Alaskan Malamute: breed features, nature and content

A dog is man's best friend. Many people know firsthand about this by keeping furry companions at home. There are a lot of different breeds of dogs - they can be miniature fluffies for city apartments, and large healthy people, which can only be kept in a private house. Today we will get acquainted with the unique sled dogs of the Alaskan Malamute breed.

The Alaskan Malamute is a very powerful, intelligent and attractive dog. In order to appreciate all its positive qualities, it is necessary to understand the history of its origin. There is no exact information as to when the Alaskan Malamut appeared, but it is known for certain who his immediate ancestors were. The ancestors of these sturdy and beautiful animals were domestic animals belonging to the Malamute family. They inhabited the coast of Alaska. These animals differed powerful and strong physique. They were very hardy and wore thick, thick wool.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the “gold rush” was raging with might and main. This fact had an impact on the development and distribution of Alaskan Malamutes, since it was possible to reach rich deposits only if the team was entrusted to strong dogs. A large number of gold miners wanted to acquire such a useful and powerful favorite.

However, these phenomena had a downside. People who were so eager for untold wealth and luxury, attempted to cross the Malamutes with other existing breeds., to get even more durable, effective, fast and not in need of difficult care of the dog. Such activity eventually led to the fact that purebred animals remained catastrophically low, they were extremely rare.

Then the “gold rush” was supplanted by the sports fever. Gambling people, enthusiastic about sledding, began to actively revive the thoroughbred northern breed. Just huge funds were invested in this process, but gambling people did not stint, because only with purebred Malamute they could win races.

Only closer to the 20s of the last century it turned out not only to stop the extinction of the representatives of this beautiful breed, but also to increase their population. It was at that moment that the work of breeding Alaskan Malamutes was raised to the highest level. A dozen years later, this breed has gained worldwide recognition. Moreover, a special club was opened and the Malamute standard was lined up.

Everything went well until the war period came. During this period, a significant extermination of the newly recognized Malamutes was observed. As a result, this led to a marked decrease in their numbers. There are no more than 30 individuals left. When the war ended, it was necessary to carry out a truly titanic work to restore the population of Alaskan Malamutes.

Already by the 60s of the last century, the problem of their disappearance was completely eradicated. The disappearance of this breed was no longer discussed.In today's world, these smart and hardy pets are among the twenty most popular and necessary breeds in the world.

Yes, the historical path of the Alaskan Malamutes was quite long, but today the representatives of this breed are enviable popular and widespread in the world.

If you decide to acquire such a beautiful and intelligent comrade, then you should carefully analyze its description in order to know who you will be dealing with.

• The weight of the Alaskan Malamute directly depends on its gender. Thus, the average mass of a healthy adult male is usually about 38 kg. Heavier gigantic individuals are sometimes found among males. Females are lighter and smaller. The mass of their body reaches no more than 34 kg.
• Gender affects the growth of Alaskan Malamutes. Typically, the growth of the bough at the withers is 58 cm, and males - 63 cm.
• Representatives of this famous northern breed may have a different coat color. Most often this factor is influenced by the intrabreed line. For example, in the line of Kotzebue there are individuals that have only a simple gray color, which is popularly called the wolf. If we are talking about the line Mlut, then there may be such colors as blue, red, black and white, brown with white, sable. Monochrome thoroughbred dogs are exclusively white.
• Many people are interested in the question: what is the lifespan of these dogs? On average, the Alaskan Malamute lives from 12 to 15 years. Representatives of the northern breed are considered long-lived. Of course, much depends on the conditions in which the animal is kept. This factor has a serious impact on the quality and longevity of the Malamute, like any other breed.

It is necessary to understand the characteristics of the appearance of this beautiful and intelligent animal.

• The head of the Alaskan Malamute is usually wide, large and proportional. The expression of the muzzle of these dogs is friendly and kind. They do not inspire fear and horror.
• The Malamute nose is black. If the rest of the coat color is red, then the nose will correspond to it. Also allow a special "snow nose". In this case, the tip of the nose is covered, covered with whitish streaks, contrasting against the background of the main shade.
• The bite of the Alaskan Malamute is scissor-like.
• The eyes of this good-natured dog are almond-shaped, stand obliquely. The colors of the iris are often dark. Distributed animals with brown and slightly less - blue eyes. The last color of the iris is considered a disadvantage of this breed.
• The ears of the Alaskan Malamute grow triangular and slightly rounded at the ends. They should not be planted high, since such a feature is considered a significant deficiency in the breed and does not apply to the norm.
• The waist of the Malamute is proportionate and very strong. Usually its length is medium. If the loin is long, then this factor can be attributed to the lack of a dog.
• The tail of these dogs is raised and slightly twisted. It has a rather magnificent edge. Visually, the Malamute's tail looks like a plume.

If we consider the description and characteristics of purebred Alaskan, then you should pay attention to some of their distinctive features that may surprise many breeders.

• Dogs of this breed have wolf habits. The wolf is one of the ancestors of the Malamutes, and it was he who transmitted them to howl at the moon. For this reason, leaving such a pet alone with himself at night and in an open-air cage, you can hear a melancholy and drawn-out howl.
• These animals have non-standard cat claws. This is one of the most interesting and unusual features of the representatives of this northern breed. Their paw device is very different from most other species.When you press the pad, the Malamute's claws are knocked forward, as is the case with cats. By the way, the last Alaskans can not stand.
• Distinguishes these individuals and a special bearish gait. Their limbs are somewhat similar to heavy snowshoes. In their immediate form, the paws have much in common with the bear ones - they are wide, massive and heavy. Due to such features Malamutes do not go deep into the snow, moving along it. The weight of the creature is optimally distributed during the step.

If you are planning to have a luxurious Alaskan Malamute, then you should be familiar with all the features of his character and behavior. Only by making sure that you are ready to become a friend for such an animal, you can decide on its acquisition. The Alaskan Malamute is a very friendly and sociable dog. Representatives of this breed are great fans to attract a lot of attention, to be the center of the company. That is why these animals are ideal for large families, where they will feel "at ease".

Such conditions of detention will definitely delight the thoroughbred northern dog. The Alaskan Malamute is a good babysitter for children. He can easily become a companion for the child in active games. Such a pastime for dogs of this breed gives them great pleasure. Despite the fact that northern pedigree dogs are madly in love with people close to them and are strongly attached to their owners, they still will wait for the whole time to expect the same mutual relationship from a person. This dog is a schooling one, therefore it is vital to be in the family - it’s not just a pet's whim.

Be sure to take into account the fact that the Alaskan Malamute - this is not a dog that can be closed in a large cage or in an aviary. Closed spaces are absolutely not suitable for representatives of this northern breed. For them, such conditions are akin to torture. Long loneliness for a Malamute is also not recommended. If you allow such an attitude to your pet, then soon he will surely withdraw into himself, lose confidence in you, as the owner (and this is a very serious omission, which will entail a huge number of problems). Often, Malamutes, who are not given due attention, cease to love their man and respect him.

Alaskan, unlike the majority of furry fellows, is not considered the favorite of only one and only host for life. It is enough to cast doubt once upon this animal’s confidence in itself, in any way offend it or lose its respect, as it very quickly “transfers” its interest to a completely different person. This behavior cannot be called treacherous by the Malamute.

The fact is that representatives of this breed are extremely stubborn and quick-witted. Constantly repeating the same actions quickly bother these creatures. Simply put, if every day you begin to give orders to deliver your slippers or a newspaper several times, the obstinate Malamut can perceive such signals as a demonstration of disrespect.

This fact suggests that Alaskan Malamute - this is not the dog, which is worth starting novice dog breeders, not having proper experience in dealing with such pets. If you have not yet learned how to raise dogs with such a difficult character, then in the end you can make a lot of mistakes in communication with Malamute. In the end, this will lead to many problems that will be difficult to solve.

Malamutes are great stubborn people. Because of this, it is incredibly difficult to train and educate them.However, it is interesting that, because of their natural curiosity and high intellect, they can remember many of the commands from the very first time. Not every dog ​​can boast of such qualities. Often, Alaskan Malamutes quickly and easily fulfill requests and the home team, but not more often a couple of times. A little later, these animals just get tired of doing the same thing. They seem Malamut dull and monotonous.

It should be noted that if you are struck by the impressive dimensions of these pets, and you decide to get yourself such a dog to protect your property and home, then you will be very disappointed. Despite its large size, powerful paws and the backbone of the Alaskan Malamute will never use this gorgeous "arsenal". To demonstrate aggression towards another person. This feature of the Malamute's behavior is due to its natural kindness and friendly disposition.

Do not expect from an Alaskan Malamute that he will rush at a completely unfamiliar person. The only exception may be those cases where a stranger is a real danger to the owners of a thoroughbred northern dog. Guests and any other people entering your house can be absolutely calm - the Malamute will treat them very friendly and hospitable. He certainly will not rush to the visitors, will not snap at them, showing aggression.

There are situations in which, due to improper upbringing or serious psychological trauma experienced at an early age, a dog can become a truly unruly and terribly aggressive beast. Experienced breeders and veterinarians strongly advise against buying puppies with similar traits and inclinations. If, after all, such a pet has appeared in your home, then under no circumstances can one continue to cultivate excess aggression or attempt to direct it against other people. As a result of such actions, all dangerous Malamut aggression can turn against its own masters. This result is very common, and it must be kept in mind when choosing a pet.

Having noticed the first attacks of the Alaskan Malamute aggression, it is necessary to stop them immediately and firmly. If you cannot solve such problems on your own, it is recommended to give your pet to specialists. It is advisable not to waste time in vain and to do it as soon as possible, because the Alaskan Malamute is a large and strong dog, and not a small “plush” spitz, it will be difficult to cope with it.

Before you start an Alaskan Malamute, you need to figure out what conditions of detention suit him most. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that the representatives of this famous northern breed simply need serious physical exertion. A dog of this breed should spend a lot of time in the forest, parks and other open areas of this type. If you think that such a pet can be brought out for a walk around the house and that will be enough, then you are deeply mistaken. Such walks Alaskan Malamute will be negligible.

Alaskan Malamute necessarily need to lower the leash during walks. Of course, it is recommended to do this on specialized sites, where there are special slides, obstacles and other intricate structures made especially for physical exertion.If the Malamute misses such loads, the dog will literally begin to languish, become very lazy. Often, Alaskan Malamutes, not wasting their energy, begin to seriously hurt.

It must be borne in mind that Malamutes are big fans of digging holes. This is another reason more often to walk these animals in the woods or in the countryside. In the courtyard of a private house such a dog will not only be a small place. In addition, he quickly digs all the territory and it will be impossible to move there. As mentioned above, an Alaskan Malamute cannot be kept in a closed enclosure. In such conditions, the dog of this breed will feel very uncomfortable, will begin to yearn.

Alaskan Malamute, like a dog of any other breed, needs proper and constant care. Let's take a closer look at how to properly care for such difficult pets. One of the main features of the Alaskan Malamute is its luxurious, thick coat. The long-haired dog thanks to the natural "coat" easily tolerates low temperatures and can be seamlessly kept under the open sky. Malamute wool thins only in the hot summer season. It does not matter what the weather and temperature is outside the window - the coat of the Alaskan Malamute will need to be carefully combed out.

Comb Malamute wool should be using a special brush or comb. Such tools can be bought at a pet store. It is advisable to use high-quality and robust accessories. Too sharp and tearing movements during combing should not be done so as not to hurt the dog. If we neglect these procedures, then the dog's coat will soon roll into whole mats, woolen clumps will fly around the house, which will settle on furniture and clothes.

We should not forget about bathing these fluffy healthy people. As a rule, bathing Malamutes commit once every 3 months. If the dog has a more "rich" two-color color, then it should be bathed using special tools that are sold in pet stores. One tool should be used for white spots, in order to wash the hair with maximum quality, and another tool - for dark ones, so that they do not lose the depth of color and not lose their beautiful shine. Special shampoo for such pets must be selected correctly. The sales assistant in the pet store should help you with this.

If your pet does not participate in various competitions and exhibitions, then the above recommendation can be ignored. After completion of all bath procedures, it will be necessary to dry the already clean dog. Drying Malamute should be using a hairdryer and brush. If you dry the dog's coat without a brush or comb, it will become tangled and assemble into lumps. When working as a hair dryer, a thick undercoat will need to be thoroughly combed so that it does not tangle. Having completed this procedure, a clean and dry dog ​​will look like a true showpiece.

Dry Malamute preferably not too hot air flow. It is better to set the average temperature. For drying enough simple warm air. It is even better if you use a rather quiet device, because the extra noise may frighten the dog, especially if such procedures are new to it or it is still small. Care is necessary for the teeth, claws and ears of an Alaskan Malamute.

Take into account - the ears of such a dog should definitely be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the ears. As soon as you notice pollution in them, you should immediately get rid of them. It is recommended to clean the dog's ears using a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide.Watch and the state of claws Malamute. They need to be cut once a month. Of course, such a procedure will be needed, if only the dog does not grind its claws on the asphalt when it runs and walks.

Brush your Malamute teeth once a week. For this purpose it is required to use only special paste. The usual product that people use is not suitable for this. Brush for cleaning dog teeth, too, must be special. Such tools can be found in many pet stores. Dog pastes can be picked up not ordinary, but with different tastes. For example, options with bacon or beef are in great demand.

Pay enough attention to the northern dog. Spend a lot of time on it. Monitor the condition of the dog. If Malamute is unwell, then he must be treated immediately. Do not delay the time. At the first suspicion of any Alaskan disease, you should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Alaskan Malamutes need to be fed properly. Most often, dog breeders give such pets ready-made industrial food that you do not need to pre-cook or prepare in any other way. Such products must necessarily belong to a high quality class. Cheap budgetary feed is not recommended for dogs in principle. Experts recommend giving Alaskan Malamutes high-quality food, which are such marks.

• Organic. Such a mark on the original packaging with food suggests that its production involved meat of natural origin, and not its cheap artificial substitutes and analogues. Such products will only benefit the pedigreed pet.
• Holistic. A similar mark is put on such high-quality feeds, which are made specifically for animals suffering from certain diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract. Such instances are expensive, but do not harm the body of the dog. It is advisable to select them after a visit to the veterinarian, who will tell you exactly what kind of food should be given to your pet.
• Human grade. This mark on the selected feed will indicate that all food components involved in the manufacture of finished goods can be eaten even by humans.

It is advisable to buy for Alaskan branded feed. You can pre-consult with a veterinarian who will help stop the selection on the best products. If you decide to have an Alaskan Malamute, then you should be aware that the representatives of this breed are big beggars. But keep in mind - you can not feed them food from the human table in any case.

If you want to please the dog with some delicacy, then you should create the conditions under which he deserves it. For example, you can ask a pet to execute one of the commands. After properly executed requests Malamute can be treated.

If you do not want to feed your pet ready-made feeds, but prefer to give natural fresh food, then you should take into account the age of the Malamute. Small puppies eat one food, and adults - another. Let's look in detail what types of products can be given to representatives of the northern breed at different ages, and which ones should be discarded. If a Malamute is not yet 8 months old, then he can be fed with such useful products as:

• fresh pieces of boiled beef meat;
• raw veal pieces;
• fresh sea fish;
• rice;
• buckwheat;
• oatmeal;
• cottage cheese;
• boiled eggs;
• vegetables;
• fruits.

It is forbidden to give potatoes to young Malamutes. Dogs whose age is more than 8 months, it is desirable to give the following products:

• fresh quality meat (it should be the basis of the entire diet of a pedigree dog);
• cheese;
• dairy products;
• fruits and vegetables;
• cereals.

Young individuals should be fed 4 to 6 times a day. Adult dogs should eat 2 times a day. What we can and should be given to the Alaskan Malamutes we have disassembled, and now it is worth considering what products these animals are not allowed to give:

• spicy food;
• sausages (any);
• smoked products;
• salted fish, especially river fish;
• food with all sorts of chemical additives;
• marinated foods;
• food with seasonings and various spices;
• fried food;
• confectionery.

Animals whose diet is correct, live longer and suffer less frequently. Do not give your pet prohibited foods, even if he diligently begging for them. It is advisable to keep all unnecessary food in a place that the Malamute cannot reach. In the same way you will save him from harmful and dangerous food for him. Making a diet for an Alaskan Malamute perfectly suitable and balanced is quite difficult. It is advisable not to do it yourself.

Alaskan Malamute necessarily need to properly educate and train. Without this, the animal will behave very badly, which will cause a lot of inconvenience to its owner. Before you begin to train your big, shaggy friend, you need to analyze his usual diet. If the animal eats ready-made feeds, then treats for correctly executed commands should be in the form of pellets. If you praise the dog with natural treats, then after a while he will protest fiercely and simply refuse to eat dry food, which he happily eats before.

Let us consider what educational measures you need to apply in relation to the Malamute. First of all, you will need to overcome the stubbornness of this dog. Do not forget that Alaskan Malamutes are terrible pests, so it’s not recommended to pull them up with their upbringing. It is better to start as early as possible to take matters into your own hands. It is necessary to start the training of a purebred puppy as soon as he is in the house. The owner will have to be patient. Only the person who has enough of it will be able to overcome the bad habits and innate qualities of the animal. Only in this way you can conquer Alaskan.

It is very important to show leadership in the education of the Malamute. Do not forget - Alaskan people are far from being driven by pets. They are leading, therefore in a flock they constantly prove their superiority to their brethren. As a member of the new family, the Malamut will certainly try and show his leadership there. It is extremely important to timely demonstrate to the dog who is more important in the house. It is necessary to do this without resorting to physical strength. To beat a puppy is impossible in any case.

Be sure to keep total control over the pet. The Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent dog. It is normal for her to make independent decisions, sensibly assessing the existing situation. In this case, to obey the owner or not - the dog of the northern breed decides for itself. For this reason, any Malamute mistake must be reacted in a proper way. It is necessary to gain the trust of the Alaskan Malamute and convince him that he must fulfill any command that the host requests.

Remember that the Alaskan Malamute needs to work, because it was for this that he was withdrawn initially. If the owner also takes part in the work, then from this his relationship with the pet will only strengthen. Of course, no one forces you to drag a whole team of loads with you, but playing with a Alaskan ball or running along the forest paths is your duty.

Alaskan Malamutes, as well as representatives of any other breeds, are subject to a number of diseases.If we are talking about genetic diseases, then, as a rule, they can be predicted and identified even before the birth of offspring. That is why it is so important and necessary to buy furry fidget exclusively from professional breeders. Below are the two most common diseases that are inherited from northern dogs.

• "Snow Nose". This disease is manifested by a change in the pigmentation of the nose of the dog from dark to pink. These states must be kept under control. An animal will not be able to spend much time in direct sunlight. Primary treatment should consist in applying a special tattoo. Breeders have taken control of this disease at the genetic level and therefore do not cross the animals that carry this gene.
• Chondrodysplasia. This disease is a violation of the algorithm for the development of cartilage tissue. If the necessary measures are not taken in time, the dog simply will not be able to run fast, and in some cases walk. Symptoms of this disease manifest themselves, constantly growing. At first, the dog will simply get tired faster, then begin to give up active games, without which the Alaskan Malamutes cannot imagine their life. After a while, the pet will simply lie in its usual place, stretching its paws tiredly.

A purebred Alaskan Malamute puppy must be chosen very carefully and deliberately. First you need to familiarize yourself with all the characteristics and characteristics of this breed. If you are sure that you can cope with the Malamute, you can go and choose the puppy you like.

• It is recommended to buy such animals in nurseries with a good reputation. If you do not want to go to such an institution or if there is no such possibility, then it is permissible to contact private breeders.
• It is very important to pay attention to the availability of all necessary documents for animals. A Malamute puppy must have documentation RKF or SCOR (these organizations are official).
• Consider that the so-called club documents will always be very risky, since you can buy a non-purebred puppy, or an individual with certain problems related to the psyche or the exterior.
• Pay attention to the age of the puppy. It should be from 1 to 4 months. Those who prefer to buy very small monthly babies usually explain their choice by the fact that at that age the pet still does not have time to acquire all the bad habits that appear in the conditions of life in the pack. In addition, such small animals quickly become attached to their owner.
• Those people who prefer to buy older individuals argue that such exterior creatures make it easier and more accurate to determine all the exterior makings.
• Regardless of age, Malamute puppies must be curious, active. In addition, healthy pedigree babies should have a good appetite. Small Malamutes should not have a fat tummy, their paws are always dense and straight (no curvature is allowed), the tail is thick, and the look is perky and lively.
• Look at the fur of the puppy you like. It should be clean, soft, thick and fluffy.
• If you are looking for a dog that will be performing at exhibitions in the future, then you should pay attention not only to its external data, but also to its behavior - the pet must be impudent and self-confident.
• Quality and healthy puppies should not be lethargic and sleepy. Their ears and eyes must be clean.

Alaskan Malamutes can live in an apartment, but their innate digging instincts will not give owners a rest. Unfortunately, to wean the pet from this bad habit is unlikely to succeed. Consider - if the animal has no ground under its paws, it will start to dig other things - floor or furniture.When buying a puppy that is 1.5 months old, you need to make sure that he was given primary vaccinations and was treated for worms. De-worming in all cases precedes vaccination.

You can choose a Malamute puppy using the method in which the leash is involved. A collar with a leash should be put on the pet, and then gradually move away from it. It is considered to be, if the kid after short persuasions begins to follow the man, not trying to fall down, whine or crawl, then a remarkable and balanced dog with leadership qualities will emerge from him.

If you plan to feed the Malamut ready-made industrial feed, then you should consider that it is better to buy them only in pet stores. Those products that lie on the shelves of supermarkets and similar stores, it is better to get round - as a rule, their quality leaves much to be desired. It is not recommended to buy ready-made feeds for Alaskan Malamutes, the content of which in the first place indicates the cereals.

Try not to leave the Alaskan Malamute alone with him for a long time. This can be a real challenge for the pet. As a result, loneliness often affects the mental state of animals of this breed. Malamut will simply lose all interest to the owner and will not obey at all.

All about the Alaskan Malamute dog breed in the video below.