The Alaskan Malamute is the Oldest and Largest Sled Dog Breed

The Alaskan malamute originated in the upper-western part of Alaska. Of the five recognized sled dog breeds, the Alaskan malamute is the largest and the oldest breed. They receive the name Malamute from the native Inuit tribe, Mahlemuts who for the last 2000-3000 years have bred and used the breed for hunting and sled dog purposes. Although they are very much loved and well taken care of, they are very much a work dog.

Due to their ability to travel long distances and withstand freezing temperatures, the Alaskan malamute was highly popular and valuable during the Klondike Gold Rush. During this time other dog breed that could tolerate the cold weather were brought to Alaska to use as sled dogs. Mixed breeding began and the Alaskan malamute was nearly wiped out. To find an original breed, one would have to travel far from populated areas.

Milton and Eva Seeley along with others began programs to save the original breed. It is because of their efforts the breed survives today. The Alaskan Malamute was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935. Since then the Alaskan Malamute Club of America and the UK have been established, and the breed has been recognized by FCI, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI and ACR.

Alaskan Malamutes weight between 85 and 100 pounds and have a height between 22 and 26 inches at the shoulders. Female Malamutes are smaller than the males. They have a durable, dense, double coat and their tail curls over their back. Their nose and legs are often white and they have either a light or a dark mask. The remaining coat can be shades of white, white and black, sable, wolf sable, wolf gray or red.

Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent and very loyal dogs. They are good with children that know how to play with a large dog breed and are affectionate to their families, being most loyal to their master. They need firm and controlled training and socialization with both people and other dogs.

Male Malamutes are often harder to housetrain than are females. Males tend to be more stubborn and dominate. Malamutes love to eat and will scarf down whatever is handed to them to eat. Their feedings should be controlled to prevent over-weight and bloat. They like to feel as if they are part of the family and when feeling left out, they can become destructive.

This breed needs room and they like to roam, whatever they think is their territory. An apartment is not an ideal home for an Alaskan malamute. A big fenced yard is recommended, however this breed likes to dig and may dig its way out. Exercise is a must, but be sure not to over work them on hot days, make sure there is plenty of shade and water available all the time.

Some of the health issues with Alaskan Malamutes include Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Posterior Sub Capsular Cataracts, Dwarfism, Coat Funk, Hypothyroidism and Heat Stroke. The average lifespan for an Alaskan malamute is between 12 and 15 years.

Today the Alaskan Malamute is used in Alaskan and Arctic exploration, search and rescue, dog sledding, weight pulling and sled racing competitions and is a family pet in thousands of homes.

FCI - Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC - American Kennel Club
UKC - United Kennel Club

KCGB - Kennel Club of Great Britain

CKC - Canadian Kennel Club
NKC - National Kennel Club
NZKC - New Zealand Kennel Club

CKC - Continental Kennel Club
APRI - American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR - American Canine Registry

sources:

en.wikipedia.org

www.akc.orgwww.dogbreedinfo.comwww.alaskanmalamute-uk.com