If You’re Just Getting Started….

       If you’re just getting started in your search, a good place to start is the Alaskan Malamute Club of America’s website (AMCA).  The Alaskan Malamute Club of America, Inc. is the American Kennel Club (AKC) National Breed Club for the Alaskan Malamute.  The club has as its main goal the betterment of the breed, and asserts that its membership has an obligation to the Alaskan Malamute breed, to preserve the magnificence of the breed, without exploiting it.  To that end, the club was established and these goals are kept in mind as we expand into each new area of involvement with our breed.  The club’s membership is actively involved in all facets of the breed that contribute to these goals.

Finding a Responsible Breeder….

     A responsible breeder is someone who is passionate about their breed.  Breeders who maintain high standards may ask you a lot of questions.  They will give you a written contract, which may be quite detailed.  Don’t be put off by either of these circumstances.  Your answers to questions will help the breeder determine whether the breed is right for you, and if so, which puppy will best suit your personality and needs.  Although you will be responsible for your puppy’s upbringing, the breeder is responsible for its existence and its effect on the breed.  Good breeders take this responsibility seriously (Brooks and Wallis, p. 6).  

Who Deserves a Malamute?

     Only someone who can keep him safely confined, exercised and trained sufficiently, fed and groomed properly, and current on medical care.  Only someone who plans to lovingly care for him for his 10 -14 year lifetime! 

 What is a Malamute Really Like?

     Of the three artic breeds (Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes), he is the largest.  His strength and endurance are second to none.

     As a puppy, he is affectionate and full of life.  Chewing is one of his bad habits; therefore, crate training is recommended when you are unable to supervise him indoors.  He may argue about leash-breaking, but he is highly intelligent and will learn quickly, enjoying the camaraderie and exercise from daily walks.  He must learn to relinquish his food and toys on command, but these lessons must be accomplished with fairness and patience.

     As an adult, he is majestic , dignified, strong-willed and self-confident.  You may find him to be more reserved with strangers.  The Malamute loves children but, like all large dogs, should be supervised during interaction.  He is unsuitable for guard work, although his size alone will discourage intruders.  It is not unusual for a Malamute to become intolerant of other dogs of the same sex; therefore, caution must be exercised when introducing him to other canines, regardless of their size.

Now that you have him….what will you do with him?

     A Malamute is a pack animal with the natural instinct to “lead or be lead”; therefore, training must begin early.  Because he is independent and smart, he may be a little harder to train than other breeds, but don’t become discouraged!  He is a true athlete – a dog with which you can enjoy sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging, and even swimming in the summer months.  All Malamutes can earn an Obedience Title, Canine Good Citizenship Award, or one of the various Working degrees.  “Show Quality” Malamutes can also compete for an AKC championship.

    The Malamute cannot be allowed to grow up lacking controlled socialization with humans or animals, or he may become dominant over people he doesn’t respect and aggressive with other dogs and cats.  A sensible combination of love and discipline will result in a devoted, trustworthy companion.

    For his general care, the Malamute should be fed a high-quality diet.  His body should be trim and hard with no excess fat.  He should receive yearly inoculations and be checked for parasites regularly.  Your veterinarian should likewise check his ears and teeth with each visit.  While not a high-maintenance dog, the Malamutes’ coat should receive regular combing and brushing to remove dead hair.  Bathing is occasionally necessary to remove dirt and oil and to keep the coat in healthy, shining condition.

     Although they are rarely idle barkers, malamutes are quite talkative and have a wide range of vocalizations to express their feelings.  A malamute may continue doing something that he does not really want to do at your command, but rest assured he will tell you just what he thinks of it all the while (Brooks and Wallis, p. 3)!

Malamutes are infamous chewers!  There is little that they will not try – at least once.  They relieve boredom by chewing; puppies teethe by chewing; and adult animals often find recreation in chewing.  The smart owners always have suitable chewing objects readily available to their pets (Riddle and Harris, p. 204).

Alaskan Malamutes generally like people and enjoy being around them.  At the same time, their independent nature keeps them from being pests.  If you are not paying attention to him, a malamute is usually able to amuse himself.  In the process, his antics may entertain you as well.  A few laughs are all the encouragement a malamute needs to clown around.  The healthy, cared-for malamute brings zest and enthusiasm to everything he does.  His sheer joy in life is one of the most endearing and appealing qualities of his nature (Brooks and Wallis, p. 4).

     If you have any questions, please contact us at 916-560-8403 or e-mail us at mike7028@comcast.net

Selected Bibliography

Brooks, Barbara A. and Sherry E. Wallis. The Alaskan  

      Malamute: Yesterday and Today.  Colorado: Alpine

      Publications, Inc., 1998.

Brearly, Joan M. This Is The Alaskan Malamute. New York:

     T.F.H. Publications, 1975.

Kernec, Bill Le. Alaskan Malamutes. New Jersey: T.F.H.

     Publications, 1991.

Riddle, Maxwell and Beth Harris. The New Complete

     Alaskan Malamute. New York: Howell Book House, 1990.

The Monks of New Skete.  The Art Of Raising A Puppy. Boston:

     Little, Brown, and Company, 1991.

The American Kennel Club. American Kennel Club Dog Care

    And Training. New York: Simon and Schuster Macmillan

    Company, 1991.