Ancient Dogs and Alaskan Malamutes

Paleolithic dogs were what specialists: biohistorians, paleontologists, and researchers, quote as the first ever dogs, and the Alaskan Malamute is the closest they could find to fit it in the present. Supported by the most-recently found remains of a 30,000 year old dog and DNA analysis, their theories tell us that Alaskan Malamutes could be of adjoining lineage to the very first dog. Among the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamutes, and the Spitz group of dogs (where Malamutes belong), could be the nearest to this heritage of "Ancient Dogs".

Alaskan Malamutes originated from the Mahlemuts tribe of northwestern Alaska; valuable as both hunting and working dogs. At the time, these dogs contributed to the Mahlemut people's prosperity around the Artic Circle.

Malamutes also played a pivotal role in history of dogs and people. In the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, Malamutes became efficient to miners coming to Alaska. However, this breed differentiates significantly from its resembled much smaller breed of dogs, Siberian Huskies, which were also present during the Gold Rush, in terms of speed and power. While Huskies were agile and have more stamina for the long run, the Alaskan Malamutes are stronger and more reliable for work. Malamutes were used for freighting and pulling hundreds of pounds of equipment from villages to mining camps instead of being the regular sled dogs.

Centuries later, Alaskan Malamutes ranked up to military. Could you believe that? Soldiers brought Malamutes to field as search and rescue dogs during the Second World War for searches in Greenland, and the Artic Region for MIA and injured troops. Admiral Richard E. Byrd also brought them to his 16,000mile off the coast Antarctic expedition.

All these and the Malamutes considerable effort as freight dogs in Europe, the knowing people considered them, if not, "prehistoric," say, "historic."

Genetics and the Alaskan Malamutes?

Alaskan Malamutes can summarily adapt to the worst environment possible; this is due to their primitive origins and genetics--with their already diverse lineage being further crossbred with wolves. Call them survival dogs.

Considering so, Malamutes have a sense of dominance and elevated dive instincts. Even if Alaskan Malamutes mix well with other pets in the house, it is imperative that an owner always keep an eye for one.

Alaskan Malamutes are very fond of people, and make sociable housepets. They are intelligent and athletic: however, due to their origins they have great sense of selfworth making them harder to train than other dog breeds.

Alaskan Malamutes sing! They vocalize more frequently by howling an "awooh" note, more than they bark to communicate. But generally, they are quiet dogs so this doesn't become as often and cute as it sounded.

The life expectancy of an Alaskan Malamute is about 11 years as per the 2004 United Kingdom Kennel Club survey, primary cause of death: Cancer. This dog breed fairly adapts from cold to temperate to hot climates by growing their coat in winters and shedding them in springtime.

Attributes of Alaskan Malamute

An Alaskan Malamute is distinguished by its double winter-dog coat with shades of gray, black or red with white, or pure white. Hazel brown eyes to various shades are standard for this dog breed. Though some with blue eyes can be seen as well, this is rather a result of crossbreeding Malamutes with the Siberian Husky.

An average male Alaskan Malamute stands 25 inches in the withers, and weighs 85 pounds. Female Malamutes are shorter at 23 inches and are lighter at 75 pounds in the average height and weight statistics. Giant Malamutes, weighing up to 120 pounds are specifically raised by some breeders but does not exactly comply with the AKC standards.

Today's Malamutes

Up to the present, Alaskan Malamutes are still being used as both freight and sled dogs, but these only now appear in occasions for those who travel, hike or camp. Mostly this dog breed is kept as house pets for their friendliness, or as show dogs hence their likable appearance and sporting capabilities.

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