Alaskan Malamute

As with many breeds, Alaskan Malamute dogs can suffer from hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

This is a breed best suited to a cool temperatures and fresh air sort of person (windows open all year round, lots of time spent outdoors, and complete reluctance to use the central heating). They should also be a very big fan of frequent vacuuming and dusting. They’ll also need patience and some clever motivational skills to get the Malamute working well with them. A way to channel their desire to run (safely) is also needed so an interest in something like CaniX would help.

The Malamute needs at least two hours a day every day of active running exercise but would be happier with more. The rest of the time, they are quiet and generally content to relax - with the occasional howl… just for fun! They enjoy being outside but extremely high and secure fences are a must.

A big house and well-fenced garden are important for an Alaskan Malamute - as is daily access to places to run. They are definitely not city dogs - and as they enjoy howling, they are best suited to living away from close neighbours.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Alaskan Malamute dog breed is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

With a thick undercoat that can be as deep as two inches, together with a thick, coarse guard coat on top, the Malamute breed is well protected against severe, harsh weather. In a centrally-heated house however there will be considerable shedding! Daily brushing will help to capture a lot of loose hair but you can’t be too houseproud if you live with a Malamute.

As this is a large dog, they need to learn all the usual basic manners that a training class will give them. The Alaskan Malamute never forgets that they are bred to pull sledges however - and so they need to learn to walk on a lead and harness for the occasions when they need to be under close control. Traditional dog walks are of little interest to a Malamute - they need to run and so training in sports like canicross can give them an appropriate outlet for their hard-wired behaviours. It goes without saying that they need extremely active owners who want a dog they can run with.

While a good recall is extremely important and should be taught and practised, it shouldn’t be relied upon in the great outdoors when squirrels or just the need to run can make them deaf to anything else.

If they are to live with other animals, early socialisation is vital and even then, care must be taken.

Alaskan Malamutes can happily live with children as long as they are well socialised with them from an early age but as with any large dog, care should be taken.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.