Dog Breeds – Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are the oldest breed of working sled dogs, dating back at least a few thousand years. They are descendants from the original dogs belonging to the Alaskan Inuit tribe, the "Mahlemuts" and they make loyal companions.

In their history, Malamutes were very prominent in the lives of their masters. They worked, hunted, and lived day by day in the harsh elements and actually were essential to their owner's lives. The powerful stature of Malamutes was valuable to settlers and prospectors alike during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896.

A Malamute's looks are often compared to wolves, which is likely part of their ancient ancestry. Even today, the two animals are sometimes cross-bred and true Alaskan Malamutes have often been used by the motion picture industry to portray their wild counterparts.

For Alaskan Malamutes, training must begin at a young age so the dog knows immediately who is in command. They are brilliant dogs but with a strong, independent nature. Consistency is essential in training a Malamute.

This breed needs considerable daily exercise, generous space in which to move, and plenty of attention to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.

The thick fur needs regular brushing to prevent matting and to help in the natural shedding process. Outdoor Malamutes will enjoy a small swimming pool during the heat of summer to cool themselves, and can often be seen just standing in water.

A cold climate always suits a Malamute best, as they are quite comfortable playing and lying about in cold, wet snow. They make wonderful outside pets so long as they have shade to get out of the hot sun, or a dry shelter away from the cold, damp ground when they want it.