The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest and most admired Nordic sleddogs. By the breeding selection a breed arose very early, which was perseant, powerful, friendly and very beautiful. Some of the dogs were free and had to feed themselves during the summer months, when they were not used for work. Named after the Mahlemiut Eskimos, the Alaskan Malamute has been used to pull heavy sledges over long distances in extremely harsh winter weather, indeed they were predestined to do this work. Their strong body and the rough coat with undercoat are an expression of their adaptation to the external conditions. In this function he was irreplaceable for the survival of the Eskimos. Later it was bred for sled dog races, before it became also popular as a family dog world-wide. The Malamute is therefore a real nature boy, very friendly towards people, affectionate and cuddly, but sometimes dominant towards foreign dogs.
He is highly intelligent, quickly learns all commands, but only follows them when he sees the point. He needs a consequent education because he has to accept his master as leader of the pack, but he is also willing to forgive mistakes, unlike some other races.
The Alaskan Malamute can be a wonderful enrichment for the family. Malamutes are friendly, playful, human-oriented and intelligent companions who adapt flexibly to external conditions. But he can also be just as stubborn and headstrong. There is a tremendous power and an incredible energy in him and he has to be occupied daily. The Malamute needs a lot of outdoor exercise in all weathers and must be challenged both physically and mentally. The posture of the Alaskan Malamute requires a lot of time, energy and the ability to be a convincing pack leader!
For more information on the largest sled dog breed among the Nordic dogs contact the Swiss Nordic Dog Club SKNH www.sknh.ch
