Alaskan Malamute

Get to Know Alaskan Malamutes

• They’re one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds: Alaskan Malamutes were developed thousands of years ago by the Mahlemut Inuit tribe to haul heavy sleds across frozen terrain, making them an ancient and enduring working breed.
• Polar expeditions and wars: Malamutes served in Arctic explorations and were used in both World Wars to transport supplies and assist in search-and-rescue missions due to their strength and endurance.
• They “talk": Instead of barking, Malamutes often howl or “woo-woo” to communicate, making them famously vocal and expressive without being traditional barkers.
• They have a strong prey drive: Despite their friendly nature with people, Malamutes can have a high prey drive and may not do well with smaller animals unless raised with them from a young age.
• They’re escape artists: Known for their intelligence and determination, many Malamutes can climb fences, dig under them, or find clever ways to escape if not securely contained and mentally stimulated.

Breed History

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest and most powerful Arctic sled dog breeds, originally developed by the Mahlemut Inuit people of northwestern Alaska. Bred to haul heavy loads across long distances in harsh, frozen terrain, Malamutes were essential to the survival of indigenous communities, serving not only as freight dogs but also as hunting partners and loyal companions. Unlike racing sled dogs like the Siberian Husky, Malamutes were built for strength rather than speed. Their endurance and resilience made them invaluable during Arctic expeditions and later during the Klondike Gold Rush. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935, the breed has since become a beloved working and family dog, admired for its strength, loyalty, and wolf-like appearance.

Personality and Behaviour

• Affectionate and Loyal: Alaskan Malamutes form strong bonds with their families and are known for their affectionate nature, often seeking close companionship and showing great loyalty.
• Independent and Strong-Willed: They have a confident, sometimes stubborn streak, which means they often like to think for themselves and may challenge authority if not given consistent leadership.
• Playful and Energetic: Despite their large size, Malamutes are lively and love to play, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved.

Care

• Grooming: Alaskan Malamutes require regular grooming, including frequent brushing, especially during seasonal shedding, to keep their thick double coat healthy and prevent matting.
• Exercise: They need substantial daily exercise, ideally 1.5 to 2 hours, to burn off their high energy and maintain both physical and mental well-being.
• Training: Training these intelligent but independent dogs demands patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, along with early socialization to manage their strong-willed nature effectively.