The Alaskan Malamute Club

The Alaskan Malamute Club

of The United Kingdom

THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE

The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the five Kennel Club recognised breeds of sled dog. It has a height range of 23" - 28" with bitches being at the lower end of the range. Bone and body will be commensurate with this. The breed is therefore a large one but it should never be regarded as a 'giant', and its original function as a breed designed to pull heavy weights over long distances at steady, but never fast, speeds means that Malamutes are stronger than other breeds of similar size.

With their superficial resemblance to wolves, many would-be buyers assume they are guard dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Their appearance may well have a deterrent effect but their temperament towards people, including complete strangers, is friendly in the extreme which coupled with the fact that they rarely bark, means that if a guard-dog is what you're looking for, try another breed.

Unfortunately, this good nature does not necessarily extend to other dogs of the same sex and, although Malamutes don't go looking for trouble, neither will they back away from a challenge, and since the challenger tends to be small and foolhardy (small terrier breeds spring to mind) the consequences can be rather nasty.

In fact despite their sweet nature towards people, Malamutes are not an easy breed and are not generally recommended for people who haven't had a dog before. For one thing they have never been breed for their all-round trainability as, for example, have German Shepherds or Border Collies - and even when the young Malamute appears to be an exception to this, the chances are that during its second year of life it will go through a stage of 'adolescent' rebellion when it will seem to have forgotten all it ever learned. This is the make-or-break stage and what sort of dog emerges at the other side depends on the way it's handled during this period.

Malamutes respond well to the voice but resent physical chastisement and sooner or later will respond adversely to it.

Similarly, although living outside (in draught and damp-free conditions, of course) will do no physical harm, the Malamute that is housed outside without canine companionship (of the opposite sex) will become morose and sullen and potentially a danger towards the family. On the other hand the Malamute that is kept as a full member of the household responds well and becomes a fully integrated member of the family, always provided it is never given any excuse to think that it rules the roost.

Malamutes should not be regarded as safe with game or stock but a new puppy will soon be put in its place by the family cat(s) already in possession, although trespassing cats will be sent packing

On the credit side, Malamutes do not run away if they are let off the lead, though neither do they return the instant they're called. Nor are they escapologists, being much to lazy to jump, climb or dig their way out. They will however take advantage of any weaknesses in fences and will certainly, just for fun, dig holes in the lawn

Once a Malamute is fully adult, it can take as much exercise as its owner can give it but such exercise should be steady and regular without being fast. Jogging is not an appropriate speed. A minimum daily amount would be an hour (perhaps divided between morning and evening) at a rate of 3 - 4 miles an hour i.e. brisk walk. Always remember Malamutes were bred to pull; and they enjoy pulling and are very good at it. Lead-training therefore has to be carefully undertaken to ensure a dog will always walk on a loose lead. This takes time and care but it isn't difficult to achieve.

Getting A Malamute

All responsible breeders will have their breeding-stock hip-scored and eye tested under BVA/KC schemes and can therefore produce certificates for your inspection. No one can foresee or guarantee the future hip status of any puppy but the total scores for each parent should be taken into consideration. On the whole Malamutes are unlikely to develop HD to an incapacitating degree and similarly there is so far little indication that British-breed Malamutes will have an eye problem. It is, however, inadvisable to buy from any breeder who can't produce assurances as to the current state of their breeding-stock.

Malamutes breeders take great care where they place their puppies and so any reasonable breeder will want to meet you before putting you on their waiting list and you should be prepared to wait before a puppy is available.

All responsible breeders will endorse their puppies' registrations to prevent breeding until certain criteria have been meet. These criteria should be given to you in writing, as should any undertaking to have the dog back if for any reason you can't keep it. In fairness to both sides, you should expect to sign a corresponding undertaking.