Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information
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13 to 14 years
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Expensive *
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Star
Superstar
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Rare
Easy to get
Introduction
An Alaskan Malamute is one of the strongest and the largest of Alaskan or Arctic Dog Breeds. Hailing from a proud heritage of an intelligent and tireless canine, Alaskan Malamutes have won the hearts of many over the world with their strong disposition and endurance. An Alaskan Malamute got its recognition in the world when George Lucas, while making Star Wars, portrayed the character of Chewbaca on his favourite pet Alaskan Malamute. Another famous character - Indiana Jones - is named after George Lucas’s pet Malamute - Indiana. The hollywood movie - Eight Below - too has Alaskan Malamutes working alongside Siberian Huskies to make a heartwarming movie of the courage and determination of 8 dogs to survive. Alaskan Malamutes are often confused with another sled pulling dog breed, namely the Siberian Husky, due to their identical coats colours. However, that is the only thing common between a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Malamute. An Alaskan Malamute is a much larger breed than a Siberian Husky and is capable of pulling large and heavy loads across the snow.Blessed with an independent, intelligent and strong personality, Alaskan Malamutes have been known to have survived the harshest of winters where temperatures have gone 70 degrees below zero, and have adapted themselves to their environment. This strong breed can fend for itself and hunt his own food without having any human supervision. If you are a proud owner of this majestic breed or if you are planning to get an Alaskan Malamute as a family pet, you are making a wise decision. We bring to you all the aspects that you will have to keep in mind before getting a Malamute so that you are able to provide an environment that develops a healthy dog and a long lasting companionship.
History
The Alaskan Malamute is the national dog of Alaska and its origins go back to the times of early explorers. While exploring the land of Alaska, explorers came across dogs that were unbelievably strong and were able to work in harsh climate often on little or no diet. Originally used to pull sleds or cargo over long distances and to hunt bears and seals, these dogs were very good companions of the Eskimo families that would adopt them as companions. When not hunting or pulling sleds, the Malamutes would play with the children and keep the family warm.During the Gold Rush of 1896, there was an influx of dogs to Alaska due to new settlers and many were bred with imported breeds. The Malamutes continued to be the strongest of the dogs and were used mainly for pulling the sled. The Mehlemuts, a local tribe of Alaska after whom the breed is named, lived in isolation from the new settlers and hence they were able to keep the Malamutes as pure breeds.
Unique Aspects
A Malamute has tremendous strength, endurance, intelligence and energy and despite their wolf like facial appearance, they are gentle and friendly.A Malamute has two layers of coats. The inner coat is wooly and oily and short that helps provide insulation against the harsh winter. The inner coat is also water and snow repellent; so in case they are caught in a snowstorm or rain, they can still stay warm. The outer coat is longer than the inner coat and coarse in nature. Malamutes shed their coat at least twice a year and your entire house can become a snow globe due to all the fur. Regular grooming and brushing of the coat is imperative for this breed.Since they pull weight and sleds, Malamutes have a very dense musco-skeletal structure especially at their chest and legs. A broad chest and strong legs are extremely useful during climbing mountainous regions or while pulling heavy load across the snow. One of the most unique aspects of an Alaskan Malamute is their bear - like paws. Also called “snow shoes” the paws of the Malamute have broad pads that act like snowshoes. The claws or nails are retractable, just like cats and help provide stronger grip in the snow. Unlike other dogs, Alaskan Malamutes rarely bark and their bark is more of a howl or a woo woo as compared to any other dog.
Fun Trivia
One of the most famous and celebrated Alaskan Malamute of all times is George Lucas’ pet called Indiana Jones. This amazing character inspired Chewbacca and was also a movie by the same name called Indiana Jones.
Movie character
This majestic and friendly breed has been a part of many Hollywood movies. The list is prolific and exhaustive. This includes movies such as Eight Below, Antarctica, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Iron Will, Kayla: A Cry in the Wilderness, The Lost Boys, Niki, Wild Dog of the North, On Deadly Ground, The Thing From Another World and White Fang 2: Myth of the While Wolf.
Celebrities Alaskan Malamute owners
There are various celebrities that have been smitten by the beauty of this majestic breed, this include singer Judy Collins, Actors Dom DeLuise, Melissa Gilbert and Cheryl Ladd. They were even white house residents under the regin of Herbert Hoover. Robin Williams the comedian and actor also has a Alaskan Malamute. The famous dog trainer and author Ian Dunbar and Vida Blue the baseball pitcher all our proud owners of a Malamute.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Working
Height: 29-32 Inches
Weight: 32-43 Kg
Life Span: 13 to 14 years
Pros
- Excellent family pet
- Great working dog
- Looks majestic
Cons
- Grooming will need regular effort
- Does not adapt well to hot temperature
- Not for first time owners
