This northern breed is actually the largest of all the Arctic dogs, sometimes weighing as much as 100 pounds. The Alaskan Malamute is sturdy, solid, and strong. They have a plumed tail that is usually carried over the back and a coarse double coat which is typically between 1 and 3 inches long. This thick coat insulates the dog in the coldest of climates and is found in a range of colors from light grey to black. Sable and even red are also common. Color combinations for this breed include black and white, wolf sable (red undercoat with a darker grey outercoat), wolf grey, and red. Solid colors are not generally acceptable, the single exception being a solid white coat. The highlights of the coat are usually darker, sometimes with a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are usually white, though there are some exceptions to this standard.
The head of the Alaskan Malamute is wide and the ears are large and erect. The eyes should be of a medium size, almond in shape, and placed obliquely on the skull. The eyes themselves should be dark in color according to most associations. Blue eyes are typically grounds for disqualification in the show ring, but many enthusiasts and fans of the breed find blue eyes desirable.
Grooming is fairly easy with this breed. They don't really need to be bathed since the coat of an Alaskan Malamute almost repels dirt. You might want to use a dry shampoo a few times a year, but otherwise don't worry about it. This breed is clean and virtually odorless. You will, however, have to brush your dog frequently. Twice a week most of the time and daily during the spring and falls seasons when this breed drops an incredible amount of hair. Brushing will help keep the shedding under control and relieve any itching your dog may experience, but there's no getting away from all the shedding.
The temperament of the Alaskan Malamute will either make you love them or hate them. This dog is intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and sweet. They are good with older children and tend to be rather mellow as adults (though as puppies they can be terrors). They enjoy cooler temperatures and living outdoors, though they really do need the presence of their "people" to be happy. Ideally, this breed should live with people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Of course, no breed is all sunshine and roses. These dogs need a firm leader and something to do. If they are lacking either of these things, they can become destructive, sometimes doing thousands of dollars worth of damage in very little time. Alaskan Malamutes are also incredibly stubborn, which can make them difficult to train. They need constant attention and consistency in order to grow into well-mannered adult dogs.
This dog has a strong prey drive, so supervise them when they're around small children and animals. Under normal circumstances, it's perfectly safe to have them around children and other animals, but be cautious anyway. These dogs are very like wolves, so if you wouldn't leave a wolf alone with your child, don't leave an Alaskan Malamute alone with your child. Also be careful of allowing this dog free reign with other dogs, especially dogs of the same gender. Fights can sometimes occur, and breaking up a dog fight is never any fun. They need a lot of socialization early in life to overcome these tendencies.
Alaskan Malamutes have another trait that either annoys or amuses their owners. They tend to bury their food. These dogs are thrifty eaters and often bury the food they don't need for later use. This is annoying when they're burying food in laundry baskets (as one of our own Malamutes used to do). Those that don't bury their food may scarf down everything and eventually become obese and unhealthy. Careful feeding is recommended.
These dogs do not do well in apartments. They need exercise and must lead an active life, so a large yard is almost a must. A fence is a necessity, but make sure the fence is at least 6 feet high and is buried at least 2 feet underground. They can both jump and dig, so they do tend to escape. Some of them even climb, so supervise your dog. Some people chain their Alaskan Malamutes, but chains aren't necessarily all that effective. Once upon a time my father used a chain to try to keep his Malamute from roaming. It was a cow chain attached to a sturdy leather collar at one end and a long metal spike driven deep into the ground at the other end. The dog actually broke the cow chain in order to "visit" what he considered to be his territory. The collar was intact. The lesson? You're better off with a fenced yard. If you're worried about your dog climbing over the fence, think about building a dog run with a roof. Trust me, it's better than a chain.
Like many breeds, the Alaskan Malamute has its share of health problems. They do tend to be prone to bloat and many suffer from hip dysplasia. A few even suffer from chondrodysplasia, otherwise known as dwarfism. But the biggest problem with this breed, at least from a health perspective, is that they are prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Their thick coat protects them from even the coldest temperatures, but the heat can really do them in. They must have shade and plenty of water whenever the temperature rises. Consider a large container (perhaps a kiddie pool) filled with water for the dog to stand in. It will help keep your dog cool in warm temperatures. In extreme heat, bring to dog into an air conditioned area.
This breed is related to the Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and American Eskimo Dog and excels at pulling, racing, sledding, and search and rescue. If you're willing to brush out your dog twice a week and put up with excessive shedding twice a year, this might be the right companion for you.
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