Dog Breeds - Alaskan Malamute

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Often mistaken for Siberian Huskies, the Alaskan Malamute looks very similar but have a harsher outer coat. They have a very strong build with a fairly even length to height ratio. Though they are used often for sledding for personal travel and moving freight, they are not good for competitive dogsled racing as they are larger and slower then their competition. The Malamute is one of the few breeds that have retained its appearance and working abilities. Recent DNA research has determined that they are one of the oldest dog breeds.

Because of its hard working nature, this breed bores easily and may become destructive towards property if left alone with nothing to do. Obedience training is highly recommended as they require firm training, as well as proper socialization with people. Alaskan Malamutes are best suited to cooler climates with homes containing a large fenced in yard as they are known to roam. They may show stubborn traits as they were bred to be used to act independently, steering the sled team out of danger. Because they were given liberties to take control of the team, they may sometimes have a hard time listening to their owner’s commands.

Alaskan Malamute Breed Information
Breed Group	Working Group
Coat	Dense and woolly undercoat up to two inches thick covered by a coarse, thick guard coat.
Color(s)	On the top they may have various shades of gray to black or shades of sable to sable with white underbody’s and markings on face. Pure white is the only solid color accepted.
Size	23-25 inches at the shoulder
Weight	75-85 lbs
Exercise:	Require a lot of exercise, less in warmer weather
Temperament	Friendly, affectionate, playful, and loyal
Trainability	Can be difficult
Average Lifespan	12-15 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, Inherited Polyneuropathy, Cataracts and Progressive retinal atrophy
Most PetCare Clients Insure Alaskan Malamutes with:	QuickCare Gold for Dogs

My husband and I never wanted to be faced with a situation in which we were unable to provide the best medical care possible for our two dogs, Shadow and Chance. In 2002 Chance was diagnosed with a kidney abnormality that required removal. Without this expensive procedure Chance would have died. We never hesitated about going forward with the surgery because we knew PetCare was there for us. Five months later Chance repaid us by saving our son's life! While my son was sleeping Chance came to find me and started growling, barking and whining which is something that is very uncharacteristic for him. I dropped what I was doing and discovered my 5 month old son choking in his crib. My husband and I know that if it had not been for PetCare we would not have Chance and we shudder to think what may have happened to our son that day.

Client: Tanya Riedmann
Pet: Shadow, Lab/Retriever Cross Condition: Cushings Disease
Claim Submitted: $834.22 Claim Paid: $600.80
Pet: Chance, Lab/Retriever Cross Condition: Hematuria (Uro-genital)
Claims Submitted: $3,769.46 Claims Paid: $3,656.03

Dog Breeds - Alaskan Malamute

QuickCare Gold for Dogs