If you’re a dog lover or planning to get one, you might be curious about the Alaskan Malamute. These magnificent dogs are known for their strength and loyalty. They have an interesting history and some unique characteristics that set them apart from other breeds.
Why should you consider an Alaskan Malamute for your family? Not only are they incredibly loving and loyal, but they also come with a fascinating set of traits that make them stand out. Whether you’re interested in their origins or their behavior, there are plenty of fun facts to discover about these amazing dogs.
Table of Contents
1) Double Coat
Alaskan Malamutes have a thick double coat that helps them stay warm in cold climates. This coat consists of a dense, woolly undercoat and a coarse outer coat.
The double coat is one of the reasons they are so well-suited for Arctic conditions. It provides insulation and protection from harsh weather.
Regular grooming is important to maintain the health of their coat. If you decide to get an Alaskan Malamute, be prepared to deal with shedding, especially during the spring and fall.
2) Friendly Giants
Alaskan Malamutes are known for their gentle nature. They are often very affectionate with their families. Despite their large size, they have a calm and loving demeanor.
These dogs are also great with kids. Their patience and friendly attitude make them good family pets. You’ll find that they enjoy being around people and form strong bonds with their owners.
Their size might seem intimidating at first, but you’ll quickly realize they are just big teddy bears.
3) Sled Dogs
Alaskan Malamutes are known for their incredible strength and stamina. They were bred by the Mahlemut Inuit tribe and are one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. These dogs excel at pulling heavy loads across long distances in harsh conditions.
While they might be slower compared to other sled dogs, Malamutes can travel much longer distances. Their endurance makes them excellent companions for long expeditions.
Because of their strong work ethic, these dogs have been essential in Arctic exploration. They are loyal, hard-working, and always eager to help.
4) Strong Howlers
Alaskan Malamutes are known for their powerful howls. These impressive vocalizations can carry over long distances. It’s one of the ways they communicate with their pack.
You might hear your Alaskan Malamute howling at sirens or other high-pitched sounds. This behavior is deeply rooted in their instincts.
If you have an Alaskan Malamute, be prepared for some loud, expressive howling. It’s just one of the many unique traits of this breed.
5) Pack Animals
Alaskan Malamutes are very much pack animals. They descend from dogs used by the native Inuit people of Alaska.
These dogs need a clear leader. Without one, they might try to take charge, leading to stubborn behaviors.
A well-defined pack structure helps them feel secure. This makes them more cooperative and happy in a home environment.
6) Wolf-like Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute has a striking wolf-like look. This breed’s pointed ears and strong, muscular build add to its wild appearance.
With its dense double coat and bushy tail that often curls over its back, you can’t help but notice its resemblance to a wolf. This majestic look is one of the reasons people love them so much.
Their expressive eyes, often brown, give them a smart and alert expression. Despite their wild look, Malamutes are friendly and make great pets.
7) Highly Intelligent
Alaskan Malamutes are very smart dogs. They can learn many commands and tricks, making them fun to train.
Due to their intelligence, they may sometimes behave independently. This can make training a bit challenging but also rewarding.
These dogs can quickly pick up on what you want them to do. They pay attention and often understand your mood and feelings.
8) Great Pets
Alaskan Malamutes are known for being incredibly loving and loyal. They enjoy spending time with their families and are great with children. Their friendly nature makes them wonderful companions.
These dogs are also very social and enjoy being part of household activities. They thrive on attention and affection, which makes them perfect pets for active families.
The Alaskan Malamute requires regular exercise and enjoys outdoor adventures. If you have the time and space to accommodate their needs, they will reward you with endless love and loyalty.
9) Bred for Strength
Alaskan Malamutes were bred to be incredibly strong. They were historically used for pulling heavy sleds across tough Arctic terrain. Their immense power made them ideal for transporting goods and people in harsh conditions.
Unlike faster sled dogs, Malamutes excel in endurance and strength. They can haul substantial loads over long distances, showcasing their remarkable stamina. This strength and resilience are key traits that define the breed.
Because of this, they thrive in active households where they can get plenty of exercise. You’ll find that these dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
10) Love Snow
Alaskan Malamutes absolutely love snow. Their thick double coat keeps them warm even in the coldest weather. They enjoy playing, digging, and running in the snow for hours.
These dogs are built for winter. Their strong, sturdy bodies help them move easily through snow, making winter activities even more fun. If you live in a snowy place, your Malamute will be in heaven.
History and Origin
The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient breed with a rich history. These dogs were essential to the survival and daily life of various Arctic tribes and evolved over time to become beloved pets and working dogs.
Indigenous Roots
The Alaskan Malamute originated with the Mahlemut, an Inuit tribe from Alaska. These hardy dogs were bred for their strength and endurance, which were crucial for pulling heavy sleds in harsh Arctic conditions. They were more than just working animals; they were companions that played a significant role in the daily lives of the Mahlemut people.
These dogs are believed to have traveled across the Bering Strait thousands of years ago with the early Arctic settlers. They helped in hunting large game like seals and were integral to transporting goods and people across great distances. The Mahlemut tribe’s isolated lifestyle helped preserve the breed’s unique traits, ensuring their survival even during challenging times.
Evolution Over Time
During the Gold Rush in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Alaskan Malamute faced near-extinction. Many dogs were crossbred with other breeds to meet the high demand for sled dogs. Fortunately, some purebred lines were preserved by dedicated breeders who recognized the importance of maintaining this historic breed.
In 1935, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Alaskan Malamute. This recognition helped standardize the breed and boost its popularity. Today, these dogs are known not just for sledding and weight-pulling, but also for their roles as family pets and show dogs.
Their powerful build, friendly nature, and strong work ethic have made them beloved members of households around the world. Despite their ancient origins, Alaskan Malamutes continue to be versatile and valuable companions in modern times.
Physical Characteristics
Alaskan Malamutes stand out with their powerful build and thick, double-layered coat. These physical traits make them well-suited for their role as working dogs in harsh climates.
Distinctive Coat
Alaskan Malamutes have a thick, double-layered coat perfect for cold weather. The outer coat is coarse and stands out to protect from snow and ice. Underneath, a dense, woolly undercoat provides insulation. This combination helps them stay warm in freezing temperatures.
These dogs come in various colors including gray, black, sable, and red. The undercoat often has a lighter shade, creating a beautiful contrast. They shed twice a year, often losing clumps of their undercoat. Regular grooming helps manage this and keeps their fur healthy.
Size and Build
Malamutes are large and muscular, designed for strength and endurance. Males typically weigh between 85 to 100 pounds, while females weigh 75 to 85 pounds. Their sturdy build makes them excellent for heavy work like pulling sleds.
They have strong, straight legs that provide stability and power. Their broad chest and shoulders enhance their pulling ability. Their facial features, including erect ears and a bushy tail curled over the back, give them a wolf-like appearance.
Unique Behaviors and Traits
Alaskan Malamutes have some unique behaviors and traits that make them special. Two important aspects are their social nature and vocal communication.
Social Nature
Alaskan Malamutes are incredibly social dogs who love being part of a pack. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being around both humans and other dogs. They are known to be friendly and affectionate, making them great family pets.
These dogs are also very active and need lots of exercise. They enjoy activities like running, hiking, and pulling sleds. Make sure to include them in family activities to keep them happy and healthy.
Since they are pack animals, it’s essential to establish yourself as the leader. Consistent training and socialization from a young age will help ensure they are well-behaved and responsive.
Vocal Communication
Alaskan Malamutes are known for being quite vocal. They don’t usually bark much but communicate through howling, whining, and other sounds. This vocal communication is often a way for them to express their feelings, whether they are excited, bored, or seeking attention.
Their howling can be quite loud and carries over long distances, which is a throwback to their wild ancestors. This trait makes them unique but can be challenging in a neighborhood setting.
Understanding and responding to their vocal cues can help strengthen your bond with your Malamute. Training them to control excessive howling through positive reinforcement can make living with one more pleasant for everyone.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
