ALASKAN MALAMUTE: AFFECTIONATE AND STRONG
69ICE BEAUTIES
ALASKAN MALAMUTES
Although it has a wolf-like appearance, the Alaskan Malamute is extremely affectionate, and has a long history of positive interactions with humans. Malamutes are not an overly demonstrative breed, but will abandon all dignity for a playful frolic with people or dogs it knows. This dog is powerfully built, with a deep chest and outstanding stamina, and many believe that while Jack London referred to the great strength of huskies in his London novels of life in the frozen North, he was actually writing about the Alaskan Malamute, instead. Popular in both Canada and the United States as a companion, these dogs thrive on physical activity, and excel in sled-racing competitions.
BREED HISTORY
This breed was named after the Mahlemut Inuit that lived on the Arctic Coast of western Alaska. Alaskan Malamutes were used as draft animals long before the first European visited the Americas.
APPEARANCE
Alaskan Malamutes have small, well furred ears that lose little body heat. Their almond shaped eyes are friendly, interested, and mischievously alert. Their coat is very dense, a problem in warmer climates, since they can easily suffer from heat stroke. They have strong-boned, heavily muscled legs that are ideal for traction and weight pulling, with the females being considerably smaller than the males. The weight range is from 85 to 125 pounds (39-56kg), and they typically stand from 23 to 28 inches tall (58-71 cm).
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS, CARE, AND PERSONALITY
The Alaskan Malamute was first used as a sled pulling dog, and hunter, and continues to excel in sled pulling ports today. He is also an excellent companion dog, but is not suitable for urban living, and requires a good deal of exercise. He loves cold weather, and is suitable for outdoor living, with protective accommodations. He is especially devoted to his people, as his loyal ancesters allowed humans to survive in harsh climates for many years. Your Alaskan Malamute can be expected to live for about 12 years with proper care.
Reference: Dogalog, Dr. Bruce Fogle, DVM, DK Publishing, Inc., New York, NY.
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My favorite dogs!! Obviously! lol I'm going to link this to my couple of Alaskan Malamute hubs. Love this last picture. My Malachi does the same happy smile! Wonderful hub!
Thanks therherbivorehippi. I once had a Siberian Husky, but she died of heat stroke inside my home, and it nearly broke my heart. It was a bad summer, and its a long story that I won't tell now. She was beautiful, white with blue eyes, and it was so tragic. MY brother has a dog who is half Siberian Husky, and the other half who knows what. She was obviously an accident, but a wonderful dog, and gorgeous with odd colored eyes, blue and brown. I love the spitz dogs. They are so neat, but it is so hot in Georgia.
What great photos and what a super breed. For some reason I feel like wrestling with a malamute - they seem to have a kind of fun-loving disposition (look at that smile). Maybe since they can work so hard they know how to play hard. What a great hub! Whew! Thanks!
Yeah, they look like big teddy bears. I'd love to wrestle with one too, but already have four dogs, all energetic and high energy, and three cats. It'll be a while before I can take on any more unless I acquire more land and become licensed to run a no kill shelter. Ha. Thanks for dropping in, BK. Come again sometimes. I had a Siberian Husky once, but she died of heat stroke in my house when the air conditioning wasn't working. I'd be afraid to have another one unless I come into a lot of money.(: v
GarnetBird Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago
Lovely Hub--my bestfriend and I had a wonderful Malamute in the yard when we lived together. The local kids called it a Wolf. It was sooo goofy and gentle!