The origin of the breed, the appearance of the Alaskan Malamute, the behavior of the dog and its health, advice on care, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. If you have read the books of Jack London, then consider that this dog is your old friend - the hero of northern stories. These animals can be representatives of not only polar, but also beach type of dogs. Of course, best of all, he succeeds in the role of man's companion and friend.
The origin of the Alaskan Malamute breed
No one knows exactly when this beautiful canine species was formed. Northern people have bred such dogs since time immemorial. Found the remains of the ancestors of Malamutes, aboriginal canines, whose age is about 6,000 years. With such a funny name, the breed owes one of the Eskimo tribes of the Inuit Malemiut, who inhabited the upper part of the Alsek River, in the state of Alaska. The word "miut" is translated as a people. Before, it was the territory of the Russian state, and at the end of 1867, the United States of America began to own it.
In a harsh, extreme climate, human survival was difficult and therefore directly related to canines. These dogs helped to transport people and various goods over long distances. Participated in the daily life of the Eskimos. Merchants said that puppies and Eskimo children were brought up together. Adults were not afraid to trust them with their offspring. A dog is human-oriented, must live next to him, and serve him. The main criterion for selecting these dogs from the Eskimos was their working qualities. Only the strongest, dominant and healthiest individuals were left and received offspring from them.
The gold rush at the end of the 19th century provided Alaskan Malamutes with a fair amount of demand and popularity. Unfortunately for the dogs, this did not turn out well. During this period, the purity of the breed was lost. Gold prospecting works had their own specifics and were carried out in short periods. In their free time, bored people wanted to entertain themselves with something. In addition to alcohol, there were competitions and certain bets in which the dogs were of particular importance. Competitions were: to test strength, speed and endurance.
Indigenous dogs, which did not give the impression of being hardy and fast, were not taken into account. Preference was given to Newfoundlands, St. Bernards or huge "yard-terriers", obtained by mixing giants and local dogs. It was animals of such species that were the first participants in sled races, not a single aboriginal dog was declared in them. But soon, Malamutes and Huskies surpassed the mestizo in all competitions. To this day, these gambling rivalries are held in the United States, and the breed has taken the first leadership positions.
In 1933, a young teacher from Massachusetts learned about them from the newspapers. She came up with the idea that a group of sled dogs can perfectly entertain people at a holiday that is held in this area. She decided, by all means, to get Alaskan Malamutes. Eva Sylvi did not imagine that they would be a part of her whole life. Together with her husband Milton, they became their largest breeders. Thanks to her efforts, in 1935, the American Kenel Club recognized the Malamute. The first in the pedigree book was a dog named "Grip of Yukan". The next year was victorious for him. At the show, he won the title of champion.
Malamutes gained great fame thanks to their participation in Richard Byrd's expedition to Antarctica. During World War II, these dogs served in the army. The honor given to them almost turned into a tragedy for them. By the end of the war, they nearly disappeared from the face of the earth. But in 1947, their history was revived in three lines: "Kotseboi", "M-loot", "Hinman-Irvin". The existence of the latter was not long, but its roots left a mark on the improvement of the species.
The first two lines were different from each other. Kotzeboi in their original form, possessed: a magnificent head, small stature, and a wolf-gray fur coat. M-loot: were taller, with a narrower chest and muzzle, beautiful ears, and a wide range of colors, including red. The character was softer and more flexible. In addition, the structure of the angles of the legs was not so perfect, which did not allow them to run more freely and easily than modern individuals.
During the dividing time, the two varieties were bred separately until Robert Zoiler put them together. As a result, he received a canine with excellent data. By its type, the Alaskan Malamute is considered a Spitz or Laika, with shades of a wolfish appearance. Breeders have only partially had a hand in genetically adjusting his behavioral traits. By influencing the smoothing out of aggressive behavior, people did not change his social instincts.
Characteristics of the appearance of the dog
Alaskan Malamute, a sled dog bred to transport heavy loads over long distances in extreme climatic conditions. Shows maximum efficiency with minimum energy consumption, thanks to the genetics of its movements. Optimum height for males is 65 cm, for bitches 58 cm. Weight is from 34 to 38 kg. Has an active look and a proud posture. They hold their heads high and have a lively look.
- Head large and powerful. Reveals great mental abilities. In harmony with the proportions of the body. The skull is widest between the ears, gradually tapering towards the eyes. It is slightly rounded and gradually becomes more flattened. The cheeks are also discreetly flat.
- Muzzle in equal proportions to the length of the skull, thick and massive. Tapers from the skull to the nose. Lips tightly to each other. The jaws are widened, with large teeth and a scissor bite. The nose and lips are always black-pigmented.
- Eyes - dark brown, in individuals of red color, lighter, up to amber. Oblique, elongated, small.
- Ears - medium-sized, upright. Depending on the size of the head, they may appear small. The upper part of the ears has a triangular shape, their tips are slightly rounded. The lower part of the auricle fits snugly to the skull at the level of the eyeball. In the raised position, they are slightly forward. When the Malamute moves, they bend towards the skull.
- Neck - powerful, rather short than long. It has an arched shape.
- Frame compact, not too short, powerful, massive with a developed and voluminous chest. The back is straight, with a slight slope towards the hips. The loin is mesomorphic and moderately long, which allows the dog to move rhythmically and easily.
- Tail Alaskan Malamute forms a straight line with the vertebral column. Covered with thick, lush, decorating wool, it rises above the back and bends towards the spine.
- Limbs strong, moderately angular, erect and well muscled. The shoulder blades are sloping. The forelegs have short lower parts, vertical when viewed from the side. The hind legs are broad, with exceptional pushing power. The thighs are well muscled, broad, with strong ankles.
- Paws with voluminous and collected feet. Toes are arcuate, close together. The pads are hard. The nails are short and firm. There is hair between the toes, which has a protective function.
- Coat in Malamutes with a dense and dense undercoat, reaching a length of 3 to 5 cm. Around the neck and shoulder blades, a prominent mane.
- Color can vary from light gray to even. In the lower part of the body, there is a constant white tint, as well as in some places on the legs, feet and mask. A cap-like pattern on the head, which can be accompanied or replaced by a mask on the face. A white badge on the forehead, collar or under the back of the head is allowed. Solid colors can only be white.
Distinctive features of the behavior of the American Malamute
These dogs, despite their huge size, are very kind dogs. Do not think that they will be good guards for your home. These good-natured people love people too much. A person can be scared only by their appearance, but as soon as an outsider entered the yard, they will immediately rush to lick him. Their highest happiness is to be close to the two-legged, and to take part in all human affairs.
They adore children and get along well with them. They are great, irreplaceable friends for little people. Malamutes, regardless of gender, perceive them as puppies, care for and monitor them. If you leave a stroller with a child on them and if he cries, the dog begins to howl, calling for help from adults. The child can drag the pet by the ears, tail, but in response he can only growl slightly, make it clear that it is enough to be mischievous.
They are like cats, only the size will be bigger. They want to be petted: they scratched their tummy and behind the ear. Malamutes are completely devoid of aggression. The dog has an excellent nervous organization. Since at the genetic level, they are tied to a person, they make excellent defenders.
Dogs have a strong character. They feel their superiority over their relatives, and sometimes, they can be hostile towards them, according to the manifestations of their behavior. Therefore, in order to avoid further conflicts with them, it is necessary to introduce the puppy to the canine society as soon as possible.
Malamutes practically do not bark, they mostly grumble, but rather use body language. This is due to the fact that in nature, predators try to make as little noise as possible. It is not wise to alert potential prey to the whereabouts of the pack.
Alaskan Malamute health
Alaskan Malamutes are aboriginal animals. Many individuals of this breed are long-lived. They have very strong immunity, and there are no particular health problems. The most important thing is to monitor the health of your pets' joints. Firstly, the dog needs to be properly raised, maintaining a balance of physical activity and creating a balanced, high-quality diet. In adulthood, it is necessary to provide a four-legged friend with vitamins with glucosamine. Don't forget about vaccinations. Up to a year, they must be done three times, and during their life they must be vaccinated once a year.
Alaskan Malamute Care Tips
These dogs are popular at shows. They often take prizes in the group of show-decorative dogs, because such beauties are irresistible. For a malamute to look decent, it must be impeccably trained.
It all starts with "bath" procedures. The pet's coat is well moisturized. Bathing products also have their own order. First, take a whitening shampoo. It is diluted with water, strictly following the instructions. They wash only the white areas of the coat, after which the dog is thoroughly washed. Then he is bathed with a concentrate for dogs with semi-long hair. After rinsing the malamute, no chemicals should remain on the hairline.
Next, the pet is thoroughly wiped off. Before drying, apply a conditioner spray that will help you achieve a decent hairstyle. Drying a pet with a hairdryer takes from forty minutes to an hour. At the same time, the groomer's experience is very significant, because depending on the styling technique, you can change the external data. The final touch creates a glitter layer, and the white areas are dusted with starch and a liquid gloss is applied.
Alaskan dogs molt very abundantly. As a rule, this happens twice a year, but in warm climates, wool can be constantly renewed. Their owners joke: "Malamutes molt once a year, from October to November." During the molting period, they need to be combed out once a day. For this, there are special slickers and furminators that will make the procedure pleasant and quick.
- Ears must be checked and cleaned regularly. For better ventilation, the hair inside can be traded.
- Eyes do not require special care.
- Teeth It is better to teach malamute to cleanse from childhood. This procedure will ensure long-term oral health.
- Claws they cut their hair very rarely. The dog is very mobile and they almost always grind themselves.
- Feeding. Most Alaskan Malamute owners prefer premium professional food. It contains all the necessary substances, trace elements and vitamins. In winter, feed a sensitive food that will keep the skin and coat in good condition.
- Walking. It is better to keep it in a private house, where an aviary is equipped or an insulated house on the street. Living in an apartment for a malamute is not the best option, but proper upbringing and adherence to some important rules make it quite possible and comfortable. Therefore, if you go to meet your new family member, and provide him with the necessary loads, a calm and happy life in your home awaits you. And also, walking with him on the street, you will be in the spotlight, although the size of the dog can overwhelm passers-by a little.
Alaskan Malamute training
The Alaskan Malamute is not easy to learn, especially when it comes to specialized, specialized training. They are very smart and it will not be difficult for them to understand what you want from them, but whether they want to do it is another question. One hundred percent execution of complex commands is almost impossible to achieve, but certain successes are quite real.
Only the right upbringing makes a real companion out of an animal. He will respond to any aggression in kind. The dog may just walk away and will not listen to you. You must interest him in the game, create a mood for him.
Malamute is a special dog, and a person who wants to have such a pet needs to imagine what he is going for. Firstly, the breed is working and he needs to be given the opportunity to follow the call of genetics.
These are mounts. This sport involves daily training. If this is not possible, then you should provide your pet with long walks and good loads. It can even be cycling, as well as skinjoring - towing a skier by a dog.
In this case, the skier uses sticks, but cannot overtake the four-legged assistant. Such a funny kind of winter sports, in which a lot depends on the preparation of the Alaskan Malamute and on its interaction with a person. Such activities will be useful not only for the dog, but also for you. If there is no energy release, then the animal will direct it into a destructive channel.
Interesting facts about the Alaskan Malamute
American polar explorer Richard Byrd discovered and explored vast new regions of Antarctica. To do this, he organized four expeditions, which were conducted between 1928 and 1947. In harsh climatic conditions, people worked on the brink of life and death.
In such an extreme climate, they were helped by dogs. Each raid involved at least 100 canines. Most of them were Alaskan Malamutes. These hardy dogs, every day, made life and work of heroic trackers easier. They transported heavy loads, warmed them and gave people joy.
Purchase and price of a Malamute puppy
If you cannot devote a lot of time to a malamute, it is better not to start it. Individuals of this species tend to dominate. It is important, from puppyhood, to show that you are the leader of the pack. If you have no experience with dogs, then this pet is not for you. When raising a puppy, you can make many mistakes that are difficult to correct later.
It often happens that it is difficult to resist the charm of a kitten, and subsequently, the owner cannot cope with an adult dog. But with the right upbringing and handling, these are just amazing animals. If you are ready to devote your life to him, you will have a devoted friend. The approximate price for an Alaskan Malamute puppy will be in the range of $ 200 to $ 1000.
Learn more about the dog in this video:
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