THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE: An Introduction

Alaskan Malamutes are big, powerful, friendly, intelligent active, superb-looking dogs.

They are also extremely stubborn, demanding and may be aggressive with other dogs. Their size and amazing strength makes them unsuitable for many people - they are simply too powerful to be left under the control of children or the elderly. And while the fact that they do not usually bark can often be an advantage, they have a howl which will send shivers up any spine.

If you are not a person who enjoys getting out and involving yourself and your dog in a whole range of activities, this may not be the breed for you. Likewise, if having a dog which likes to look you in the eye (usually by putting its paws on your shoulders) does not appeal, look elsewhere. However, for those people looking for a dog whose lovable nature and extreme cuddle-ability is only matched by its intelligence and personality, the Alaskan Malamute offers a lifetime of enjoyment and fun.

Alaskan Malamutes are friendly, intelligent dogs that love all people. Because of this they are not guard dogs, although their size and appearance makes them an effective visual deterrent. However, they are as strong-willed and determined as they are friendly, and should have obedience training from an early age. If a Malamute makes up its mind to chase something, they are in most cases impossible to call back until they are ready to return. For this reason they should not be walked off lead.

What's more, this friendliness does not always extend to other dogs - especially those of the same sex. Malamutes are not "one-man" dogs, offering blind faith and obedience. Rather, they use their independence and intelligence to establish relationships with those people they come in contract with, be they family members or strangers. They are superb companions, ready to please and eager to take part in an active and exciting life.

Bred for their ability to pull heavy loads over long distances, Alaskan Malamutes need a large amount of exercise and can take all the activity you can dish up.

The mental stimulation of regular exercise is also important, as a bored Malamute easily becomes a one-dog garden remodelling unit. Good fences are essential.

They are a hardy, durable breed, capable of enduring extreme cold, yet also able to deal with the heat of an Australian summer given shade, plenty of cool water and the care of an owner who is aware of the dangers of overheating.

They need surprisingly little food, being extremely efficient eaters. However, a Malamute will eat anything it can lay its paws on - having a survival instinct which leads it to believe that any meal could be its last.

And, of course, there's hair - they have a large drop at least once, sometimes twice, a year.

The Alaskan Malamute Club is involved in organising a whole host of activities which can be enjoyed with your dog.

A focus of club activities are the Activity days -.These day sessions include obedience work, show training and the chance to try harness work, including weight-pulling and sled dog racing. The day start around mid morning and is an ideal opportunity for people new to the breed to see Malamutes in action and try out all of the fantastic things you can do with your dogs.

East of these different activities are available to Malamute owners. The Alaskan Malamute is the ideal breed for anyone who wants to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer, from leisurely neighourhood walks to snow sledding in the high country, from the glamour of dog shows to the excitement of sled dog racing and the challenge of obedience work. Malamutes will happily take part in any activity their owners can organise.

Malamutes are hard working individuals who apply themselves to any task with enthusiasm and energy in abundance.

Malamutes range in size with the desirable freighting sizes being: Dogs - 63.5 cm (25 inches) at the shoulder, weight 38.5 kg, Bitches - 58.5 cm (23 inches) at the shoulder, weight 34 kg. However, size considerations should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and other functional attributes.

Malamutes have a large head with wide set ears and brown eyes (blue eyes do not occur in Malamutes). Markings on the head and body vary greatly, however they should be even.

Malamutes come in a variety of colours, from light grey through to black, sable and shadings of sable through to red. All white is the only solid colour, however, all dogs have one thing in common - a thick course guard coat combined with a dense, woolly undercoat.

•  How long has the breeder been involved in the breed?

•  Does the breeder belong to the breed club?

•  Can you see the puppies?

•  Will the parents of the litter be there to view?

•  Have both parents been x-rayed for hip dysplasia?

•  Are the hip scores available?

•  Does the breeder offer a guarantee?

•  Will you or the breeder select the puppy?

•  How much will the puppy cost?

•  Does the breeder provide information about the breed?

For a list of breeders and puppy availability, go to our Breeders & Puppies page.

The AMCV welcomes anyone with an interest in Alaskan Malamutes or the activities we do with them.  Your dogs do not need to have pedigree papers or can be another breed, or you don't even need to own a dog to join - we welcome everyone and all dogs.

Membership of the AMCV is only $25.00 per year for single members and $30.00 per year for families. There is a once only joining fee of $10.00. Membership includes 6 issues a year of the club magazine, The Malamute Mail, as well as reduced fees at AMCV events.

For more information on the Alaskan Malamute or an application for membership to the AMCV, please contact the club Secretary or go to the Documents & Forms page for downloadable forms and information.

Alaskan Malamute Club, Victoria Inc.
Postal address: PO Box 41, Hurstbridge  VIC  3099
General Enquiries Phone: (03) 9714 8540       Email:  amcv@bigpond.com