often walk such animals in the forest or outside the city. In the courtyard of a private house, such a dog will not only have little space. In addition, he will quickly overtake the entire territory and it will be impossible to move there. As mentioned above, Alaskan malamute cannot be kept in a closed enclosure. In such conditions, a dog of this breed will feel very uncomfortable, will become homesick.

Alaskan Malamute, like a dog of any other breed, needs proper and constant care. Let us consider in more detail how to properly care for such difficult pets. One of the main features of Alaskan Malamute is its luxurious, thick coat. Due to the natural “fur coat”, the long-haired dog easily tolerates low temperatures and can be kept in the open without problems. Malamute wool only thins in the hot summer season. It does not matter what weather and temperature is outside the window - the wool of Alaskan malamute will need to be thoroughly combed out.

Comb malamute wool should be using a special brush or comb. Such tools can be bought at the pet store. It is advisable to use high-quality and strong devices. It is not worth doing too sharp and tearing movements during combing so as not to hurt the dog. If these procedures are neglected, soon the dog’s hair will roll into whole tangles, woolen lumps will fly around the house, which will settle on furniture and clothes.

We must not forget about the bathing of these fluffy healthy men. As a rule, bathing Malamutes is performed once every 3 months.If the dog has a “richer” two-tone color, then it must be bathed using special products that are sold in pet stores. One remedy should be used for white spots, in order to wash the wool as high as possible, and another remedy for dark ones, so that they do not lose color depth and do not lose a beautiful shine. Special shampoo for such pets must be selected correctly. A sales assistant in a pet store should help you with this.

If your pet does not participate in various competitions and exhibitions, then the above recommendation can be ignored. After completing all bath procedures, you will need to dry the already clean dog. Dry malamute using a hairdryer and brush. If you dry the dog’s coat without a brush or comb, it will get tangled up and gather into lumps. When working with a hairdryer, a thick undercoat will need to be combed well so that it does not get tangled. Having completed this procedure, a clean and dry dog ​​will look like a true exhibition copy.

Drying malamute preferably not too hot air flow. It is better to set the average temperature. Simple warm air is enough for drying. It is even better if you use a rather quiet device, since excess noise can scare the dog, especially if such procedures are new to her or she is still small. Care is needed for the teeth, claws and ears of Alaskan Malamute.

Note - the ears of such a dog must be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the auricles. As soon as you notice pollution in them, you must immediately get rid of them. It is recommended that the dog clean its ears using a cotton swab previously moistened with hydrogen peroxide. Keep an eye on the state of the claws of malamute. They need to be trimmed once a month. Of course, such a procedure will be needed if only the dog does not grind its claws on the asphalt when it runs and walks.

Brush malamute teeth once a week. For this, you only need to use special paste. The usual product that people use is not suitable for this. The brush for cleaning dog teeth should also be special. Such tools can be found in many pet stores. Pastes for dogs can be selected not ordinary, but with different tastes. For example, options with bacon or beef are in great demand.

Pay enough attention to the northern dog. Spend a lot of time on it. Watch the condition of the dog. If malamute is sick, then it must be treated immediately. Do not waste time. At the first suspicion of an Alaskan disease, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Alaskan Malamutes must be fed correctly. Most often, breeders give these pets ready-made industrial feeds that do not need to be pre-cooked or prepared in any other way. Such products must belong to a high class of quality. Cheap budget food is not recommended for dogs in principle. Experts recommend giving Alaskan Malamutes high-quality feeds that bear such marks.

• Organic Such a mark on the branded packaging with the fodder indicates that meat of natural origin was involved in its production, and not its cheap artificial substitutes and analogues. Such products will only benefit the thoroughbred pet.
• Holistic. A similar mark is placed on such high-quality feeds that are made specifically for animals suffering from certain diseases relating to the gastrointestinal tract. Such instances are expensive, but do not harm the body of the dog.It is advisable to pick them up after a visit to a veterinarian who will tell you exactly what kind of food should be given to your pet.
• Human-grade. This mark on the selected feed will indicate that all the food components involved in the manufacture of the finished product can be eaten even by humans.

It is advisable to buy branded feed for Alaskans. You can first consult with a veterinarian who will help you to choose the best products. If you decide to get an Alaskan malamute, then you should know that representatives of this breed are big beggars. But remember - you can’t feed them food from the human table in any case.

If you want to please the dog with some goodies, then you should create such conditions under which he deserves it. For example, you can ask your pet to execute one of the teams. After a correctly executed request, Malamute can be treated.

If you do not want to feed your pet with ready-made feeds, but prefer to give natural fresh products, then you should consider the age of malamute. Little puppies eat one food, and adults eat another. Let's look in detail what types of products can be given to representatives of the northern breed at different ages, and which ones should be discarded. If Malamute has not yet turned 8 months old, then it will be possible to feed him with such useful products as:

• fresh pieces of boiled beef meat;
• raw veal slices;
• fresh sea fish;
• rice
• buckwheat;
• oatmeal;
• cottage cheese;
• boiled eggs;
• vegetables;
• fruits.

It is forbidden to give potatoes to young malamutes. For dogs whose age is more than 8 months, it is advisable to give the following products:

• fresh high-quality meat (it should be the basis of the entire ration of a thoroughbred dog);
• cheese;
• dairy products;
• fruits and vegetables;
• cereals.

Young individuals should be fed 4 to 6 times a day. Adult dogs should be fed 2 times a day. What we can and should give to Alaskan Malamutes we have sorted out, but now it’s worth considering what products these animals are not allowed to give:

• spicy food;
• sausages (any);
• smoked products;
• salted fish, especially river fish;
• food with various chemical additives;
• marinade products;
• food with spices and various spices;
• fried food;
• confectionery.

Animals, whose diet is made up correctly, live longer and get sick less often. Do not give your pet forbidden foods, even if he diligently begs them. It is advisable to keep all unnecessary food in a place to which Malamute will not be able to reach. In this way, you will protect him from harmful and dangerous nutrition for him. Making a diet for Alaskan Malamute perfectly suited and balanced is quite difficult. It is advisable not to do it yourself.

Alaskan Malamute must be properly educated and trained. Without this, the animal will behave very badly, which will cause a lot of inconvenience to its owner. Before you begin to train your big shaggy friend, you need to analyze his usual diet. If the animal eats ready-made feeds, then the treats for correctly executed commands should be in the form of granules. If you praise the dog with natural treats, then after a while he will violently protest and simply refuse to eat dry food, which he happily ate before.

We will analyze what educational measures you need to apply in relation to malamute. First of all, you will need to overcome the stubbornness of this dog. Do not forget that Alaskan Malamutes are terrible harms, therefore it is not recommended to pull them with their education.It is better to start as soon as possible in order to take matters into your own hands. You need to start training a thoroughbred puppy as soon as he is in the house. The owner will have to be patient. Only the person who has enough of it will be able to overcome bad habits and innate qualities of the animal. Only in this way can you conquer the Alaskan.

It is very important to show leadership in the education of malamute. Do not forget - Alaskans are far from being led pets. They are leaders, therefore, in a pack constantly prove their superiority to fellow men. As a member of the new family, Malamute will certainly try to show its leadership here. It is extremely important to demonstrate to the dog who is more important in the house. It is necessary to do this without resorting to physical strength. Under no circumstances should a puppy be beaten.

Be sure to keep total control over the pet. Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent dog. It is normal for her to make independent decisions, judiciously assessing the current situation. In this case, to obey the owner or not - the dog of the northern breed will decide for himself. For this reason, any malamute oversight must be reacted properly. It is necessary to gain the trust of the Alaskan Malamute and convince him that he must fulfill any command that the owner asks for.

Remember that Alaskan Malamute needs work, because it was for this reason that it was originally bred. If the owner will take part in the work, then from this his relationship with the pet will only be strengthened. Of course, no one forces you to drag entire teams of loads with you, but playing with the Alaskan ball or running along forest paths is your responsibility.

Alaskan Malamutes, like representatives of any other breeds, are susceptible to a number of diseases. If we are talking about genetic diseases, then, as a rule, they can be predicted and identified even before the offspring are born. That is why it is so important and necessary to buy furry fidgets exclusively from professional breeders. Below are two of the most common diseases that are inherited in northern dogs.

• "Snowy nose." A similar disease is manifested by a change in pigmentation of the nose of the dog from dark to pink. State data must be kept under control. The animal will not be able to spend much time in direct sunlight. The primary treatment should be to apply a special tattoo. Breeders have taken control of this ailment at the genetic level and therefore do not cross animals that carry this gene.
• Chondrodysplasia This disease is a violation of the algorithm for the development of cartilage. If the necessary measures are not taken in time, the dog simply will not be able to run fast, and in some cases even walk. Symptoms of this disease manifest themselves, constantly increasing. At first, the dog will simply become tired more quickly, then it will begin to abandon active games, without which Alaskan Malamutes cannot imagine their life. After a while, the pet will just lie in its usual place, stretching out its legs tiredly.

The thoroughbred puppy of the Alaskan malamute needs to be selected very carefully and thoughtfully. First you need to get acquainted with all the characteristics and features of this breed. If you are sure that you can cope with Malamute, you can go and choose the puppy you like.

• It is recommended to buy such animals in nurseries with a good reputation. If you do not want to go to such an institution or there is no such opportunity, then it is permissible to contact private breeders.
• It is very important to pay attention to the presence of all necessary documents in animals.Malamute puppy must have documentation of RKF or SCOR (these organizations are official).
• Please note that the so-called club documents will always be very risky, because you can buy a not purebred puppy, or an individual with certain problems associated with the psyche or the exterior.
• Pay attention to the age of the puppy being bought. It should be 1 to 4 months. Those who prefer to buy very small monthly babies usually explain their choice by the fact that at this age the pet still does not have time to acquire all the bad habits that appear in the conditions of life in the pack. In addition, such small animals quickly become attached to their master.
• Those people who prefer to buy older individuals argue that such creatures can more easily and accurately determine all the exterior inclinations.
• Regardless of age, malamute puppies should be curious, active. In addition, healthy thoroughbred babies should have a good appetite. Small malamutes should not have a thick tummy, their paws are always dense and straight (curvature is unacceptable), the tail is thick, and their eyes are perky and lively.
• Take a closer look at the coat of the puppy you like. It should be clean, soft, thick and fluffy.
• If you are looking for a dog that will perform at exhibitions in the future, then you should pay attention not only to its external data, but also to its behavior - the pet should be impudent and confident.
• Quality and healthy puppies should not be lethargic and sleepy. Their ears and eyes must be clean.

Alaskan Malamutes can live in an apartment, but their innate digging instincts will not give the owners peace. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to wean a pet from this bad habit. Note - if the animal has no land under its paws, it will start to dig other things - the floor or furniture. When buying a puppy who is 1.5 months old, you need to make sure that he was given the primary vaccinations and was treated for worms. Deworming in all cases precedes vaccination.

You can choose a malamute puppy using the method in which the leash is involved. A collar with a leash should be worn on the pet, and then gradually move away from it. It is generally accepted that if the baby after a short persuasion begins to follow the person, not trying to fall down, whine or crawl, then a wonderful and balanced dog with leadership qualities will come out of it.

If you plan to feed malamute with ready-made industrial feeds, then you should consider that it is better to buy them only in pet stores. Those products that are on the shelves of supermarkets and similar stores are best avoided - as a rule, their quality leaves much to be desired. It is not recommended to buy ready-made feeds for Alaskan Malamutes, in the content of which cereals are listed first.

Try not to leave Alaskan Malamute alone with you for a long time. This can be a real test for the pet. As a result, loneliness often affects the mental state of animals of this breed. Malamute will simply lose all interest in the owner and will not listen at all.

All about the Alaskan Malamute dog breed in the video below.