Alaskan Malamute - breed description and dog character

Another breed, similar to the well-known husky. Today we look at Alaskan Malamutes, interesting large individuals who have long been universally recognized. The popularity of dogs is colossal, they are proud and powerful, northern beauties. It is difficult to pass by and not deign attention to the pet. What is so unique about Malamutes? Let's get it together.

Historical reference

1. The origin of the breed to this day remains a mystery. Scientists have failed to establish who is the ancestor of the present malamute. Some argue that dogs originally lived in a tribe called maleuti, who have long settled in Alaska.
2. Sled dogs are famous for their powerful physique, stamina, and ability to work in cold climatic regions. They were used to move heavy loads, harnessed to a harness.
3. When the gold rush began, demand for precious metals skyrocketed. It was impossible to get to the fields on their own, so the treasure hunters used heavyweights. Strong dogs quickly delivered a man to his destination, and then he was taken back with gold.
4. All prospectors wanted to become happy owners of Malamutes, so the demand for the breed grew every day. After a small amount of time, the number of livestock increased significantly, finally, dogs were honored with attention.
5. Since human greed and the desire to possess all the riches in the world have no boundaries, the Malamutes began to cross with other larger pedigree groups. There were fewer purebred dogs, the number fell again.
6. The gold rush was replaced by a sports one, no less demanding. Dogs were harnessed, then competitions were held. Wealthy people knew that only true purebred malamutes can win. They did their best to restore the breed again.
7. It was possible to stop the disappearance of the breed group in the last century. Moreover, the number of thoroughbred pets has increased. After such tests, professional breeders seriously engaged in breeding and distribution of the breed. Soon she gained worldwide fame, received international standards and began to participate in the exhibition career.
8. An amateur breed club was created. But when the war came, the Malamutes began to be destroyed. Ultimately, no more than 30 dogs remained, of which after the war they began to revive the breed. Again. Titanic work in the struggle for a beautiful breed - the breeders were ready for anything.
9. If we talk about the popularity of dogs today, they are in the TOP-20 of the most popular animals. This summary affects not only our country, but the whole world. In 2010, Malamute was made a symbol of Alaska.

Description

1. There are several subspecies of malamutes. The first type is M-Loot, the second - Kotzebue. M-Loot is distinguished by a powerful skeleton, a more developed muscular part, as well as aggression and overall dimensions. Kotzebue is not so angry and agile, rather, they act as working "horses" of the middle class.
2. As for the color, there are dogs gray-black, gray-blue with white markings. Kotzebue is similar to wolves in the color of their coat. They have an easygoing character, while the M-Loots are distinguished by an obstinate temper.
3. Among the breeders of our time, there is debate about which of the varieties is at the origins of the breed. But it is important to understand that both species are beautiful in their own way, therefore it cannot be said that one of them is better and the other worse.
4. No matter who is in front of you, the dog must fall within the generally accepted international standards. Its body is compact and large, not stretched, with strong bone tissue.

Breed standard

1. The coat is dense, thick, semi-permanent. The outer hair is stiff, so it rarely stray into tangles. There is a soft and plentiful oil-impregnated undercoat, which allows dogs to “get out of the water dry.” That is, moisture protection is provided.
2. Gender superiority is moderate, naturally, females are smaller than males. Dogs in height at the withers reach 60–63 cm, females - 57–59 cm. Weight is on the same border, regardless of the gender of the individual in front of you. Body weight is approximately 35-38 kg.
3. The head is large, but at the same time proportional. If you look at the pets from the side, then it will seem dull. The muzzle is voluminous, there are no sharp lines. The muzzle should not be pointed.
4. The lips are dense, medium in thickness, adjacent to the impressive size of the jaws. The teeth are fully equipped, smooth and white, the bite is correct, scissor-like.
5. The eyes are almond shaped, slightly slanting. The iris is brownish. A serious flaw refers to a blue or gray-blue eye shade.
6. The nose is large with open nostrils. Pigmented preferably black if the dog is wolf or gray. For brown individuals, the lobe is allowed to be browned.
7. Ears with rounded ends, stand, set wide, triangular in format. Overgrown with wool, on the reverse side it is darker than the general background of the coat.
8. The case is assembled, harmonious, the format is rectangular closer to square. The back is even and strong, the withers are moderately visible. Pets are muscular, with a wide and deepened chest.
9. Extremities with a thick and developed skeleton look impressive and powerful. The tail at the end is slightly curved, even when the dog is calm, it does not fall, but rises above the croup.
10. Dogs belong to centenarians if all conditions of detention are met and proper health support is provided. Pets live up to 15 years. As for breeding, one litter brings about 5 puppies.

Character

1. The nature of the breed in question is distinguished by kindness and friendliness. Such dogs cannot stand loneliness. Pets simply need a trusting and close relationship with the family of a person or a dog pack. Such an animal will fit perfectly into a large family, especially if you have small children.
2. Malamutes adore small children and can spend a lot of time with them without problems. These dogs are considered excellent nannies. Representatives of the breed in question are very attached to their owner. In addition, Malamutes need to be reminded that they are necessary and valuable members of the family.
3. Keep in mind that pets are very attached to the owner, but this does not mean that such an animal does not need full freedom. If you keep the dog in a locked enclosure at all times, it can be severely affected psychologically. Malamute also loses respect and trust in the owner.
4. Separately, it is worth mentioning that the breed in question is not distinguished by unwavering fidelity. Such dogs in their entire lives can serve no single owner. If a person loses credibility in the eyes of a pet, he will become interested in other stronger people.
5. You should not take such a characteristic feature for betrayal. The fact is that the presented dogs have high intelligence and innate stubbornness. Therefore, if you do the same exercises with your pet, they will quickly get bored with it.
6. If you tell the dog to do the same exercise all day, she may think that you treat her disrespectfully. Such moments are remembered for a long time. Therefore, before you start such a breed, you should think carefully.Malamutes are intended for experienced dog breeders.
7. Do not forget that such dogs have stubbornness and self-will. Therefore, during training there are difficulties of a certain nature. The pet remembers all the teams without any problems the first time thanks to the sharp mind. The dog can perform them a couple of times, after which he becomes bored and uninteresting.
8. As a result, monotonous teams quickly get bored with malamute. In the future, the dog may completely abandon the training. If you think that due to a serious and formidable appearance, an excellent guard will come out of the breed in question, it is worth disappointing you. No guards are obtained from the Malamutes.
9. Representatives of the breed are friendly to absolutely everyone. From malamute you can make an angry dog. Only this happens due to certain circumstances. In childhood, a pet could get a serious psychological trauma. An important role is played by upbringing and attitude towards the pet.

Care

1. As for water procedures, there are no special problems. Such dogs simply adore splashing in the water. The main thing is that while bathing you need to thoroughly wash the shampoo from the coat. Dry it and comb.
2. Be sure to comb out the animal as often as possible during molting. Otherwise, warlocks begin to form. Rub your eyes once a week, regularly cut your nails. Ears need to be cleaned once a month.

Malamute is a symbol of Alaska, in the process of its formation, the breed encountered significant difficulties and was on the verge of extinction several times. But thanks to the efforts of specialists, it was possible to maintain strong working dogs, which today are among the top twenty. You have familiarized yourself with all the data related to the Malamutes, and for sure you could make up your mind about them.

Video: dog breed Alaskan Malamute