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                              Alaskan Malamutes

Authors

  (listed alphabetically)
    * Margaret H. Bonham (Sky Warrior Racing Kennels), December 8, 1992
    * Stacey E. Curtis, December, 1 1992
      [[email protected]]
    * Stephen R. Lee (OooWoo Racing Kennel), December, 1 1992
      [[email protected]]

  Updates in 1994 of addresses, CTM. Australia contact added 1995. List
  of breeders removed. 10/95: Online Resources added, CTM.

  Copyright 1994, 1995 by Margaret Bonham, Stacey Curtis, and Stephen
  Lee.
    _________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

    * Description
    * History
    * Characteristics and Temperament
    * Care and Training
    * Special Medical Problems
    * Frequently Asked Questions
    * References
         + Books
         + Periodicals
         + Online Resources
         + Breed Rescue Organizations
         + Breed Clubs
         + Breeders

    _________________________________________________________________

Description

  The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful sled dog. They can weigh
  over 100 lbs and stand up to 30 inches high at the shoulder, though 25
  inches high is regarded as the preferred height for freighting. They
  are an impressive looking dog, quite beautiful and dignified.

 AKC Official Alaskan Malamute Standard

  The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes
  the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed
  otherwise known as _type_. Some characteristics, such as size, coat
  quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function
  for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye
  color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others.
  The Standard describes an _ideal_ representive of the breed. No
  individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the
  breeder to strive towards.

  Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards
  at any single site storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not
  typically included in the Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the
  publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club
  for a copy of the Standard.
    _________________________________________________________________

History

  Alaskan Malamutes originated with a group of native Innuits known as
  the Mahlemiut. The dogs of that time were very large freighting dogs
  capable of pulling heavy weight in extreme conditions. The Mahlemiut
  people mainly inhabited the upper part of the Anvik river in Alaska,
  but were spread over a wide region. The Malamute was used to haul food
  back to the villages. It was used as a heavy freighting dog, able to
  pull a tremendous amount of weight over long distances at a steady
  pace. The gold rush of 1896 created a high demand for these dogs.

  Today, there are essentially two different "kinds" of Alaskan
  Malamutes. One line is referred to as the M'Loot and the other is the
  Kotzebue. One difference between these two lines is the size of the
  dog. M'Loot Malamutes are larger than the Kotzebue's. In addition,
  true Kotzebues have only wolf-gray coats, whereas M'Loots come in a
  variety of colors, including wolf-gray, black and white, sable and
  white, seal, blue, and white. Kotzebues also tend to be less
  aggressive than the M'loot, however they can be more hyper. The
  Kotzebue line is essentially due to Arthur Walden, and Milton and Eva
  Seeley. In fact, it was Milton and Eva that got the Kotzebue line
  recognized and registered by the AKC in 1935. Paul Voelker developed
  the M'Loot line. Paul did not register his dogs, but he sold them to
  people who eventually did. Amongst breeders, there is some argument as
  to which is the "correct" Malamute. In spite of this, Alaskan
  Malamutes are credited as one of the few breeds that is very close to
  its original form and function.
    _________________________________________________________________

Characteristics and Temperament

 Coat and Grooming

  The Alaskan Malamute is a double coated breed. This coat consists of a
  woolly undercoat and longer guard hairs. Twice a year, Malamutes
  "blow" their undercoats, that is, they shed their undercoats
  completely. It is a very intense shedding period that can last up to
  three weeks from start to finish. The good news is that this only
  happens twice a year. The remainder of the time, Malamutes are
  relatively shed free (unlike smooth coated breeds). The bad news is
  that the shedding period can be rather messy. The hair comes out in
  large and small clumps. Lots of vacuuming and brushing are in order.
  It should be noted that some owners that live in very warm climes,
  ones that lack "seasonal changes," report some shedding year round in
  the breed.

  The Alaskan Malamute is a very clean and relatively odor free dog. It
  tends to clean itself like a cat. Even when a Malamute becomes covered
  in mud, it will clean itself. Therefore, bathing needs are minimal.
  Some owners only bathe their dogs once a year or less.

  Other than during coat-blowing season, the Malamute needs very little
  grooming. No trimming or shaving of hair is required or recommended.
  Occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh and
  shiny is required. Their nails should be checked and clipped
  periodically.

 Temperament

  Alaskan Malamutes are a very people friendly breed and demand a lot of
  attention. They are often described as "big teddy bears" because of
  their love of attention. They are a very pack-oriented breed and
  therefore do best when included in the family rather than shut outside
  away from the rest of the "pack." Since they are pack oriented,
  Malamutes are generally not "one-man" dogs. They are an extremely
  intelligent breed that can be very stubborn and easily bored. They are
  not typically recommended to a first-time dog owner as mistakes are
  easy to make and sometimes hard to correct unless you really know what
  you are doing. They can be a challenge to train, due to their
  stubbornness. It is said that to teach a Malamute to do something once
  or twice is very easy, because they are quite intelligent and quickly
  learn new tasks. To get them to repeatedly do something over and over
  again is much more challenging, due to their stubbornness and the fact
  that they become easily bored. This trait is quite common in all of
  the northern breeds. The sheer size of the Malamute can become an
  obstacle to novice dog owners. Many Malamutes end up in the pound and
  even destroyed because an owner fell in love with the cute puppy but
  could not control the large, stubborn, powerful adult.

  Owing to their strong pack nature, Malamutes can be more aggressive
  towards other dogs than other breeds. Because of this, great care
  should be taken on the part of the owner to socialize their Malamute
  puppy as much as possible with other dogs.

  Due to the character of the Malamute, they should never be actively
  trained to be protective, vicious, or aggressive. Their very nature
  makes them lousy watch dogs. It is against their instincts to make
  them into watch or guard type dogs. It has been tried in the past with
  disastrous results. They are a visual deterrent only, as the
  uninitiated may be hesitant to approach property or family in the
  company of such a large, impressive looking animal. However, Malamutes
  are as likely to greet a potential thief as warmly as a trusted family
  member. This is part of what makes a Malamute a Malamute.

 Barking, Talking, and Howling

  Alaskan Malamutes are rather quiet dogs. They generally do not bark at
  all. They do tend to "talk," however. The best way to describe the
  talking is to recall Chewbacca, the Wookie in the movie "Star Wars."
  It is sort of a soft "woo woo woo" sound. Malamutes can howl the roof
  right off of your house however. Owners of multiple Malamutes have
  noticed that when their dogs howl, they will all stop simultaneously.
  Again, this behavior is due to the fact that they are a _very_
  pack-oriented breed.
    _________________________________________________________________

Care and Training

 Feeding

  Note: Those living in Australia should read the note that follows
  these comments carefully.

  When you collect your puppy, your breeder should tell you what the
  puppy's diet has been to date, as well as recommendation as to the
  best food and feeding frequency in the future, both for while the dog
  is still a puppy as well as when the dog is an adult. You should try
  and follow the puppy's diet at the time you collect him from the
  breeder as best you can, until the puppy is settled in to its new
  environment. Then you can gradually change the diet to suit your
  preferences. Remember that sudden changes in diet can severely disrupt
  the puppy's digestive system and cause gastric distress.

  Some people prefer to free-feed their dogs, while others prefer
  scheduled feeding times. Certainly while the dog is still a puppy, he
  should be fed three times a day or free-fed. Malamutes are not fully
  mature until 18 months of age. The diet should be tailored to the dogs
  level of activity and eating habits. Some Malamute owners have found
  it impossible to free feed their dogs, due to the fact that some
  Malamutes will eat all food presented them immediately. This can lead
  to a variety of health problems, including obesity and bloat.

  As for the type and "brand" of dog food, basically any reputable dog
  food manufacturer provides a dog food that is sufficient to keep a dog
  healthy. However, the premium brands of dog food have the advantage
  that one can feed the dog less and still get very good nourishment. In
  addition, stool size and amount is generally less with the premium dog
  foods. Keep in mind that feeding dogs is partly art, and partly
  science. The dog food manufactures have done the science part. The
  rest is up to you. Some people feed their dogs a mix of canned and dry
  food twice a day. Others feed only dry and allow free feeding, and so
  on. Be sure and pick a frequency of feeding, brand, and type of food
  to suit your dogs needs. For working Malamutes, something equivalent
  to a Science Diet Performance is in order. For Malamutes that go for
  walks and hikes, a Maintenance formula is usually best. Consult your
  breeder and veterinarian for advice.

  One other thing worth mentioning here is how long to feed puppy food.
  Some research indicates that feeding puppy food for too long can
  increase the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs that are susceptible
  to it. Some breeders start feeding adult food very soon. Even though
  the Malamute is not fully mature until 18 months, most people
  gradually switch to adult dog food at the 8-10 month time frame.
  Again, this is something to discuss with your breeder and
  veterinarian.

 Special note for those living in Australia

  In Australia the use of commercial "wet" dog foods as the sole primary
  source of food have been found to be linked with hot spots and gastric
  distress (including very loose bowel movements) in many dogs of this
  breed. Occasional use is recommended. Likewise, kangaroo meat is not
  recommended. Many breeders make their own dog food and supplement it
  with a variety of vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet. If
  you live in Australia, it is recommended that you consult with your
  breeder and veterinarian regarding this issue and monitor the dogs
  condition closely with whatever diet is chosen.

 Housing

  Alaskan Malamutes are happiest when they can share in family
  activities. The best arrangement is one in which the dog can come in
  and out of the house of its own free-will, through a dog door. If a
  dog door is not possible, then training the dog to go to an outside
  door to be let out is also very easy to do. Outside, the dog should
  have a large, fenced yard. The fence should be strong and at least 6
  feet tall. It is also a good idea to bury wire in the ground to
  discourage digging out. Malamutes are notorious diggers. It is usually
  best to set up a sand box somewhere in a shaded part of the yard and
  encourage digging there, if possible. Malamutes should _not_ be
  allowed to roam around the neighborhood. If one chooses to kennel a
  Malamute, the kennel should be chain link, with a concrete run, and
  should be 8 ft wide and 15 to 20 ft long. It should be at least 6 ft
  high with chain link across the top of the kennel. It should be in a
  shaded location and have an insulated dog house with a door for
  shelter from the elements.

  Because the Malamute is an arctic dog, it can remain outside in very
  cold weather. However, it should be provided with shelter from the
  elements in the form of a good sturdy house. The house should have a
  flat roof, as Malamutes love to lay on top of their houses and observe
  the world. A good insulated house with nice straw bedding is perfect
  for Malamutes that spend most of their time outside. Heating the dog
  house is usually not necessary.

 Training

  Training Alaskan Malamutes can be a challenge. With this breed, it is
  important to start young. Establish rules of the house early, and make
  sure that the puppy knows that you are in charge. For example, if you
  do not want the dog on the bed as an adult, do not allow it as a
  puppy. The rule of thumb is that if you train a dog to do something,
  expect him to do it. Therefore, if the puppy learns that certain
  things are allowed, it will be difficult to train them not to do them
  as adults. Things that are cute as puppies may not be all that cute
  when the dog weighs 80 lbs or more.

  Since the dog is pack-oriented, it important to establish yourself as
  the head of the pack, or alpha, very early. Once you do this, the dog
  will respect you and training will be much easier. It is best to
  enroll in a puppy training class (or puppy kindergarten training as
  they are commonly known) soon after your dog is home and has all of
  its vaccinations. This training is good for the dog and for you as the
  owner, as it will help you understand your new puppy and establish you
  as alpha very early in the puppy's life, which is extremely important
  with this breed. Once you have completed the puppy class, and have
  been working with the dog for a few months, a basic obedience class is
  in order.

  Obedience training this breed can be very interesting and extremely
  challenging. Many owners will complain that their dogs act perfectly
  in class, but will not obey at home. This breed is intelligent enough
  to differentiate situations very well, and will apply different rules
  of behavior for different situations. You must stay on top of the dog
  and maintain control, which is easier to do while the dog is of
  manageable size than with a stubborn adult that has been allowed to
  get away with undesirable behaviors for a long time.

  It is very important to remember that Alaskan Malamutes are a _working
  breed_. They need something to do. Putting them in the backyard and
  tossing them a bone and expecting them to be happy us a very bad idea.
  They need a lot of exercise and interaction to be happy. The exercise
  can come in the form of mushing, which is of course best, or can
  easily be in the form of frequent walks, hikes, and playing. The dog
  makes a wonderful hiking companion, and with a dog pack, can carry
  food and water.
    _________________________________________________________________

Special Medical Problems

 Snow Nose or Bad Pigmentation?

  Snow Nose is described as a pink/reddish marking on the black nose. It
  is commonly experienced amongst the northern breeds. Snow Nose can
  disappear over the warmer months and reappear over the winter months.
  There is nothing wrong with snow nose. Bad pigmentation occasionally
  occurs within specimens of the breed. The pigmentation area generally
  occurs around the face and is best described as being pinkish skin and
  it can, in some cases, detract from the dogs appearance. The main
  problem with this pigmentation is the threat of sun cancer occurring
  to the area as the pink skin is more at risk of sunburn. It is
  advisable to cover the affected area with sun screen regularly to
  protect the dog from this threat of cancer. It is possible to correct
  pigmentation problems with tattooing and there is a relatively new
  procedure where a vegetable dye is injected into the area and spread
  to cover the pigmentation.

 Hot spots

  Hot spots look like raw grazed skin. They can also take the form of
  loose coat that does not appear to be attached to the skin. There is a
  link between hot spots and incorrect diet. Alaskan Malamutes cannot
  handle rich and spicy food.

 Bloat

  Bloat is a condition that affects all large, deep chested breeds. It
  is a potentially life-threatening condition which usually affects dogs
  in the prime of life. Basically, the dog's stomach will swell from
  gas, fluid, or both (this is acute gastric dilation). Once distended,
  the stomach may twist abruptly on its long axis. If it does twist, but
  the twist is less than 180 degrees, it is called a torsion. If greater
  than 180 degrees, it is called a volvulus. Therefore, the term bloat
  can refer to any of these three conditions (acute gastric distortion,
  torsion, or volvulus). Acute gastric dilation is not serious, and may
  clear up itself in a few minutes. Torsion or volvulus are life
  threatening and immediate veterinary attention is required. The chance
  for recurrence is around fifteen percent. The cause of bloat is
  unknown.

 Eye Problems

  Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal
  atrophy (CPRA) have appeared in a number of breeds, including
  Malamutes. Hemeralopia, or "day blindness", has also occurred in
  Malamutes. All of these problems are genetically caused. Careful
  screening of potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the incidence
  of these problem in the breed.

 Hip Dysplasia

  This is another genetic disorder that affects Malamutes. Simply put,
  hip dysplasia is a deformation in the hip joint. That is, the head of
  the femur does not sit solidly in the acetabulum. The joint lacks
  tightness, and the condition results in a painful and often
  debilitating life for the dog. Hip dysplasia is considered to be a
  moderately inheritable condition. Breeders will usually have breeding
  pairs OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified prior to
  breeding. OFA certification can be given only after a dog is over 24
  months old.

 Chrondrodysplasia (CHD)

  This is a genetic disorder in the M'Loot Malamute line. It is also
  known as dwarfism, although this term is not very descriptive or even
  entirely correct.

  The condition results in delayed endochondral bone formation. In 1970,
  the Alaskan Malamute Club of America officially recognized CHD and
  began efforts to combat the disease. By the end of that year, it was
  proven that the gene for CHD was an autosome recessive (through
  repetitive matings of CHD dogs) and mathematical models one which
  pedigrees could be tested were established.

  A Malamute with less than a 6.25% CHD probability factor is considered
  to be breedable. 6.25% corresponds to one carrier as a
  great-great-great grandfather . Obviously this is not foolproof, but
  the chances of a dog not carrying CHD are improved considerably the
  lower the number. CHD probability is computed through the average of
  the two parents.

  There are various ways to test for CHD including blood tests and
  x-rays. This recessive gene seems to affect blood as well, producing a
  type of anemia.

  X-rays are generally made between the ages of 3 to 12 weeks, if one is
  overly concerned about CHD detection. Most Malamute breeders are
  satisfied with the CHD rating and no outward signs.
    _________________________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  _Is a Malamute part wolf?_

    No. The Alaskan Malamute is a domesticated pure bred dog, and has
    been for many centuries. They are often mistaken for wolves, and
    they are often used in movies to depict wolves, but they are most
    certainly _not_ wolves or part wolf.

  _How do they handle the summer heat?_

    Like any dog, to cope with summer heat the Alaskan Malamute needs a
    constant supply of water to drink and shade from the sun. If the
    dog is allowed inside then it will find it's own cool room
    (probably on the kitchen or bathroom floor if it is tiled or
    linoleum floored). Some dogs like having ice added to their water
    to help keep it cool. Some also enjoy a children's wading pool
    filled with water in the summer time. The Malamute sheds a lot of
    coat directly before summer, as soon as the whether starts to warm
    up, which also allows them to keep cool. Heavy exercise should be
    avoided in excessive heat. Curtail exercise times to be early
    morning or just after sunset. Once the dog is acclimated to his
    environment, he is usually fine. Malamutes are remarkably adaptable
    animals. However, one should never try and push a dog beyond his
    capability to cope with the heat. To do so can be disastrous. One
    must keep in mind the type of climate the dog is acclimated for and
    not look for signs of heat stress. Do not ever lock any dog in a
    car in direct sunlight, or in the shade for a great deal of time,
    even with the windows down a little for ventilation the heat
    generated by the dog is still enough to cause heat stress in
    summer.

  _What are they like with children?_

    Due to their gentle temperament the Alaskan Malamute is generally a
    very good family dog. They seem to enjoy the company of children,
    though common sense must be used when mixing any dog with young
    children. They are a very powerful dog and children should not be
    left in total control of the dog. Alaskan Malamutes are generally
    patient by nature and will tolerate young children fawning over
    them, but this should be strictly supervised for the sake of the
    dog as well as the child. With these caveats in mind, since
    Malamutes love attention, well behaved children get along
    wonderfully with well mannered and socialized Malamutes.

  _What are they like inside a house, being so big?_

    Alaskan Malamutes, aside from the occasional invasion of masses of
    fur when they are shedding coat, are excellent house dogs. They are
    extremely clean dogs and surprisingly quiet. They are very
    sure-footed and in no way clumsy around furniture. They will often
    pick out a favorite sleeping spot and stay there for hours.
    Favorite spots seem to be tiled and linoleum floors in warm
    weather, soft pillows or beds at other times.

  _How much do they eat?_

    Most Malamutes love food, however they eat surprisingly little for
    their size. The actual amount of food will vary depending on the
    metabolism and activity level of the dog, and the type of food that
    is given. A working adult will eat approximately 4 cups of high
    density food per day. Other dogs will generally eat less. Puppies
    require smaller, more frequent meals.

  _How much exercise do they need, and what kind?_

    You should not strenuously exercise a puppy under 6 months of age.
    Their muscular-skeleto system is not developed enough yet. Their
    play is enough to keep them healthy. You should play with your
    puppy and work on some of the basic obedience commands with him, in
    a playful way. Once the dog is 6 months old, a kindergarten puppy
    training class or a basic obedience class is a very good idea. It
    will start you both out on the right foot. You can then more easily
    start taking the dog for walks in your area on a leash. By the time
    the dog is full grown, at around 18 months, he will be ready for
    much longer walks, an hour per day or more. The obedience training
    will make the walks much more enjoyable. Alaskan Malamutes also
    enjoy jogging, but this should not be attempted until the dog is 18
    months old or older. Hiking, with a dog back-pack is great fun. One
    can also bike with a dog, with a nifty device known as a
    "Springer." Finally, sledding is an excellent form of exercise, and
    is what the dog was bred for. The sled dog part of the FAQ for
    rec.pets.dogs covers these things in more detail.

  _Do they pull sleds very fast?_

    The Malamute is a very strong dog, but not as fast as some of the
    other northern breeds. Malamutes are not as fast as, say Siberians,
    and because of this are not typically used in sprint sled racing or
    a race like the Iditarod (although they sometimes are). Endurance
    and strength are the Malamute staples, and they are frequently used
    for exploratory trips across the North Pole or Antarctica (most
    recently, in the Trans-Antarctic expedition) and in weight pull
    competitions.

  _How strong are they?_

    The Malamute is a very strong dog. They were originally freighting
    dogs and as such, are able to pull tremendous amounts of weight.
    Just from looking at the Malamute, and the size of his bones and
    his stature, it is easy to see that they are indeed very strong
    animals. For this reason, many people use them in weight pulling
    competitions, where they will pull thousands of pounds.

  _Do they shed a lot?_

    Malamutes blow their undercoats twice per year. They do not
    typically shed year round like many dog breeds. When they do blow
    their coat, they loose lots of hair (several grocery sacks full per
    week).

  _Do they like to fight other dogs?_

    No. Malamutes are very pack oriented dogs. As such, they
    communicate with other dogs in a variety of ways. An ill mannered,
    aggressive dog is not a good team dog and therefore not a good sled
    dog. However, poorly socialized and trained Malamutes can be
    aggressive towards other dogs. For this reason, it is very
    important for a Malamute owner to train the dog carefully and make
    sure to properly socialize it with other dogs.

  _I've heard Malamutes are dumb. Is this true?_

    No! Alaskan Malamutes are extremely intelligent working dogs.
    People often mistake the fact that they can be difficult to train
    as a sign of stupidity. Malamutes are very clever and easily bored.
    The key to training them is to keep them interested and to
    challenge their intelligence. A Malamute probably knows what you
    want him to do, he just may not want to do it!

  _Just how cold can an Alaskan Malamute live in?_

    Alaskan Malamutes can work and live in extremely cold conditions,
    approaching 70 degrees below zero.

    _________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES

 Books

  Riddle, Maxwell, and Seeley, Eva. _The Complete Alaskan Malamute_,
  1988, Howell Book House. ISBN 0-87605-009-7.

  Ross, Diane. _Your Alaskan Malamute_, 1977 William Denlinger. ISBN
  0-87714-047-2.

  Riddle, Maxwell and Harris, Beth. _The New Complete Alaskan Malamute_,
  1990, Howell Book House. ISBN 0-87605-008-9.

  Coppinger, Lorna and ISDRA. _The World of Sled Dogs_, 1977, Howell
  Book House. ISBN 0-87605-671-0.

 Periodicals

  _The Malamute Quarterly_
  Hofflin Publishing Ltd.
  4401 Zephyr Street
  Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299

 Online Resources

  Several include:
    * http://www.umdc.umu.se/~mmn/mal/malamute.html
      Alaskan Malamute Homepage, kept by Maria Magnusson
      ([email protected])
    * Alaskan Malamute Mailing list: send email to
      [email protected], with SUBSCRIBE MALAMUTE-L
      yourfirstname yourlastname in the body of the message.
    * Sledding mailing list: send email to
      [email protected], with SUBSCRIBE SLEDDOG-L
      yourfirstname yourlastname in the body of the message.

 Breed Rescue Organizations

  _Alaskan Malamute Protection League_
  P.O. Box 170
  Cedar Crest, NM 87008
  505-281-3961
  This organization is a National Information Network servicing
  individuals and Rescue Organizations working for the Alaskan Malamute.
  State coordinators provide information from and to a National file.

 Breed Clubs

  _Alaskan Malamute Club of America_
  Corresponding Secretary
  Ms. Sharon Weston
  187 Grouse Creek Road
  Grants Pass, OR 97526

  _Siberian Husky and Malamute Club of S.A. Inc_
  The Secretary, Cass vanRyswyk
  P.O. Box 169
  St Agnes, South Australia 5097 Australia
  Ph: 61-8-264-6975

 Breeders

  Contact the club closest to you for a list of breeders in your area.
  In the US, there are a number of regional clubs, the National club can
  help you find the one in your area. Similar systems exist in other
  countries. Bear in mind that you need to approve the breeder in the
  final analysis for yourself -- being on a list is no a priori
  guarantee of reputability.

  More detailed tips for locating a good breeder can be found in the
  Getting A Dog FAQ.
    _________________________________________________________________


   Alaskan Malamute FAQ
   Stephen Lee, [email protected]