Fun Alaskan Malamute Facts For Kids

Alaskan Malamute is known to be one of the largest breeds of dog that was mainly bred for their strength and endurance in order to haul items as a sled dog and hound. Alaskan Malamutes have double coats and shed twice every year. This breed vary in different colors such as Sable-white, black and white, seal and white, gray and white, and white and chocolate. Their undercoats have oily and woolly texture and are as thick as 2 in. The eyes of Alaskan Malamute are almond-shaped and come in a variety of shades of brown. This dog breed has an excellent prey drive and is used for tasks such as weight pulling, search and rescue, racing and sledding. The Alaskan Malamute is known for its strength and endurance, this is the reason that it was one of the dog breeds that was used during the World War II.

This dog breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club and the Alaskan Malamute Club of  America. Other kennel clubs that have recognized this breed are United Kennel Club, Canada Kennel Club, and New Zealand Kennel Club. Alaskan Malamutes live in warm weather, but it is necessary that the owners take the necessary precautions to make sure that the malamutes are comfortable in the warmer climate. For more, check out Alaskan husky facts and mini Bernedoodle facts to know more about dogs.
 

What type of animal is an Alaskan Malamute?

The Alaskan Malamute is a type of dog that is similar to the other breeds  wherein they resemble arctic dogs and huskies. This breed even resembles spitz breeds such as the Greenland Dog, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Siberian Husky, and the Samoyed. This dog breed was extensively used for search and rescue missions during the gold rush in Alaska.  

What class of animal does an Alaskan Malamute belong to?

Alaskan Malamutes belong to the class of mammals. It is one of the oldest of the sled dog breeds of the Arctic. The Alaskan Malamute is known for its might and power and is a Nordic breed type that is primarily developed to haul heavy loads rather than race. With high energy levels, these dogs require obedience training and regular exercise to stay clear of health problems.

How many Alaskan Malamutes are there in the world?

There is no correct number as to how many Alaskan Malamutes there are in the world. Earlier, the species were endangered by interbreeding but were rescued later by a breeder in New England and after that there was an increase in their population.

Where does an Alaskan Malamute live?

Alaskan Malamutes prefer to live in the Seward Peninsula on the western coast of Alaska. You will usually find the dogs domesticated in the homes of people.

What is an Alaskan Malamute's habitat?

The Seward Peninsula on the western coast of Alaska is the natural habitat of the Alaskan Malamutes. This dog breed can be found in the homes of people.

Who do Alaskan Malamutes live with?

Alaskan Malamutes should not be left alone as this breed will become destructive if you leave them alone for half a day or a full day.

How long does an Alaskan Malamute live?

The life span of an Alaskan Malamute is about 10-12 years depending on different factors which include environmental factors, surroundings, food and nutrition. The Alaskan Malamute life span can go up to 16 years if proper training and grooming are provided along with health care.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding of the giant Alaskan Malamute is organised by their owners. The breeders bring the male and female together to mate together to breed the puppies that are born. The canine copulation involves the male mounting the female, after which the mating process starts. After a gestation period of between 60-75 days, a litter of around 4-10 Alaskan Malamute puppies are born.  

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of Alaskan Malamutes is not listed as they are house pets and are also kept in pet houses and pet cafes. They were endangered earlier because of interbreeding but were rescued later by a breeder in New England and after that, there was an increase in their population. As per the American Kennel Club, there are adequate number of Alaskan Malamute dogs that are present as pet dogs.

What do Alaskan Malamutes look like?

Alaskan Malamutes have a very dense double coat. The thick coat is known as the guard coat, and it should not be soft or long. These dogs look similar to other breeds such as Siberian husky, Greenland dog, Canadian Eskimo dog, and Samoyed. The Malamute colors that are most popular are black and white, grey and white, red and white, sable and white, and chocolate and white. Their blue eyes add to their majestic appearance.

How cute are they?

Alaskan Malamutes are very cute and fluffy in their appearance. An Alaskan Malamute puppy is very adorable in nature. These dogs are very cuddly just like a baby. This is one of the working dog breeds and requires proper training and regular exercise to ensure good health. Alaskan Malamute temperament is very friendly and affectionate, adding to their cuteness.

How do they communicate?

Alaskan Malamutes use their vocalizations for communicating. Malamutes do not bark, but these dogs are vocal enough that they can communicate with others.

How big is an Alaskan Malamute?

The average Alaskan Malamute sizes range between 23-25 in as compared to the other dog breeds.

How fast can an Alaskan Malamute run?

Alaskan Malamutes can easily reach a speed of 20 miles per hour and run over 40 miles at a time unless and until these dogs don’t get overheated.

How much does an Alaskan Malamute weigh?

female Alaskan Malamutes weigh around 70-84 lb, and male Alaskan Malamutes weigh around 80-95 lb.

What are their male and female names of the species?

There is no specific name for male and female Alaskan Malamutes. Dogs of this breed are called male Alaskan Malamutes and female Alaskan Malamutes respectively.

What would you call a baby Alaskan Malamute?

A baby white Alaskan Malamute is called an Alaskan Malamute puppy.

What do they eat?

Alaskan Malamutes eat small animals, which include birds, squirrels, cats and even smaller dogs. In captivity, they also eat high quality dog food that is essential for their growth and to provide them with proper nutrition. Regular exercise is required to ensure their good health.

Are they hypoallergenic?

Alaskan Malamutes are not hypoallergenic. The thick coarse outer coat requires proper grooming during the shedding season. These animals shed their coat during spring and fall and the blowing can last for a period of around 3 weeks.

Would they make a good pet?

Alaskan Malamutes make good pets. These animals can be great pets with very active households but you need to be very careful when you pet them as you should not leave them with children if these dogs are under supervised. Male and female Alaskan Malamute temperaments are full of devotion, affection, and playfulness, making them good pets for kids as well as adults. This dog breed requires regular training and exercise to stave off several health issues.

Did you know...

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the rarer breeds of dogs which have not changed a lot since its creation. Alaskan Malamutes are known to be slower than the other types of sled dogs, and they can travel long distances because of their stamina and strength.

The Alaskan Malamute price range varies depending on a number of factors. Alaskan Malamute puppy price range varies between $1,000-$2,000.

Alaskan Malamute and wolf conflicts are not very common but if there ever was a one on one conflict, the Alaskan Malamute could certainly take on a wolf.

When you compare the Alaskan Malamute vs husky or Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian husky, you will understand that the Alaskan Malamute is the taller and heavier than the two. Male huskies weigh around 45-60 lb and females weigh around 35-50 lb whereas the weight range for male and female Malamutes is 80-95 lb and 70-84 lb respectively.  

Alaskan Malamutes came into existence 5,000 years ago as the first settlers of North America kept Alaskan Malamutes. They are weather-resistant dogs as they are built in a very strong way to withstand cold temperatures. Alaskan Malamutes are very helpful to human beings.

Do Alaskan Malamutes make good guard dogs?

No, this breed shouldn’t be kept as guard dogs as they are wonderful companions and love the company of other people. These dogs are very friendly, loyal, and intelligent dogs, but because of their destructive tendencies, this breed shouldn’t be kept as a guard dog.

What were Alaskan Malamutes originally used for?

Alaskan Malamutes are used for working days and were used as sled dogs during WWI and WWII. These dogs were originally used for hunting seals, fending off polar bears, and haul heavy loads.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including Alaskan wolf mix, or Carolina dog.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Alaskan Malamute coloring pages.