Alaskan Malamute Puppies for sale - Alaskan Malamute Dogs for sale - Breeders

Friday, 09 May 2008

Alaskan Malamute Puppies for Sale - Dog Breed Information

Size : Large

Origin : USA / Alaska

INTRODUCTION
The Alaskan Malamute evolved from the ancient dogs that accompanied prehistoric man in his migrations from Asia, across the Arctic to Greenland and back. The migrations, covering thousands of years also produced a natural evolution of species that varied from the long coated varieties found in Greenland to the lesser coated, longed legged varieties found in the forest and lake areas of northern Canada.
Early Russian and English explorers often reported a superior and better kept type of work dog kept by the “Mahlemut” (Malemiut, Mahlmuit, Malemuit) tribes around the Norton Sound area of Alaska. They were less “wild”, more tractable and capable of an enormous amount of work.

It must be kept in mind that these were work animals. They were used in hunting seals, were set loose in packs to course the polar bear, and to haul heavy sledges or pack in supplies. Although treated with fondness and exceptional care, there was no room for “pets” on the cruel ice packs and tundra.

APPEARANCE
The Alaskan Malamute is a fine example of evolution of a breed developed for a particular purpose; and, as such, must be capable of performing the job for which the breed was originally used. Arctic explorers were in need of an animal that would be capable of pulling heavy sledges loaded with supplies for weeks on end without negative effects of the daily strain. They needed an animal for a specific job, and the Alaskan Malamute capably fulfilled the requirements.
These characteristics have been preserved by conscientious breeding programs so that, theoretically, today's Malamutes are able to do the same job as that of their forefathers.

The Alaskan Malamute's coat is an example of the breed's specific development. It is a double coat, having a dense, woolly undercoat as well as a thick, coarse guard coat. The undercoat provides adequate protection from even the harshest weather conditions. Since it is thick and woolly (as defined in the Standard of the Breed), it is able to trap air warmed by the dog's body in much the same way as “insulated underwear” keeps us warm on the chilliest of days. It is this dense undercoat that supports the guard coat in such a way as to give it a full standoffish appearance, which is a breed characteristic.

The guard coat actually protects the undercoat as a nylon park and ski pants protects us over our woolen “long johns” in the winter. Snow and wind are deflected off of the guard coat which has a coarse texture, as described in the Standard. The hair is noticeably longer around the neck of the Malamute in order to offer maximum protection for the dog's face. In understanding the basic principles of the proper Malamute coat, it is easy to see why the long, soft guard hair, coupled with a lack of dense undercoat does not protect the dog as the aforementioned proper coat can.

The color of the coat is not nearly as important as the texture and density. Malamutes have quite a color range, as is evident by the “Descriptive Color and Marking Code” that is approved by the AMCA. Though it is most common to see dogs of the grey and white type or the black and white type, this does not mean that the reds or whites are “rare” or “undesirable”. White is the only solid color allowed in the breed. All other colors must have white undersides, and must be accented by white markings on the face, chest. and legs.

CHARACTERISTICS
Malamutes are not from the same mold as the typical dog in both some positive and some negative respects.
Malamutes are lively and alert to their surroundings. They are intelligent but often independent by nature. Because of this, it is recommended that the new owner enlist his dog in formal obedience classes to develop discipline and proper social behavior. Training may be the difference between a problem dog and an enjoyable companion.

While resembling wolves, they are not closely related. Malamutes are generally friendly and desirous of human affection and attention. Malamutes usually are too friendly to be good watch dogs, although their appearance often is intimidating to strangers. Malamutes definitely are not one-man or one-family oriented. They generally should get along as well as any breed with children; but, of course, the children should not be allowed to abuse the dog.

LINKS TO FURTHER ALASKAN MALAMUTE RESOURCES

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This information was provided by Pets4Homes, if you would like to rewrite this breed profile with more detailed information then please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page and we will add an acknowledgement to you here.

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