The Alaskan Malamute Special Breed and Breeders in the northern reaches of the area we now know as the state of Alaska. Named for an Inuit tribe from this area, the Alaskan Malamute tracked large game and served as a pack and sled dog. In camp it doubled as a family pet and guard dog, even serving as a nanny to the Inuit children. This Alaskan Malamute breed originated in an area where the primary food sources were whale, salmon, halibut, and seal. None of today's commercial all-breed dog foods contain those sources prevalent in the original diet of the Alaskan Malamute.
However, there are Alaskan malamute commercial foods that closely match the amino acid profile of the Alaskan Malamute's natural diet. These foods would have a combination of poultry, fish, lamb and rice in its protein base. These food sources are also high in minerals and natural occurring oils and thus would be the ideal base diet for this breed. The worst food blend for the Alaskan Malamute would contain a base of soy, beef or beef by products, beet pulp and yellow corn.
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Buying a Alaskan Malamute from a good breeder is not unlike adopting a child. He will ask questions about your family, your lifestyle, and the type of life your dog will have. He may use a questionnaire, or a telephone
interview. He may insist on meeting you before agreeing to sell you a pup. This can seem intrusive and time-consuming, but this person is acting in your best interest. This breeder will give you and your pup
lots of support, board your pet in an emergency, and, if the impossible happens and you are unable to keep your pet, welcome him back with open arms. He will encourage your questions, and answer all of them. He will be proud to invite you to his kennel to meet his dogs. Watch him with his dogs you will see lots of love and affection.
Responsible Alaskan malamute breeders are also good owners, and enjoy their dogs’ companionship. Malamute breeders can share many activities with their dogs: dog shows, obedience trials, sledding, weight pulling, backpacking, hiking, agility, skijoring. the list is endless. A word of warning about dog show records: there are great dogs with great records, bad dogs with great records, and great dogs who have never been shown. There are more important indicators of a dog’s integrity and soundness than a show record.
Avoid any Alaskan malamute breeder who seems too eager or desperate to sell a dog to you, is reluctant to let you meet all of his dogs, does not use a written sales agreement, or is unable to back up his claims with original documentation. You may luck out and get a good dog from such a breeder, but if you run into any problems (and the risk is higher than average), it is unlikely that you will get any help from such a person.
Alaskan Malamute need clean, roomy kennels; many have access to a large, fenced exercise yard.
Sturdy houses provide shelter from wind and rain, and a dry place to sleep. At least during winter, houses contain some sort of bedding, often pine shavings. Young healthy Alaskan Malamutes don’t often need insulated houses, although older dogs do and will appreciate them.
Alaskan Malamute should have access to clean water. During winter, some kennels may use heated watering systems, but most simply give their dogs water two or three times during the day. Dog food should be top quality. Most breeders use one of the many excellent commercial foods available; a few make home-cooked meals. Either is acceptable feeding one of the bargain-basement brands is not.
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Alaskan Malamute Observe the dogs objectively. We know they’re all gorgeous. But do they appear healthy? Coats should be tidy and free of mats, even while blowing coat (the massive shed of undercoat which occurs each spring). Toenails should be short and well-trimmed. Ears, eyes and skin should be free of discharge or signs of infection. Breeding stock, in particular, should be in impeccably good health.
Your Alaskan Malamute puppies parents should be at least 18 months old, for hip certification and to help ensure sufficient maturity. In fact, it is common for bitches to be two to three years old when they have their first litter. Ask! All dogs who are part of the breeding program should be introduced to you, probably one or two at a time. You will witness different personalities some may be very exuberant, others may show more dignity and restraint, and some laid-back souls will roll over for a good bellyrub. Whatever the differences, all dogs should exhibit sound temperaments, with no evidence of aggressive behaviour towards people. Male are friendly dogs who enjoy human company walk away from anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. They do not, however, always get along with their own kind.
Alaskan Malamutes are canine athletes. Whatever form of exercise they enjoy, they should all display a reasonable level of fitness. Sure, the older dogs may be a bit slower than the young guys, but stay away from any breeder whose dogs appear generally out of shape. Any failing in these areas can be an indication that the
dogs do not receive good basic care. Think twice about buying a puppy raised in such an environment.
Help Sort out The Alaskan Malamute Dog
Observe the breeder’s relationship with his dogs. Male are notorious for paying more attention to visitors thanto the person they depend on for love, food and care, but once they’ve greeted you, they should have a bit
left over for their human. Be suspicious of a breeder if his dogs seem to fear or avoid him, or if he is unable to
handle or control them. If there are pups at the kennel during your visit, look at them with the same objective eyes you use for the adults.
This is really hard, because they’re so darned cute, but try! Again, they should appear healthy, with coats, skin, eyes and ears all in good shape. Different personalities will be evident learn to do some basic temperament tests to help sort out the pups. Also learn what level of development and type of behaviour to expect at various ages. There are many books which will help you prepare for your visit and for a puppy “Before & After Getting Your Puppy” by Dr. Ian Dunbar is excellent.
The Alaskan Malamute Legal Stuff
The dog-breeding business is largely unregulated. However, anyone selling purebred dogs in Canada must abide by the Animal Pedigree Act and the bylaws of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), which state that all dogs represented as purebred must be registered or register able with the CKC, registration papers must be included in the purchase price, and dogs must be identified (either by tattoo or microchip) before leaving the breeder’s premises. You would usually be shown a copy of the pup’s litter registration certificate at the time of sale; his individual registration certificate must be sent to you within six months. So, remember: any breeder advertising “unregistered purebreds” or charging a higher price for registered pups than for their unregistered
litter mater is breaking the law.
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