Alaskan Malamute-Breed, Health Information You must know

Dogs are the most lovely and faithful animals. Almost every person loves dogs. And many peoples pets dogs in their house also. There are many types of Indian dog breeds present in the world. Today we will talk about “Alaskan Malamute” – one of the best dog breeds in India.

Alaskan Malamute is a dog breed for domestic well-known for their massive boned, powerful shoulders and a deep chest makes it one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. Its built structure helps to work in rough, cold terrain. Alaskan Malamute is also an affectionate, friendly companion.

History and Background of Alaskan Malamute

Like other dogs in the spitz family, Alaskan Malamute evolved in the Arctic region and change according to climate. Although its origin is unknown, this dog breed had a prominent role with their companions for working, hunting, and living alongside humans. These dogs are capable of doing the work of many small dogs. As a hunting partner, Alaskan Malamute used for hunting polar bears, seals, and participating in other big games. The Malamute becomes so messed with people’s lives that soon it is counted as a family member, not only a pet.

Many foreigners, who came during the gold rush in the 19th century, were impressed a lot with the affection between the owner and the sizeable Alaskan dog in the late 1700s. These foreigners were entertained by weight-pulling contests and staging races among these dogs. In the 1920s, New England obtained enthusiast specimens of these dog breed for racing. The Alaskan Malamutes were crossbred with either each other or with the settler dogs to create good racers. And also, it helps to develop the native Malamute. It provides many dogs with gold searching activities that pose a threat to the Malamute breed.

In 1933, some Malamutes were selected to aid Adm. Besides this, Malamute was used in the Second World War, to act as a freight hauler, and pack animal as a search-and-rescue dog. After the recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1935, this dog breed has become popular as a faithful pet as well as an impressive for show.

Physical Characteristics of Alaskan Malamute

This breed has a long compact body with heavy-boned that makes it sturdy and durable. With its robust build structure, the Alaskan Malamute is a freighting dog that can haul heavy loads for a long distance. He is highly athletic with a tireless and steady movement of strong legs, a well-muscled body, a deep chest, and a plumed tail waving over its back. His eyes are looking like “wolf-eye”, but the expression is quite soft. The thick, oily, and double coat (woolly undercoat and a rough outer coat) provides insulation from the ice’s cold. It comes in several colors like white, grey, black, and red.

Personality of Alaskan Malamute

As Alaskan Malamute is a family-oriented dog, he is well-mannered indoors. The dog requires daily exercise; else, he becomes frustrated and destructive in behavior. Though Alaskan Malamute is sociable and friendly toward people, sometimes the strong-willed, independent, and authoritative Alaskan Malamute is aggressive to livestock, strange dogs, and pets. Its dominating personality is reflected in its dig and tendency to howl.

Role played by Alaskan Malamute

Still, these dog breeds are used as sled dogs for travel, skijoring, carting, and hauling freight. An adult Alaskan Malamute can pull 500 to 1500 KG of weight depending upon build and training. Sometimes they are participating in animal therapy programs. Malamutes are usually quiet dogs. In seldom barking, they try to talk by vocalizing a “woo woo” sound. It seems like howling of a wolf.

Grooming

Malamute needs proper exercise daily, in terms of a good run or walks, as he can run for long distances. This dog breed is fond of cold weather and also loves to pull a sled or cart over the snow. Though he can be comfortable in cold or hot climates, he should be kept indoors during summer. During this period, the Alaskan Malamute’s coat needs to be brushed weekly. And during the shedding season, brushing of coat needs to be frequently.

Feeding

Feeding should be followed by the veterinarian’s advice. The diet needs to change according to their growth. From puppy to adult, it needs a controlled diet food for maintaining high energy and its health.

Health Issues of Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, a maximum of 15 years. The primary cause of death is cancer (almost 36%). Young puppy malamute or an adult malamute both occasionally suffers from gastric torsion, seizures, congenital heart problems, epilepsy, kidney problem, skin disorder, and polyneuropathy. The most common health problem that the breed faced is canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and hereditary cataract. Besides it, the minor concerns include Osteo-Chondro-Dysplasia (OCD) and hypothyroidism.

Cataracts – It is present by the age of one to two. It is known as Juvenile Cataract. Rarely, it progresses to blindness.
Chondrodysplasia – This is belongs to genetic disorder. It causes abnormal born of puppies such as small size of limbs, abnormal body size and etc.
Hip Dysplasia – In this condition thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint. This causes pain and lameness to these dog breeds in one or both rear legs. Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary that can be worsened by high-calorie diet, injuries while jumping or falling and so on.
Hypothyroidism – It is caused of abnormal low production of thyroid hormones. It can be managed by taking thyroid replacement pill daily.
Inherited Polyneuropathy – This is caused by a lack of instability and co-ordination. It leads to a laboured gait, also known as bunny-hopping gait.
Hemeralopia – It is day blindness. It can be identified when the puppy is eight weeks old. He is feeling unconscious to come out in sunlight. He prefers to stay in shade areas. This sign disappears at the night. Dogs with this issues should be accepted, preferring them a quality of life.

To identify these issues, a veterinarian has to conduct eye, hip, and thyroid exams on this dog breed and also tests for osteochondrodysplasic.

Conclusion

So, this is all about one of the best dog breeds in India – Alaskan Malamute. By this comprehensive information, we try to provide you with basic knowledge about Alaskan Malamute dog. At last, if you like our content and efforts behind it, please share this post with your lovable persons. If you want to know anything, then feel free to comment below.

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