How to Identify an Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is indigenous to the western shores of Alaska. They have been used for centuries as draft animals and as sled dogs. They haul supplies and people on sleds across the snow and ice for many miles at a stretch. Here's how you can identify this breed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Observe the dog's overall appearance. An adult dog will weigh between 75 to 85 lbs. and stand about 25 inches at the shoulders. The dog's shoulders and chests are well developed.

2. Look at the dog's face. Alaskan Malamutes have either a white face or white marked with either a bar or mask. The head also has a cap of color on the top.

3. Observe the tail. The Alaskan Malamute has a tail that is carried high and over the back. The tail is well furred and carried like a plume on a peacock.

4. Look into the dog's eyes. They will be dark brown and almond shaped.

5. Examine the hinds. They should be very muscled and strong. They are a bit shorter than the front legs and are particularly good at digging in and pulling loads.

6. Determine the color of the dog. Alaskan Malamutes come in a small set of colors, those being gray with possible shading towards sable and black. Some exhibit points much like some members of the cat family.

Tips & Warnings

• These dogs are affectionate and friendly. They are not single-person type dogs. They will gladly play at the invitation.

Resources

• The Alaskan Malamute Club of America homepage.
• The American Kennel Club page on Alaskan Malamute.

[mayka]

on 1/31/2009 :( I need help with my baby Malamute (8 years old) She is a big girl and needs to walk, but, I found she had difficulties walking and seems she had/has hurts-cuts in her paw- pads. I was doing for her as Spa, with a soft cream for pads for a couple of days, I saw her trying to chew later the paws -I found almost all the paws have hurts - today, I found a big hurt again- I am not taking her for a walk because of this situation - 15 day ago I saw a vet - I got nothing else than antibiotic preventing infections - I am almost sure she did the big new hurt with her tooth - I don't know what to do - she spends outside a little time, and I can't see what she is doing, the same if I am not in the home - How to heal the paws if she is continuing chewing and taking the parts out??? :( [e-mail]