| AKC Group: | Working |
| A.K.A.: | None |
| Functions: | Companion, Sled Dog |
| Year of Origin: | 1800s |
| Country of Origin: | United States |
| Life Span (yr): | 10 - 14 |
| Colors: | Black and white, Brown and white, Gray and white, Red and white, Sable and white, Silver and white, Blue and white, Seal and white, White |
| Height (Inch): | 22 - 26 |
| Weight (lb): | 70 - 95 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: |  |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: |  |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The muscular body of the Alaskan Malamute is a prerequisite for his work and his breeding as a sled dog in the Arctic. He is strong from his head to his tail. Even his stance exudes strength. He holds his broad head proudly upright and his eyes are always observant and curious. His ears are also held upright and are triangular in shape. He has a large muzzle that ends with a darkly colored nose. One of the most important features of the Alaskan Malamute is his coat. It is rough and thick to keep him warm. The fur is usually colored so that it appears that he has a cap on his head and a mask over his face.
Temperament:
The Alaskan Malamute is a friendly, loving breed of dog. He does not need to have a best friend and loves all people equally. He is faithful and strongly devoted to his family. If encouraged, he will play; however, he is usually poised and mature in his demeanor. Although he has a strong will and plenty of confidence, he can be aloof around people he does not know. He loves children, but should be watched when playing with them. The Alaskan Malamute is not consistently friendly with other dogs and pets and owners should be careful when he is around them, but he can be socialized.
Health:
The Alaskan Malamute has a few general rules that owners should follow to keep him healthy. For one, he should be fed a diet that is high in quality. Doing so will keep his body fit and muscular and minimize the amount of fat on his body. He should also receive his vaccinations each year from his veterinarian. He should have blood work done, as well – so, parasites and other problems can be detected easily. The Alaskan Malamute is susceptible to hip dysplasia, like most large breeds. It can cause difficulty standing and walking if it is severe. He may also be prone to chondrodysplasia or dwarfism. Puppies born with this hereditary disorder have short or oddly shaped legs.
Maintenance:
The Alaskan Malamute is moderately easy to maintain. His coat should be combed and brushed on a regular basis – usually two times each week - to reduce the amount of loose fur. He should also be bathed occasionally to keep his coat shiny and clean. Although not a hyper breed of dog, he is relatively active inside the home. Consequently, he should be in a home with a large, fenced yard. The Alaskan Malamute is not bothered by cold temperatures; however, if it is hot outside, he could become overheated quickly. It is best if he has a shady place to rest and a full bowl of chilled water to drink, if he is outside.