Alaskan Malamute

Some people find it hard to tell an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky, Alaskan Husky or an Eskimo Dog. Malamutes are large (from 23 - 26 inches) and are built with a powerful bone structure to pull heavy loads. Pure-bred Mals must have brown eyes. The ears are set further back, the head is broad and deep, the muzzle is bulky, the back is sloped and the tail is a waving plume, curled loosely. The double coat can be silver, reddish, brownish or black, with white. A common facial characteristic is the "mask" look. The Alaskans love this adorable breed and they are a popular choice for families, primarily due to their affectionate disposition.

Alaskan Malamutes are a very affectionate breed of dog that thrive on human companionship. Ideally, your pet will be able to come and go as it pleases through a doggie-door, having the freedom to lounge outside in the shade or be at the heart of human interaction on command. Speaking of "commands," Mals can be stubborn dogs if you don't take the time to train them when they're young.

Don't worry: they are intelligent and quick learners if you use positive rewards. Be sure to let them know who's the "Alpha Dog" in your house early on! This breed gets bored easily and needs a lot of exercise. Your Malamute may be a digger, so it's best to set up a shaded area where your dog can dig his paws into the cool dirt if need be. If you're looking for a guard dog, then forget it; this breed enjoys humans far too much!

While the males are sometimes aggressive with other males, Mals are said to be good family pets. If you have cats, small dogs or farm animals, then you may want to reconsider getting this sort of breed. Perhaps it's the hunter instinct that emerges, but this native Alaskan canine does not typically get along with other small mammals. One of the things you'll come to love about your Mal is its "Chewbacca" woofs. While they're a generally quiet dog, they do like to talk a bit, and sometimes even howl like a wolf!

Early training is key for a well-behaved Alaskan Malamute. This breed is generally well-behaved, although, if left untrained, the dogs may use their restless energy to dig holes, hop fences, walk poorly on leashes and stubbornly refuse to obey your command. Since Malamutes have a pack mentality, you have to work at asserting yourself as "the Alpha Dog." Negativity makes the dogs sullen, but treats will win their affection and obedience for life! If you are looking to make your dog into a sled dog, then you can begin harnessing as young as six months. There is an innate instinct that guides the dogs to pull, but there are books you can buy that give a more specific set of instructions, including commands to give the dog sled team (outside of the stereotypical "MUSH!" call).

There are many Alaskan Malamute Rescue facilities across the nation if you're looking for one. These non-profit groups, like TAMR, based out of Texas, seek to provide local help through rescue, adoption, foster care and owner education. To adopt, you generally must be 18+, agree to have the dog as either indoor or indoor/outdoor, pay a $100 - $300 adoption fee and you may even have to undergo a screening process like you would for child adoption. Having a pet is a big responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Often, many Mals get turned over to shelters because they don't get along with other pets, they dig too much or the owners just don't have enough time to run with them. This causes undue stress on the dogs and leaves them disheartened. If you have a lot of love to give and the patience, then there is a Mal waiting for you.

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