Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information

The Alaskan Malamute dog breed is one known for its calmness as an adult although some will continue to play and act as a puppy even if they are old. We are talking about a dog that simply loves to play, one that is perfect for individuals that want to spend time outdoors and that would like to exercise with company. The "downside" is that the owner of an Alaskan Malamute dog has to spend time with the pet and never neglect him/her as the breed comes with a characteristic of getting bored easily. It could immediately move towards a destructive behavior. The breed can be aggressive towards dogs of the same sex and smaller animals but it is not considered to be a good watchdog due to its friendly disposition. The truth is that the Alaskan Malamute comes with a strong hunting instinct. This translates in the owner having to be careful if the dog is loose around other animals and the yard where the pet will leave has to be properly fenced so that the dog would not escape. The dog can be a great companion but he/she can also be stubborn. It is recommended that the owner has some prior experience with other dog breeds so that the dog can quickly understand who is the boss. Early socialization is crucial for the Alaskan Malamute dog breed in order for him to be social with people and animals and keep in mind that we are talking about a breed that is very possessive with food.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Appearance.

The Alaskan Malamute dog is around 25 inches high and weighs around 90 pounds. The outer coating is thick and harsh while the undercoat is softer and denser. You will notice that the dog's face mask, feet and underbody is white and that the rest of the color can vary in color, including variations like red, seal, black, gold and gray. The Alaskan Malamute dog is strong and powerful looking, with a plush tail and a well built body. You will need to brush the coat around 2 times per week and shedding is only a big problem during some seasons.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Health Problems

If you plan to own an Alaskan Malamute you should be aware of the fact that the breed's life expectancy is of 10 to 12 years. You should also look for some possible health problems, including bleeding disoders, thyroid problems, cataracts, Chd, ligament problems, autoimmune problems and skin conditions that might appear. Alaskan Malamutes will not do that good in warmer climates and have to be protected from the heat.

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