Alaskan
Malamute May Be The Ideal Breed Of Dog For You
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).
If you like what you've read, then an Alaskan Malamute may
be the ideal breed of dog for you! They've got a little of
everything, it seems. If you're looking for a companion, rather
than an accessory, then you've made the right decision. You may
not have a sled to pull, but if you have a strong desire for an
animal that can run, play, walk and entertain, then the Mal can
make the ideal pal!
Alaskan Malamutes (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Amazon Price: $7.99 Used Price: $5.52 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 Review (rating: 4): This is a pretty good book about the breed. If you're thinking about getting a Malamute, this is probably a good buy. However, there may be a better book out there...
2009 Alaskan Malamute Wall Calendar
Amazon Price: $14.99 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 Review (rating: 5): This came to me in record time. The calendar is absolutely beautiful! I am so pleased with the product and service.
Wanda Johnson
Alaskan Malamute (Kennel Club Dog Breed)
Amazon Price: $11.20 Used Price: $8.77 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 Review (rating: 5): If you plan to get a Mal, you should buy this book before.
Very good information for the new owner.
Best for the price, very accurate and up to date with new owner concern.