BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
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Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
U.S.A.
Height:
25 inches at the shoulder is the preferred height but can be up to 30 inches.
Weight:
Average weight is about 85 lbs but can weigh over 100 lbs.
(Females are generally 2 inches shorter and 10 pounds lighter.)
Breed Profile:
The Alaskan Malamute was named for an Inuit tribe, the Mahlemut. Originally used in hunting seals, set loose in packs to chase polar bears, and to haul heavy sledges or pack in supplies — the Malamute was a true working dog. He is also known as the legendary freighting dog of polar expeditions and served the military during both World wars. Today the Malamute is mainly a companion dog but is also involved in: packing, weight pulling, sledding, skijoring, carting, conformation, and obedience.
The general appearance of the Alaskan Malamute should be that of a powerfully built dog with a broad, deep chest, large bone and a broad head. The Malamute adapts well to warmer climates but is definitely an outdoor type that needs lots of exercise and prefers the winter months — an ideal choice for the cold-weather sports enthusiast. The outer coat is thick and coarse in colours from light grey to black with white, and he also has very distinctive markings on the face.
He is self-confident, strong-willed, affectionate and friendly. Intelligent but often independent by nature, obedience training is strongly recommended for the new owner. With his friendly nature to people, he does not generally make a good guard dog, however, his appearance alone can be very intimidating. The Malamute will generally get along with other family pets if raised with them; however, he is not usually tolerant of strange animals that he comes into contact with. Not a big barker, the Malamute does however, carry on conversations by "talking" and may occasionally howl.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Alaskan Malamute puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health Concerns for the Alaskan Malamute
- www.malmutehealth.org — This site was created and is actively maintained by a group of concerned AMCA members, including breeders, independent of AMCA, Inc. The site contains a comprehensive compilation of information relating to health issues and health research concerning the Alaskan Malamute.
- Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Alaskan Malamute
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Alaskan Malamute Breeds Requirements — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Breed Standard No 243
AKC Alaskan Malamute DVD
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
Published by the American Kennel Club.
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Photo courtesy of Sanekats Registered Kennel
Training Resources
- Basic Alpha Training for Malamutes — From the AMHL
- A Primer on Working the Alaskan Malamute — An article by Linda Dowdy on training Malamutes for sled work.
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- So, You Think You Want a Malamute...
- Wolf Hybrids — Fantasy and Facts — From the AMCC
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
