The Alaskan Malamute is a fairly large breed when compared to all the other breeds of dogs found in the world today. Being an active breed, it requires a good deal of exercise to remain in top condition. The Malamute probably does best in the country, where it has large areas of land at its disposal; however, it can easily adjust to life in the largest city if given adequate exercise. Besides its gentle manners and striking appearance, one must always remember that this breed was developed for work; therefore exercise plays a vital role in the all-round well-being of your Malamute.
An average weight and height for both male and female is sixty-seven pounds and twenty-two and one-half inches. Large Malamutes will tip the scales at eighty-five pounds, but over this is considered overweight. Considering that the Malamute was initially bred in Alaska, at the top of the world, it is no wonder that he has a thick, dense coat.
One of his most distinguishing features is his face markings, a sort of cap or mask. Malamutes come in various colors, but usually are black and white or a wolf-like grey. Their eyes are also wolf-like in appearance.
The Malamute has proven to have considerable tolerance for hot weather. Some of the largest kennels in the United States are in Georgia and southern California. Malamutes have also adapted well to the warm climates of Texas, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. The North, however, is their native land and their ability to withstand cold is legend. Therefore, they can be kept outdoors' in the coldest winter with a minimum of shelter.
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The Malamute is an excellent companion for the outdoorsman. To walk, hike, or camp with a Malamute at your side is a wonderful feeling. The Malamute also makes an ideal children's pet. It is active, alert, friendly, and large enough to take the rough and tumble play that children, unfortunately, so often give to animals.
This powerful breed from the northernmost latitudes is well suited to be a house pet, too. Its only shortcoming, that of shedding its outer coat in the spring, is a minor one, because most of the shedding occurs over a relatively brief period. With daily, rigorous grooming during this shedding period, the problem is greatly minimized. What special qualities make the Malamute a house pet? It is a quiet dog. It seems to sense when it is time to withdraw, silently, to a corner. And the breed also has a certain dignity and proudness that evokes admiration everywhere.
Though the Malamute is grouped with the working dogs by the American Kennel Club, most of those found in the United States today are primarily companions. However, in recent years, there has been a gradual upsurge of a new winter sport in many areas of the country: dog sled racing. The Alaskan Malamute was bred initially to work in a harness, and this sport of racing is, needless to say, a natural for this breed. How many teams of dog sled racing Malamutes are there? It is difficult to say, but one thing is certain: more and more teams of Malamutes are joining the ranks of the sport every year.