The advantages and disadvantages of the Alaskan Malamute
The name Alaskan Malamute has a long history. It is said that when Russian sailors were blown by storms toward the northern lands near Siberia and the Bering Strait, they encountered the local dogs and later told others about them. One of the unforgettable local features was the Alaskan Malamute. The breed’s size formed naturally rather than through extreme artificial shaping. The ideal size is generally: shoulder height 63.5-71 cm for males and 58.5-66 cm for females, with a weight of about 38.5-56.5 kg. However, compared with qualities such as body proportion and gait, height and weight are not the most important. In competition, only when other conditions such as proportion and gait are very close does size closer to the standard give a better chance of winning. Chest depth is about half the shoulder height, and the deepest point of the chest should lie just behind the front legs. The body length from the withers to the highest point of the pelvis is slightly greater than the shoulder height. The dog should not look overweight, and bone mass should remain proportional to the body.
After white settlers came to know the Alaskan Malamute, these dogs racing through snow while pulling sleds quickly became the focus of attention. People admired their teamwork and self-sacrificing courage. As a result, sled races became popular throughout the United States. Racing across ice and snow was both extremely difficult and highly thrilling, and in accidents during such races, Alaskan Malamutes saved their owners more than once.
The Alaskan Malamute can be stubborn in character. Once it recognizes you as its owner, it may stubbornly remain loyal to you. When danger arises, it will step forward bravely like a warrior. However, because it is large and heavy, it is not ideal around very small children. This is not because it has an unstable temper, but because its weight alone can cause harm. Even an adult may struggle if stepped on by such a dog, so households with babies must be especially careful.
In general, a mature male may stand roughly 22 inches (55.9 cm) to 27 inches (68.6 cm) at the shoulder, and a mature female may stand about 21 inches (53.3 cm) to 25 inches (63.5 cm), which are all acceptable. At the same time, individuals heavier than 41 kg or lighter than 34 kg are also common. Occasionally there are males over 120 pounds (54 kg). Some breeders who intentionally select for especially large body size call these dogs “giant Alaskan Malamutes.”
How should you care for an Alaskan Malamute daily?
Ears
1. Clean regularly
The Alaskan Malamute’s ears are shaped somewhat like an “L,” which reduces airflow. Dirt and moisture can easily build up in the ear canal, so regular cleaning is necessary.
2. Clean carefully
The ears are delicate, so cleaning must be done gently.
When bathing the dog, put cotton in the ears to prevent water from entering and causing otitis media. If the ear canal remains inflamed for a long time, severe itching may cause the dog to keep scratching its ears and possibly rupture blood vessels in the ear flap, creating an ear hematoma.
3. Observe carefully in daily life
If the Alaskan Malamute often tilts its head, shakes its ears unnaturally, or rubs its ears against walls or furniture, there may be a problem inside the ears.
4. Appropriate handling
Check the ears weekly for inflammation or redness. Smell them for unusual odor, and touch them gently to see whether the dog reacts as if in pain. If everything seems normal, wiping with a dry cotton ball is enough. If there is earwax, you can lightly moisten a cotton swab with glycerin and clean carefully, or use a veterinary-recommended ear-cleaning product.
Teeth
1. Dental cleaning
If the dog’s teeth are not kept clean, gum discharge, gingivitis, and similar problems may occur. Once tartar forms, especially as brown buildup near the gumline, it becomes difficult to clean. If ignored, the Alaskan Malamute may begin losing teeth while still young, so dental care should start in puppyhood.
2. Safely get through the teething period
When the dog is around three to six months old, baby teeth fall out and new teeth emerge. During this time, chewing can help relieve discomfort and help the new teeth break through the gums.
3. Brush the dog’s teeth
At first, the Alaskan Malamute may resist tooth brushing and try to escape, but with patient adaptation the situation can improve. Two methods can be used:
The first method is to wipe the teeth with a soft towel or sterile gauze pad, then use medicated cotton dipped in garlic juice to rub the teeth and gums. If food remains are stuck between teeth, they can be removed gently with small tweezers.
The second method is to use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, which are sold in pet shops, to clean the teeth and gums. Do not scrub back and forth harshly. Follow the instructions on the pet toothpaste label and brush every tooth surface once.
The general frequency is once a week. For short-nosed or breathing-problem dogs, twice a week may be better.
4. Have a veterinarian check the teeth regularly, and if necessary, take the Alaskan Malamute to a reliable pet hospital for professional dental cleaning.
Common mistakes
1. Feeding only soft meat
Some owners feel sorry when their Alaskan Malamute eats slowly, so they feed only soft meat. In fact, the dog’s teeth need regular use and exercise. Feeding only soft meat is bad for dental health.
2. Using human toothpaste on the dog
Human toothpaste may upset the dog’s digestive system. If a dog-specific toothbrush is unavailable, a child’s soft toothbrush can be used instead.
3. Coat care
The Alaskan Malamute is a classic double-coated breed. The undercoat is dense, and the outer coat is straight and smooth, supported by the undercoat beneath. Brush the coat daily with a suitable brush or comb, and occasionally take the dog for professional bathing and grooming.
4. Body temperature
If the Alaskan Malamute’s body temperature rises above 39.3°C when measured rectally, it should be taken to the hospital immediately. Temperature can be measured through skin temperature or rectal temperature, and a human thermometer can be used.
Method 1: Skin temperature
Place the thermometer in the groin area for five minutes, then remove it and read it. The reading is usually about 0.5°C lower than rectal temperature. Normal temperature in puppies is about 38-39.5°C, and in adults about 37.5-39°C.
Method 2: Rectal temperature
First disinfect the thermometer with alcohol and apply lubricant such as erythromycin ointment. Raise the base of the tail slightly and insert the thermometer slowly into the anus. Remove it after three minutes and read it. Rectal temperature is about 0.5°C higher than temperature measured in the armpit or inner thigh.
Be careful not to use excessive force and injure the rectum. Do not insert the entire thermometer. Tie a small clip to the back end and secure it to the dog’s back fur to prevent the thermometer from slipping deeper or falling out. Most pets dislike this method very much.
5. Other points
1. Do not bathe the Alaskan Malamute too frequently.
2. For foot health, trim the nails regularly every month.
3. Watch the dog’s urination and bowel movements carefully, otherwise it may become sick without you noticing.
4. A healthy Alaskan Malamute’s nose is moist and cool. If the surrounding area becomes dry, the dog should be checked at a hospital.
5. The eyes should be bright and alert, and there should not be too much discharge. Any abnormality should be checked promptly at a pet hospital.
6. Empty the anal glands once a month, working from inside outward and from light pressure to heavier pressure.