27 Jul Interesting Facts About the Alaskan Malamute Breed

One of the oldest Arctic sledge dogs, the Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, well-built dog with a deep chest and a powerful, muscular body. Malamute stands on his feet with strength. He puts his head in a standing position, and his eyes are alert, which shows his interest and curiosity. In this article, we want to draw your attention to the Alaskan malamute dog and introduce you to this dog breed.

Alaskan Malamute description 

When you first see an Alaskan Malamute, you are struck by his large stature, wolf-like facial features, and a large, bushy tail that wags at you. Initially, people used them to pull heavy sledges over long distances and hunt polar bears; now, they’re mainly chosen to accompany people. Malamutes are often believed to be part wolves.

Size

It isn’t uncommon for a muscular adult dog to weigh up to 45 kg, and in rare cases, the so-called giant versions reach 63 kg. But the body of the Alaskan Malamute isn’t designed to handle the extra weight.

Character

The Malamute treats everyone he meets as a friend, and if you’re looking for a guard dog, he isn’t a good breed for you. Alaskan Malamutes respond best in situations where they have enough opportunity to exercise, so they don’t get bored and restless. The independent nature of the Alaskan Malamute often causes them to be stubborn or goofy. Still, their intelligence shines with the proper training, and if the malamute is the right breed for you, they’ll be a joy to have as an active playmate and companion that will keep your puppy well-rounded.

Malamute and sports

Unless the malamute is bred for competition, he’s usually bred for work. A Malamute needs daily exercise and training as a solid, athletic dog with excellent endurance to carry heavy loads. Usually, being allowed to roam and run in a fenced yard or other enclosed space is enough, but Malamutes also enjoy walking, running and swimming with their owners. The Alaskan Malamute often competes in competitions if the owner has enough time and interest. Agility and obedience, pulling competitions, backpacking (yes, you can buy your dog a backpack), competitive or recreational sledging and skiing (pulling a person on skis) are involved.

Alaskan Malamute Training 

Socialization and obedience training is essential to prevent threats to children and other pets or other adults. The Alaskan Malamute is brilliant but independent and often stubborn. While fair treatment and patience can make him a loyal and reliable companion, you may not delete certain behaviours such as digging in a malamute. Therefore, any fencing of the yard should continue into the ground.

Socialization

Like any dog, Alaskan Malamutes need early socialization and exposure to different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when young. Socialization will help your puppy grow into a fully grown dog. Taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and homes where you visit neighbours and friends will also help them improve their social skills.

Alaskan Malamute health and diseases

The  Alaskan Malamute dog ​​is generally healthy, but like all breeds, he’s susceptible to some diseases. Not all malamutes will develop any or all of these diseases. But it’s essential to be aware of them. Some malamutes suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, or von Willebrand’s disease. Here are some conditions that you’re most likely to see in your dog:

Cataracts

This disease is usually present in the Alaskan Malamute between the ages of 1 and 2, known as juvenile cataracts. This type of cataract rarely turns into blindness. Infected dogs shouldn’t be used for reproduction.

Chondrodysplasia

This genetic disorder affects the birth of puppies, which have a specific deformation in the shape and abnormal length of the limbs. It’s usually referred to as dwarfism. A genetic screening test is now available to determine if a dog carries the gene for the disease.

Hip dysplasia

It’s a hereditary disease in which the femur doesn’t fit easily in the hip joint. Some dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both of their hind legs, but you may not see any symptoms of hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening is done for hip dysplasia. It’s hereditary but can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries from jumping or falling.

Hypothyroidism

This condition is usually misdiagnosed; Because tests aren’t specific to assess situations and can be inaccurate. Hypothyroidism is the result of abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. Clinical symptoms vary depending on the severity of each case. But it can include drying of the coating, coarse or scattered, eye secretions, pale mucous membrane and mental darkness. You can control hypothyroidism with pills daily. You should continue the medication throughout the dog’s life.

Hereditary polyneuropathy

This condition is generally characterized by a lack of coordination and instability that results in the dog walking awkwardly (described as the dog’s hopping gait). The disease varies from mild to severe. An affected Alaskan Malamute may fall to the ground, trip over his legs, or walk just a little out of shape. Its onset is usually sudden; most cases are seen around one year of age.

Hemeralopia (day blindness)

This disease usually begins to show in puppies at eight weeks of age and is easily recognized by owners. The affected Alaskan Malamute will bump into things or slip. They may be reluctant to go out in the sun and prefer to stay in shady areas, becoming disoriented when exposed to the sun. All these symptoms disappear at night, and you can help the dog to live a good life.

Sensitivity to heat

This breed is Arctic dogs; they aren’t naturally designed to live in hot and humid environments. If your Alaskan Malamute lives in the sun, provide them with enough shade, fresh water, and air conditioning during the summer, and avoid exercising in the heat. Due to their size, strength and intelligence, it’s highly recommended that Malamutes be obeyed at a young age before they’re large enough to gain power.

Nutrition

It’s better to consider two meals for the Alaskan Malamute. This dog’s total amount of food should be 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry dog ​​food. You should be careful that the amount of food consumed by different dogs varies according to age, weight, activity level, body metabolism rate and other factors. If you feel your dog has gained some weight, you can test him using your eyes and hands.

You should be able to see your dog’s back when looking easily. If you touch the dog’s back, you should be able to feel his ribs quickly. It indicates your dog’s balanced weight. Otherwise, your dog is probably overweight.

Alaskan Malamute grooming

Keep the coat clean by brushing.

Brushing one to three times a week will help keep the coat clean and distribute the skin’s oils. The Alaskan Malamute sheds twice a year heavily, and the hair falls out in large clumps. At that time, frequent brushing with a soft brush helps control hair contamination. A plus point for this breed is that his double coat is odourless. Additionally, Malamutes tend to keep their coats clean and rarely need baths. Usually, one to two baths per year is enough for them unless the dog smells bad.

Brushing teeth and nails

Brush your malamute’s teeth at least twice a week to remove plaque and bacteria. If you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath, daily brushing is best. Alaskan Malamute must be trimmed once or twice a month to avoid nail problems. They are too loud if you hear them clicking on the floor.

Ears and eyes

you should check their ears weekly for redness or foul odour, which could indicate an infection. When you check your dog’s ears, clean them with a damp cotton ball or a mild, balanced ear cleaner to prevent disease. Don’t insert anything into the ear canal; only clean the Alaskan Malamute’s outer ear. Their eyes should be clear, without redness and discharge, and a careful weekly examination will help you detect possible health problems early.

Compatibility

Alaskan Malamute can be a good friend and companion if he grows up with your child since childhood. But note that you should never leave your dog alone with your child. Keep an eye on them when they’re close to each other or playing together. Malamutes should be socialized and taught to be friendly with other animals. Otherwise, he may chase and attack other animals.

To wrap up

 In this article, we found that Alaskan Malamutes are very intelligent, independent, strong-willed, and often somewhat stubborn and high-energy dogs, So he needs exercise. Don’t leave them alone at home; Because they’re destructive. To have a healthy and lively dog, you need to pay attention to nutrition, movement, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs, so they count the moments for the next session.