Alaskan Malamute

From Pet Encyclopedia

Alaskan Malamute

Origin of Breed

Alaska

Breed Nick Names

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Origin and History 3 Appearance 4 Temperament 5 Health 6 External Links 7 References

[edit] Introduction

The Alaskan Malamute breed is known as a Spitz type of dog, other Spitz type dogs include the Akita, Chow Chow and Samoyed to name but a few. The Spitz type of dogs originate from the Artic regions and have evolved to fit three purposes, which are Herding, Hunting and Pulling Sleds. The Alaskan Malamute was bred for use as an Alaskan Sleddog and is classed in the Working Dog Group of dogs.

[edit] Origin and History

The Alaskan Malamute are named after the Eskimo Mahlemut people who reside by the shores of Kotzebue Sound, which is a mountainous region in the Artic Circle.

According to stories, this and other artic dogs derive partly from wolves. Because of its great stamina and speed Malamutes are a greatly prozed sled dog with the ability to survive artic temperatures and the hauling of heavy loads over rough terrain. The American explorer Robert Peary (1856 - 1920) believed that there was only one breed of sled dog, of which it's name varied from region to region. However, there are distinguishing features between sled dogs, and a number of breeds have been identified. The Alaskan Malamute is one of the larger sled breeds and now has a standard of its own.

[edit] Appearance

Dogs height: 64-71 cm (25-28 inches) Bitches height: 58-66 cm (23-26 inches)

Weight: 38.5-57 KG (85-125 lb)

The Alaskan Malamute's coat is thick, dense and oily with a woolly undercoat and a coarse guard coat. This means that the dog needs to be brushed daily. Colour: from light grey through intermediate shadings to black, or from gold through shades of red to liver; they always have a white underbody, parts of their legs, feet and part of their facual mask markings. They have a broad powerful head; almond-shaped brown eyes; ears small in proportion to head with a moderatly high set tail.

[edit] Temperament

Although they have a wolfish appearance the Alaskan Malamute is a gentle, kind-natured dog and makes a loyal and devoted companion, but is not very good with other canines.

[edit] Health

[edit] External Links

[edit] References