| If you want hardy winter outdoor dog then the | | | | |
| Alaskan Malamute may be the one for you! | | | | These dogs are loyal and affectionate, a |
| | | | great family pet and good with children. |
| This breed, descended from the Arctic Wolf, | | | | They are friendly to strangers but may not |
| has roots in Alaska where it has been used by | | | | get along with small animals as they have a |
| Alaskan Eskimos to pull sleds for over 2000 | | | | strong prey instinct. They also may not get |
| years. These hard-working dogs have great | | | | along good with other dogs and early |
| strength and endurance and have pulled sleds | | | | socialization and firm training are important |
| on many expeditions including Admiral Byrd's | | | | to raising an obedient pet. |
| expeditions to the North Pole. | | | | |
| | | | Alaskan Malamutes love the outdoors, |
| Weighing in at around 80 to 95 pounds ( 70 - | | | | especially in winter time. Taking your |
| 85 for females) and growing to 24 to 26 | | | | Malamute on a winter walk or bringing him |
| inches ( a few inches shorter for females), | | | | with you when you are snowshoeing or |
| the Alaskan Malamute is on the large side and | | | | cross-country skiing is a real treat. They |
| part of the AKC Working group. Alaskan | | | | can be happy in a fenced in yard but they do |
| Malamutes have an average litter size of six | | | | like to be around their "pack" so you need to |
| puppies. With good care they can live to be | | | | be sure to spend lots of time with your dog |
| 15 years old. | | | | even if you keep him outside. this is an act |
| | | | of dog that needs plenty of exercise and will |
| The sweet expression on these dogs make them | | | | do best with a large yard. It is not advised |
| just about the cutest puppies ever and they | | | | to let them run free, as this breed will roam |
| grow into beautiful sweet adults as well. | | | | in his territory. They can withstand cold |
| Their disposition is just as sweet as it | | | | temperatures well but in hot climates you |
| looks and they make loving pets, but a bit | | | | need to make sure that the dog does not |
| strong willed. they have a thick coat on a | | | | overheat. Be aware that they are diggers and |
| solid well-built body. Ears are held erect | | | | if you do not bury your fence quite a bit |
| on a wide head and eyes are dark and almond | | | | under the ground you will soon find a large |
| shaped. There may be some Alaskan Malamutes | | | | hole and no dog inside the fence. |
| with blue eyes, however this is a fault which | | | | |
| would disqualify your dog in the show ring. | | | | This is a fairly hardy breed with few health |
| The coat can be from 1 to 3 inches long and | | | | problems. They can have hip dysplasia just |
| comes in Wolf Gray, solid white, black and | | | | like any other breed and may be prone to |
| white, red and a red undercoat with gray | | | | dwarfism. They are rather clean dogs and |
| outer coat. Many dogs have a dark mask and | | | | virtually odorless. they are heavy shedders |
| other dark markings and the legs and muscle | | | | and grooming consist of brushing twice a week |
| are usually white. | | | | and an occasional dry shampoo. |