Breed Information

ORIGIN AND PURPOSE. The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, was named after the native Inuit tribe called Mahlemuts (now spelled Malamute) who settled along the shores of Kotzebue Sound in the upper western regions of Alaska. Written accounts of Alaska from various explorers and travelers rarely mention the Mahlemut people without reference to their dogs which were of the spitz-type and described as being powerful looking and of remarkable endurance and fortitude. These dogs were used primarily as draught animals to haul heavy sleds, but were also used to pack supplies, for hunting seals and in packs to track polar bears. Early writings indicate that the dogs kept by the Mahlemut people were better cared for than was usual for Arctic sled dogs, and this seemingly accounts for the breed's affectionate disposition.

CKC Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard

TEMPERAMENT. The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, friendly dog, not a "one man" dog. He is a loyal, devoted companion, playful in invitation, but generally impressive by his dignity after maturity. You want an Alaskan Malamute? Do you really know the dog, its character, its needs and all its little quirks? For sure they are very cute. We personally think that there are NOT any puppies in the world that beat those little furry friends that are the malamutes. It is also true that they are very affectionate, love humans, playing, and pleasing….but living with a mal is not always, if not ever, relaxing! There can be a great friendship between humans and malamutes, but for this, one has to understand the dog’s character and its needs. Here are some things you MUST KNOW before you decide if an Alaskan Malamute is the right breed for you...

So You Want to Own an Alaskan Malamute?

COMMITMENT. To welcome a malamute in one’s life is to take on the responsibility of the dog’s well being, its health and happiness during ALL of its life. The malamute will not learn to fly on its own after a few years. So…Are you ready to share your life (and this during 12 years or so) with your four legged friend? This means having to repeat the same things over and over again, walk and exercise him/her EVERYDAY, give him/her the attention and nursing that he/she deserves? If you are not….well…your house could quickly become the victim of a bored malamute that chews away daily frustrations on the house furniture. And if the dog is outside, well, your yard will look like the moon surface, full of holes and some ARE deep!! Please take the time to inform yourself on Alaskan Malamutes and ask yourself if this is the right dog for you.

AMCC Training an Alaskan Malamute

DOMINANCE/INDEPENDENCE. Malamutes are stubborn and very intelligent. Your four legged friend will test your patience at times. He could also confront your authority as the leader and decide to do his own thing. For example… one time, you could ask him to come a few times without response. No. Do not worry, your dog is not likely to have turned deaf overnight, he/she hears you very well but…..does not want to come in AT THE MOMENT. It is then very important to teach the puppy at a very young age what is its place in the pack and the family.

PACK ANIMAL. Malamutes have a strong knowledge of pack hierarchy. If you do not teach your young puppy that YOU are the boss with appropriate training, this could bring behavioural problems in the future. The pup will take it as he/she is the Alpha around your family and guess what…..the little fur balls grow fast and reach up to 120 pounds at time. Please get informed on how to raise a malamutes before you make any decisions. Socialization and obedience classes will also help give tips and directions on how to teach and reinforce to your dog who is Alpha.

ENERGY!!!!!! The Alaskan Malamute is a dog that WANTS to move!! It is a working dog and must spend its energy in different activities EVERYDAY!! And just so you know, to tire one of them, you have to walk for quite a distance. The Alaskan malamutes are sled dogs and can pull a charge of more than 2000 pounds on their own…but if sledding does not interest you, malamutes will be content in activities like hiking, backpacking, jogging, roller blading, bikejoring and skijoring, for example. Be prepared to spend at the VERY least one hour exercising you and your dog everyday!

FENCES. Mals are professional diggers and you need a good fence to keep them in. For a good fence, you need to dig in the dirt and place the fence 1 to 2 feet deep and this should keep them in. If your mal gets out (this happens mostly when you are not looking) he WILL roam around the neighbourhood, you can be sure. He will not wait around on your property. He WILL chase cats and small animals and he COULD get hurt as well with all kinds of hazards. Mals do not understand look both ways before crossing the street and they have little fear.

Sample Animal Control Regulations (City of St. John's)

GROOMING. Alaskan Malamutes shed BIG TIME. Mals are double-coated and will blow their coat twice a year. During this time, if he/she is in the house, brushing twice a day will be required to minimize the furry tumble weeds rolling around your house. Even with that, 1 to 2 months of hair loss is to be expected.

GUARD DOG. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Malamutes are not guard dogs, they love humans and trust them too much to be effective as guard dogs. Our dogs greet familiar faces and strangers in the same way – tails wagging, tongues licking. As a watch dog, a malamute will watch an intruder enter your house, watch them pack up your valuables, give him a big wet kiss just before watching him run down your front steps.

If you are still interested in one of these great, gentle, and truly amazing dogs, please follow the links on this page to learn more about living with an Alaskan Malamute.

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