| The Alaskan Malamute might be a very poor choice | | | | *Special Health Considerations. The Malamute may be |
| for an apartment. They are large, intelligent dogs that | | | | subject to hip dysplasia, cataracts, inherited |
| need room to exercise and they can shed profusely. | | | | polyneuropathy and progressive retinal atrophy. |
| She is an Arctic sled dog, bred for power, big | | | | *Grooming. They shed quite a bit of fur. Brushing |
| muscles, deep chest and vigor. She has a thick, | | | | several times a week is good and baths should be |
| coarse coat, of course, and a wooly undercoat. They | | | | rare. Their coat generally does not smell. |
| come in various coat colors, ranging from light grey | | | | *Life Span. They live between 12 to 15 years with |
| through black, sable and even a red tint. The tail is | | | | proper nutrition and care. |
| carried over the back of the animal. | | | | *History. The Malamute is a Nordic dog that originally |
| The Malamute does not like warm climates due to its | | | | came from the Wolf. Its name comes from the |
| heavy fur that was designed to withstand extremes | | | | Mahlemut tribe of upper western Alaska, who used |
| in cold. Shaving this dog so it tolerates heat has the | | | | Malamutes for transportation. These dogs have been |
| opposite effect because of the way dogs cool | | | | very valuable as freight and work dogs through the |
| themselves. They are very friendly but not suitable | | | | ages. They were especially prized during the Alaskan |
| for an apartment as they shed heavily, are large and | | | | gold rush of 1896. They even helped Admiral Richard |
| need exercise. Fencing this dog in will help in the | | | | Byrd reach the South Pole. DNA testing reveals that |
| exercise area, as long as the climate is cool. They will | | | | they are one of the oldest breeds of dogs. |
| seriously dig so if you fence, some of the fence | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| needs to be buried to keep them in. Also, if you | | | | They hardly bark. |
| have a nice landscaped yard, you had a nice | | | | Very friendly. |
| landscaped yard. | | | | Generally like everyone, including outsiders. |
| *Are Malamutes good with children? They are good | | | | They keep themselves clean. |
| with older children. They are a large breed so | | | | *SPECIAL NEGATIVE POINTS |
| younger children may get hurt by them accidentally. | | | | Can be predatory against small animals. |
| They love people. Never leave young children alone | | | | They hardly bark. |
| with a dog for any length of time without adult | | | | Poor watch dog. |
| supervision. | | | | May be aggressive towards other dogs. |
| *Temperament. The Alaskan Malamute is friendly, | | | | May attempt to dominate his owner. |
| affectionate, loyal,devoted, playful and not a one | | | | Gets bored. Needs mental stimulation. |
| man dog. | | | | May howl like a wolf. |
| *Approximate Adult Size. Males run about 25 inches | | | | May ignore commands. |
| at the highest pointof their shoulders and can weigh | | | | May dig when bored, or to escape an enclosure. |
| 85 pounds. Females run about 23 inchesto the top of | | | | Can be difficult to housebreak. |
| their shoulders and weigh in at about 75 pounds. | | | | Sheds like crazy. |