Information About the Alaskan Malmute

The Alaskan Malmute is a domestic dog breed which was bred as a sled dog in the North and is often confused with the Siberian Husky breed. In order for a dog of this breed to be considered a standard, it has to display certain characteristics, which include weighing between 75 and 90 pounds and standing 23 to 25 inches in height. Some of these dogs are larger than this. There is a difference between the males and females of the Alaskan Malamute breed as well.

Alaskan Malamutes have a double coat, with the undercoat being woolly and the outer coat made up of guard hairs. There are two kinds of dogs in this breed. Those dogs known as Kotzebues have a coat that is the same color as that of a wolf, while the M’Loots have coats in a range of colors. Both types of Malamutes are very powerful and can haul large loads over long distances at a steady pace. This is why they were prized by the original breeders, from whom they get their name ?the Mahlamuit Inuit tribe.  They were also very valuable to miners searching for gold in Alaska and the Canadian North during the Klondike Gold Rush.

The Malamute has a plumed tail that has lots of fur. When they are outdoors in the winter, they tend to wrap this tail over their faces to protect their nose and mouth from the wind and the snow. They look almost identical to wolves, but there are certain differences. The head is smaller than that of a wolf and the chest is larger. The footprint of the Malmute is also smaller than a wolf’s.

Malamutes are still used as sled dogs, but they are also family dogs. Their natural instinct for being part of a pack makes them excellent pets. They are exceptionally friendly, but they do get bored very easily, which means they need lots of attention. Training these dogs must start when they are puppies and even then it is a challenging task. They are very stubborn, but once you do teach them something you only have to show them once or twice before they remember it. They have a high level of intelligence.

You can leave the dog untended on your property because it is used to this area. This breed is very territorial and does not take well to other dogs that it is not used to being in the area. The Malamute is more aggressive toward other dogs than other breeds are. When outside you must have it tied on because it will dig its way out under a fence.

The shedding periods for the Alaskan Malamutes can be very challenging when you have them in the house. They do shed their thick coats twice a year and the shedding period can last for three weeks. During this time the fur comes out in clumps. If you live in a warm climate, this will be an ongoing challenge because they shed all year round.

The lifespan of this breed is about 10 or 11 years. They are susceptible to cancer, inherited polyneuropathy, dysplasia of the bone and eye problems.

Siberian Husky Puppy And Dog Information

The Siberian Husky is a cool weather dog that needs plenty of room to exercise in. A properly fenced in yard would be ideal. They may run off so keep them under control when outside. They also prefer to live with more of their kind as they were a pack animal. They can get along with other dogs but may not get along with other pets. They generally accept older children, especially if well socialized with them. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Siberian Husky is 21 to 23.5 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 45 to 60 pounds. The female ranges from 20 to 22 inches to the withers and 35 to 50 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Siberian Husky is no exception. Although considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for Laryngeal Disease, eye problems and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Siberian Husky has a thick double coat. The inner coat is dense and soft. The outer coat is medium or a bit shorter in length, oily and coarse. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Siberian Husky can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Siberian Husky comes from Russia where they were used primarily as sled dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1930.

Some Registries:

*Siberian Husky Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 8 Siberian Husky puppies

Category: Working

Terms To Describe: Great endurance, graceful, quick, sweet, gentle, strong, loving, dependable.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes an ok watch dog.

A cold weather dog.

Not a barker.

Very trainable.

Highly intelligent.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

May take off on an adventure, especially males.

Makes a poor guard dog.

May suffer in hot weather.

They like to howl.

*Other Names Known By: Artic Husky

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Information For Siberian Husky Breeders And Buyers

Siberian Huskies descend from the Eskimo dog which was a sledding dog used by the Inuit tribe in the Arctic regions of Greenland, Alaska and Canada. The Inuit tribe bred the most handsome, bright-eyed huskies and relied on their dogs heavily as pack animals, guard dogs and hunting companions. The Siberian Husky was purebred in Siberia for hundreds of years and was exported to Alaska in 1909 to use for sled-racing. Today’s Siberian Huskies are bred to retain the strong bodies, bright eyes and intelligence that the Inuit valued. The American Kennel Club recognized the Siberian Husky as a breed in 1930.

Modern Siberian Husky breeders attempt to retain the attractive and utilitarian characteristics of the breed. Siberian Huskies are members of the larger “Spitz” group of dogs and also have characteristics of this group. Typical Spitz characteristics are high-set, pointed ears, thick, double coats of fur (often white in part or whole), a furry, sickle-shaped tail and wolf-like personality traits such as independence and suspicion. Siberian Husky traits include all of the Spitz traits as well as distinctive facial markings, medium sized compact bodies, blue or brown eyes (or one of each color) and an overall wolf-like appearance.

Other characteristics required by the American Kennel Club include a height of twenty-one to twenty-three and one half inches for males and twenty to twenty-one inches tall for females, a weight of forty-five to sixty pounds for males) and thirty-five to fifty pounds for females, a scissors-bite (upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth), a smooth gait, a friendly, alert and mischievous expression and an outgoing personality.

The AKC does not disqualify the Siberian Husky for certain traits that would disqualify other breeds. These include bi-colored eyes, and “snow-nose” or a hyper-pigmentation of the nose in which part is black and part is flesh-colored. The reason the AKC does not disqualify the husky is that coloring is not seen as being important in pulling a sled.

Siberian Husky breeders try to retain both the attractive and utilitarian characteristics of the breed. Because of the breed’s natural tendency to be extremely active, huskies are not recommended for everyone. Breeders will tell you that there are high numbers of Siberian Huskies sitting in shelters and rescue centers because owners did not research the breed and could not handle their dogs once grown into adulthood. The most common, problematic behavioral traits of huskies are a tendency to run or escape, excessive howling, hyperactivity, inability to be left alone, stubbornness and shedding.

Finding good Siberian Husky breeders should begin in a northern climate. This breed is made for cold weather and potential owners and breeders should not reside in hot climates. Huskies can withstand negative fifty-degree temperatures and can suffer heatstroke in high temperatures. Word of mouth, Internet searches, local veterinarians, and shelters are all good starting points for locating good, local Siberian Husky breeders. It is never acceptable to buy a dog of any breed from a pet store. A medium to large dog like the Siberian Husky should not be caged or treated as merchandise that is shipped and sold to just anyone.

Good Siberian Husky breeders will have a list of questions for potential buyers to answer. They will want to ensure the owner is knowledgeable of how to care for Siberian Huskies and they will offer to provide specific Siberian Husky information. Breeders may also run or be affiliated with Siberian Husky rescue centers and they may refer buyers there to buy, foster, or adopt purebred Huskies rescued from inadequate living conditions.