Alaskan Malamute
- Group 5: Spitz and primitive types
- Section 1: Nordic Sledge Dogs
- Without working trial
USA
Desirable in males 63.5 cm in females 58.5 cm
Desirable for males 38 kg in females 34 kg
The Alaskan Malamute is a breed recognized by the FCI (FCI Group 5, Section 1, Standard No. 243) from the United States. The breed belongs within the Nordic breeds of dogs to the sled dogs. It is the official State Dog of the U.S. state of Alaska.
Origin and History
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic dog breeds and was until the 19th century, the only breed of dog in the northwestern part of the Arctic. For over 2000 years these dogs hauling freight and carriage of the people in this region. Beginning of the 20th century were the Alaskan Malamute in the sled dog sport popular. They were at that time but increased crossed with other breeds, which almost led to the collapse of the Alaskan Malamutes. Only in 1926 was started again with the pure breeding of this breed. It is named after the Inuit tribe of times Mute.
Description
The Alaskan Malamute has a weatherproof double coat, wherein the soft oily undercoat can be 3-5 cm long, the dense outer coat is relatively short. The color range includes black with white markings on chest, mask and paws, wolf gray, as well as additional brown nuances. Furthermore, there are also completely red variants. Pretty white Alaskan Malamutes are rare. He is sometimes confused with the similar Siberian Husky. However, the Malamute has no blue eyes; permits are brown, brownish- red and black.
Nature
This dog needs lots of exercise and space. He gets on well with other dogs; his pack leader he defended without fear, but is otherwise good-natured and a little wary of strangers, not suitable as a guard dog. He is often described as stubborn and headstrong, so a consistent training is important.
Malamutes are the strongest and greatest of all sled dogs. In contrast to the Husky, which was especially bred for speed, the Malamute is bred more for pulling heavy loads.