Alaskan Malamute for sale

Alaskan Malamut for sale: breed

When you first see an Alaskan Malamute, it's easy to be impressed by its large stature, wolf-like facial markings and huge tail. Malamutes are often thought to descend from wolves. They might play the role of a wolf on TV or in movies, but they are domestic dogs.

The Alaskan Malamute has strength, energy, stamina, independence and immense intelligence. They were originally sought after to pull heavy sledges over long distances, as well as hunt seals and polar bears. Now chosen primarily for companionship, the Malamute succeeds in several dog sports.

Malamutes regard everyone they meet as friends. If you're looking for a guard dog, this is not the breed for you.

Alaskan Malamutes do best in situations where they have plenty of space and exercise opportunities so they don't get bored and restless. His independent nature often causes him to be labeled stubborn or stupid, but his intelligence shines through with proper training. If the Alaskan Malamute is the right breed for you, he'll give you years of pleasure as a playmate and companion.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: brief history

One of the oldest sled dogs, the ancestors of the Alaskan Malamute crossed the land bridge from Siberia to Alaska thousands of years ago with native peoples. A single tribe, known as the Mahlemuts, settled in the northeastern area of the Seward Peninsula, and that's where this breed developed. The dogs were accustomed to hunting seals, chasing polar bears, and pulling heavy sleds loaded with food or camp supplies.

The natives treated their dogs well and prized them highly. The gold rush of 1896 gave a great influx into Alaska of dogs of many sizes and breeds that could survive the weather. Many native dogs mated with these dogs and the pure type was lost. The Mahlemuts were a relatively isolated tribe, so the Malamute survived the incursion better than other breeds.

Arthur T. Walden established his Kennook Chinook in New Hampshire and began breeding Alaskan Malamutes. He and his successors, Milton and Eva Seeley, supplied many dogs for Antarctic expeditions in the '30s. Seeley began a breeding program for dogs found in the Norton Sound area of Alaska. This strain of Malamut became known as the "Kotzebue" strain.

A slightly different strain was developed by Paul Voelker, Sr. with dogs he purchased in Alaska in the early 1900s and later in the 1920s. This strain was known as the "M'Loot" strain. Some of these dogs were used in World War I and World War II and in Admiral Byrd's second expedition.

The Alaskan Malamute Club of America was formed in 1935, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed the same year. During World War II, most of the registered Alaskan Malamutes were on loan for the war, as there was a high demand for sled dogs. Tragically, many of them perished after serving their nation on an expedition to Antarctica during World War II.

All malamutes registered with the AKC today can trace their ancestry back to the original Kotzebue or to dogs registered during the 1940s.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: size

Males are 64 cm tall and should weigh about 39 kg; females tend to be 58 cm tall and weigh about 34 kg. However, it's not uncommon for an adult to reach 45 kg. In rare cases, the so-called 'giant' versions rise to 64 kg, but the malamute's body is not designed to support excess weight.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: personality

The Alaskan Malamute will win you over with its disposition. They greet everyone as friends - even strangers and first-time house guests - so they're not good guard dogs, but they are extremely loyal to their family and friends. Malamutes are pack animals and love spending time with people, insisting on being included in all the activities their family undertakes.

Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training and socialization. Puppies with cute temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach and be held by people. Like any dog, the Alaskan Malamute needs early socialization, exposure to many people, sights, sounds and experiences when young. Socialization helps make sure your pet grows up to be a good dog.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: health

Alaskan Malamutes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all dogs will have any of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

If you buy a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health papers of the puppy's parents. Health certificates show that a dog has been tested and recovered from a particular ailment.

• Cataract: usually present between 1 and 2 years of age, known as juvenile cataract. This type of cataract rarely progresses to blindness. Affected animals should not be used for breeding.
• Chondrodysplasia: This genetic disorder causes the puppy to be born with obvious limb deformities. It is commonly referred to as "dwarfism." There is now a genetic screening test to determine if your dog carries the gene for this disorder.
• Hip dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thigh does not fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain on one or both hind legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort. As the dog gets older, arthritis can develop. The dysplasia is hereditary, but can also be triggered by environmental factors such as rapid growth due to a high-calorie diet or injury. Treatment ranges from supplements that support joint function to total hip replacement.
• Hypothyroidism: this condition is often misdiagnosed because tests to assess the condition are not specific and can be inaccurate. Hypothyroidism is the result of abnormal production of thyroid hormones. The clinical signs vary according to the severity of each case, but may include dry, coarse and/or thin coat, eye discharge, pale mucous membranes and mental drowsiness. Treatment includes medications that must be taken at all times.
• Inherited polyneuropathy: this is generally characterized by a lack of coordination and instability. The condition ranges from mild to severe. An affected dog may fall, tiptoe or its gait may seem awkward. Onset is usually quite sudden, with most cases seen at about one year of age.
• Hemeralopia (Day Blindness): This usually begins to appear when the puppy is eight weeks old and can be easily recognized by owners. Affected dogs bump or trip over things. They may be reluctant to go out in sunlight, preferring to stay in shaded areas. All these signs of embarrassment disappear at night. Hemeralopia can be managed to help the dog have an acceptable quality of life.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: care

This member of the working group is definitely a task seeker. He thrives on long walks, hiking (while wearing a backpack), skijoring (pulling a person on skis), carting and sledding. He needs to run, play a lot. Inappropriate exercise will cause boredom and destruction. Make sure, however, that the exercise matches your dog's age, health and activity level.

Malamutes love to dig. Rather than trying to stop this behavior, your best bet is to accommodate it by giving your Malamute his own place to dig in the yard or another area.

Blessed with a dense double coat, the Alaskan Malamute can tolerate living outdoors in extremely cold conditions. However, it needs adequate shelter and enclosure, preferably with a roof over it. They live well indoors as they keep their fur clean and are easy to care for.

Not surprisingly, malamutes are sensitive to heat. They are arctic dogs, not designed by nature to live in hot and humid environments.

Because of their size, strength and intelligence, it is highly recommended that malamutes are enrolled in training from an early age.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: feeding

The diet for the Alaskan malamute should be formulated for a large breed with high energy and exercise requirements. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice and correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow. Stay up-to-date with these nutritional requirements.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: coat color and brushing

The Alaskan Malamute has a double coat. The coat colors of this breed range from light gray to black, sable and shades of sable to red. The coat should be predominantly white, along with the legs, parts of the feet and part of the face markings. The only solid color you will see is white. Some malamutes may have an attractive white blaze on the forehead or around the neck.

Brushing often a week helps to keep the coat clean and distribute skin oils. Malamutes shed a lot twice a year. A plus for this breed is that the double coat is odorless. In addition, Malamutes have a cat-like tendency to keep their fur clean at all times. Baths are rarely necessary, usually once to twice a year, unless the dog gets into a smelly mess.

Brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurks inside. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Remove your nails once or twice a month. Start getting him used to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Frequently handle his paws and check his mouth. With a positive experience full of praise and rewards, you'll lay the groundwork for easy vet exams and other maneuvers when he's an adult.

Alaskan Malamut for sale: relationship with children and other animals

Malamutes are patient with children and love the attention they get from them, but puppies, with their rapid growth, can easily outgrow a toddler under five. In their exuberance, they can accidentally injure a child.

As with every breed, however, you need to teach children how to approach and touch dogs and always supervise any interaction between them to prevent any biting. Teach your child never to approach the dog while eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food. No dog, however friendly, should be left unattended with a child.

With early socialization and training, the malamute should get along well with other dogs. He may chase small animals such as cats unless he is taught with them. It is vital to introduce them properly to other animals in the household and supervise their interactions.