Page 100 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

100 GUIDE T O BREED S

Erect, triangular
ears with rounded
tips and furry
inner surfaces

Furry tail curls
up over back
Thick, coarse, wolf-gray Slight furrow
outer coat over oily, between eyes
woolly, deep undercoat
Black nose

Thicker hair
around neck
Heavily
muscled
thighs
White predominates
on underbody

ALASKAN MALAMUTE

A LARGE, SLED-PULLING DOG THAT CAN ADAPT WELL TO FAMILY LIFE AKC

Height range The wolflike Alaskan Malamute is named become aggressive. The breed also has a
23–28 in (58–71 cm) after the Native American Mahlemut people, strong chasing instinct and can disappear
Weight range who bred these dogs to pull heavy loads and far and fast in pursuit of small animals that
84–123 lb (38–56 kg)
travel great distances across the snow when it sees as prey. Owners should be cautious
Life span 12–15 years sleds were the only mode of transportation. about where and when to exercise this dog
Origin US Today, it is still used to haul freight in remote off leash. A quick learner, the Alaskan
North American locations and successfully Malamute has a strong will, so it needs firm
takes part in sled-racing competitions. Also handling and training in good habits right
used on polar expeditions, this breed has from the start.
Other colors staggering amounts of stamina, strength, and The Alaskan Malamute settles well into
tenacity combined with highly tuned senses domestic life as long as it has at least 2 hours
of direction and smell. of exercise each day and outdoor space to
Variety of For all its toughness, the Alaskan Malamute roam in. A bored dog with energy to spare
colors is a friendly dog, at least toward people, can be destructive if left at home without
All dogs have white underparts. which means that it cannot be relied on as a supervision. Although its thick coat sheds in
guard dog. It likes children but is too big and spring, there is a risk of overheating if the
boisterous to be left alone with a small child. dog is overexercised in hot weather, so it
The Alaskan Malamute, especially the male, needs access to shade. The hardy Alaskan
tends to be intolerant of strange dogs, and Malamute is happy to sleep outdoors,
without thorough socializing can quickly provided it has a companion.

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