Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed History
The Alaskan Malamute is a large working dog whose ancestors were bred in the 18th and 19th centuries to pull sleds in the mountainous regions of Alaska. It is a popular breed, with nearly five hundred registered specimens in the United States.
Alaskan Malamutes are sturdy and well-muscled with a dense double coat; they have a smooth, short, dense outer coat and an inner coat that is longer and shaggier. They have foxlike faces with large expressive eyes, arched brows, thick eyebrows, and erect ears that stand upright when alert.
Alaskans also find the appearance of an Alaskan Malamute appealing: They have broad foreheads rather than narrow skulls like other hunting dogs, and their long muzzles jut out from their powerful jaws slightly like those of wolves or coyotes.
Alaskan Malamute dog breed Temperament and Characteristics
Alaskan Malamute Temperament
Alaskan Malamutes are extremely reliable and loyal. They are also very alert and protective and will bark to alert their owners if they sense something is wrong. Alaskan Malamutes are active and alert dogs that need at least an hour of exercise daily.
They are good with children but should be supervised around smaller pets such as cats or guinea pigs. Alaskan Malamutes are among the slowest breed of dogs, making them great for families where the children are ready for a little less energetic dog than other breeds.
Alaskan Malamute Personality
Alaskan Malamutes are a happy-go-lucky breed. The Alaskan Malamute is a very patient dog and does not usually show much excitement at things around the house.
Even so, they are a friendly breed likely to show affection to their family members. Alaskan Malamutes are very intelligent and tend to be independent, so they make good guard dogs
Alaskan Malamute Grooming
Alaskan Malamutes have a double coat that requires regular brushing. The coat is long and shaggy, so it can be hard to brush without damaging the coat. It can be brushed with a firm bristle brush or a rubber brush.
Bathing is unnecessary in most cases, but Malamutes with heavy coats should be bathed about once every six months to keep the coat clean.
What’s the Difference Between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky?
The Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky are loyal and courageous working breeds descended from wolves.
The main difference is that the Alaskan Malamute is a smaller dog than the Siberian Husky and is more suitable for urban and rural settings. In contrast, the Husky is a city dog better suited to rugged conditions.
Alaskan Malamutes are also less likely to have a genetic disorder than the Husky.
Siberian Husky vs. Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Huskies are large, energetic dogs that need plenty of outdoor exercises. They are good swimmers and are also naturally skilled at pulling sleds. Alaskan Malamutes are relatively smaller and are better suited to living indoors with their owners.
Husky vs Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are smaller than Siberian Huskies. Alaskan Malamutes also have a more calm demeanor than Huskies, while Huskies are more likely to be active and outgoing.
Husky vs Alaskan Malamute
Huskies are better suited to living outdoors than Malamutes, as they have better skills for living in harsh climates.
Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky
Alaskan Malamutes are relatively calm, while Huskies are more outgoing and active. Alaskan Malamutes are also better suited to living indoors, while Huskies are better suited to living outdoors.
Alaskan Malamute vs. German Shepherd
Alaskan Malamutes are among the slowest breed of dogs, while German Shepherds are among the fastest.
Labrador Retrievers vs. Alaskan Malamutes
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular breeds of dogs and are medium-sized working dogs that are usually calm and friendly. Alaskan Malamutes are among the slowest breeds of dogs and are relatively smaller and calmer than Labs. –
Labrador Retriever vs. Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retrievers are good at swimming and working in the water and are among the most adaptable breeds. Alaskan Malamutes are relatively smaller and calmer than Labs.
Alaskan Malamute vs. Golden Retriever
Alaskan Malamutes are relatively smaller and calmer than Golden Retrievers.
Alaskan Malamute vs. Irish Wolfhound
Alaskan Malamutes are relatively smaller than Irish Wolfhounds.
Alaskan Malamute vs. St. Bernard
Alaskan Malamutes are relatively smaller than St. Bernards.
Final Words: Is an Alaskan Malamute for You?
If you are ready to add a new member to your family that is happy, loyal, and protective, an Alaskan Malamute is a good choice.
Alaskan Malamutes are bright and alert dogs that are stable, gentle, and easy to train. Alaskan Malamutes are also very patient dogs, making them good for families with children.
An Alaskan Malamute is a good choice for those who like to spend time outdoors with their families and who do not mind living in a relatively quiet and calm environment with a loyal and protective dog.