| Tkaya offers up his opinion... Take the time to read this page for information on the malamute temperament and personality. |
The Alaskan Malamute -
The Alaskan Malamute is blessed with a sunny disposition and
thrives when treated as an intelligent partner or family member.
Of an independent nature, Mals can be highly cooperative
although never slavish or fawning. An Alaskan Malamute lives
with you not for you. Sometimes aggressive toward other dogs,
especially those of the same gender, the typical Mal is
outrageously and almost universally friendly to human beings.
Malamutes do not guard property and virtually always extend a
tail-wagging, face-licking welcome to strangers. Mals are
pack-oriented and, as such, try to establish and test the pack
order, on a seemingly constant basis throughout their
adolescence. These dogs develop deep, complex attachments
to their owners, but they are not one-person dogs. Adult rescue
Malamutes readily bond with their adoptive owners. The breed
has a strong, predatory streak, and, if allowed to run loose in
rural areas, will reliably slaughter livestock and wild animals. In
urban and suburban areas, a loose Mal is a menace to cats
and other furry creatures. Swift, fearless, and powerful,
Malamutes have been know to catch songbirds on the wing,
and, if challenged, to deal harshly with other dogs. A very few
adult rescue Mals get along well with cats and other dogs, but
most must go to homes with no other pets. Although the breed
boasts a few angels, most Malamutes will raid trash and steal
food inside the house. Anyone who is unprepared to deal firmly
and calmly with this wild streak should not own a Malamute.
©1999 by Susan Conant and the Alaskan Malamute Assistance
League. Used with permission.
The Alaskan Malamute is blessed with a sunny disposition and
thrives when treated as an intelligent partner or family member.
Of an independent nature, Mals can be highly cooperative
although never slavish or fawning. An Alaskan Malamute lives
with you not for you. Sometimes aggressive toward other dogs,
especially those of the same gender, the typical Mal is
outrageously and almost universally friendly to human beings.
Malamutes do not guard property and virtually always extend a
tail-wagging, face-licking welcome to strangers. Mals are
pack-oriented and, as such, try to establish and test the pack
order, on a seemingly constant basis throughout their
adolescence. These dogs develop deep, complex attachments
to their owners, but they are not one-person dogs. Adult rescue
Malamutes readily bond with their adoptive owners. The breed
has a strong, predatory streak, and, if allowed to run loose in
rural areas, will reliably slaughter livestock and wild animals. In
urban and suburban areas, a loose Mal is a menace to cats
and other furry creatures. Swift, fearless, and powerful,
Malamutes have been know to catch songbirds on the wing,
and, if challenged, to deal harshly with other dogs. A very few
adult rescue Mals get along well with cats and other dogs, but
most must go to homes with no other pets. Although the breed
boasts a few angels, most Malamutes will raid trash and steal
food inside the house. Anyone who is unprepared to deal firmly
and calmly with this wild streak should not own a Malamute.
©1999 by Susan Conant and the Alaskan Malamute Assistance
League. Used with permission.
The Alaskan Malamute Personality -
One outstanding feature of the Alaskan Malamute breed is its superficial resemblance to
the wolf. The stories that link Malamute-wolf crosses to todays breed are sketchy at
best, and the myths that surround such a romantic history have been pretty well
disputed. In fact, the Alaskan Malamute has been recognized as a pure bred dog by the
AKC since before World War II.
Historically, the Malamute has been a true working dog. The Mahlemut natives of Alaska
used their dogs to pull sledges, and two of the Admiral Byrd expeditions used Malamutes
for freighting and pack dogs. It is common place for Malamute breeders to advertise that
they work their dogs as well as show them, for most Malamute breeders are dedicated to
retaining the breeds original conformation for working as well as for showing.
Despite the breeds fame as a solid working dog (most can carry half their weight
back-pack style) Alaskan Malamutes have been known to give their owners more than a
few moments of frustration either in the obedience ring or the backyard. Unlike some of
the more obviously obedient breeds in the Working Group, every Malamute typically has
a mind of its own, when being obedience-trained, and will defy any command on a mere
whim. Many novice dog-people and ignorant breeders (who should know better) mistake
this blatant stubbornness for sheer stupidity. At least it seems they can cope better with
that diagnosis. On the contrary, the Malamute is highly intelligent to the point of
craftiness. Although its likely that your Malamute would rather investigate that strange
noise he heard than the familiar one (your voice), Malamutes can and do work
beautifully in obedience, and such work is highly rewarding for both dog and owner. In
obedience training it is important to keep the sessions short, and never let the Malamute
have his way in the end. Always make sure that the last thing your dog does is done
your way, otherwise you will have trouble establishing just who is in command.
(Incidentally, this is true of any breed.)
Perhaps you wonder how an 85 pound dog that stands some 25 inches or so at the
withers (Breed Standard) would conduct himself around children who inevitably pull tails,
roll on the floor, and so on. Because the breed is fairly large and Malamutes have
excellent dispositions they make ideal pets for children. And what greater fun than to
hook your dog to a wagon or sled and let him do the work that comes so natural to the
breed? Of course, if there are no youngsters around, your Malamute would be just as
happy pulling an adult!
Above all else, the Malamute is a true people-dog and becomes socialized quickly. For
this reason, few Malamutes are one-man dogs, but rather are affectionate, dependable
and even-tempered. Most have a distinct way of talking in a rumbling voice instead of a
bark, although they do bark on occasion. It is not at all unusual to see a Malamute with
tail down, ears back, when being scolded, only to have him lick you, with wagging tail,
the very next minute - there are no grudges or hurt feelings for this breed. Many dog
people have dubbed the Alaskan Malamute the personality dog and some breeders
refer to their dogs as public relations dogs. It isn't difficult to understand why. The
Malamute personality is quite aptly described as gentle strength coupled with generous
portions of affection and companionship.
©1973 by Peggy Hindman as printed in Dog Fancy magazine
One outstanding feature of the Alaskan Malamute breed is its superficial resemblance to
the wolf. The stories that link Malamute-wolf crosses to todays breed are sketchy at
best, and the myths that surround such a romantic history have been pretty well
disputed. In fact, the Alaskan Malamute has been recognized as a pure bred dog by the
AKC since before World War II.
Historically, the Malamute has been a true working dog. The Mahlemut natives of Alaska
used their dogs to pull sledges, and two of the Admiral Byrd expeditions used Malamutes
for freighting and pack dogs. It is common place for Malamute breeders to advertise that
they work their dogs as well as show them, for most Malamute breeders are dedicated to
retaining the breeds original conformation for working as well as for showing.
Despite the breeds fame as a solid working dog (most can carry half their weight
back-pack style) Alaskan Malamutes have been known to give their owners more than a
few moments of frustration either in the obedience ring or the backyard. Unlike some of
the more obviously obedient breeds in the Working Group, every Malamute typically has
a mind of its own, when being obedience-trained, and will defy any command on a mere
whim. Many novice dog-people and ignorant breeders (who should know better) mistake
this blatant stubbornness for sheer stupidity. At least it seems they can cope better with
that diagnosis. On the contrary, the Malamute is highly intelligent to the point of
craftiness. Although its likely that your Malamute would rather investigate that strange
noise he heard than the familiar one (your voice), Malamutes can and do work
beautifully in obedience, and such work is highly rewarding for both dog and owner. In
obedience training it is important to keep the sessions short, and never let the Malamute
have his way in the end. Always make sure that the last thing your dog does is done
your way, otherwise you will have trouble establishing just who is in command.
(Incidentally, this is true of any breed.)
Perhaps you wonder how an 85 pound dog that stands some 25 inches or so at the
withers (Breed Standard) would conduct himself around children who inevitably pull tails,
roll on the floor, and so on. Because the breed is fairly large and Malamutes have
excellent dispositions they make ideal pets for children. And what greater fun than to
hook your dog to a wagon or sled and let him do the work that comes so natural to the
breed? Of course, if there are no youngsters around, your Malamute would be just as
happy pulling an adult!
Above all else, the Malamute is a true people-dog and becomes socialized quickly. For
this reason, few Malamutes are one-man dogs, but rather are affectionate, dependable
and even-tempered. Most have a distinct way of talking in a rumbling voice instead of a
bark, although they do bark on occasion. It is not at all unusual to see a Malamute with
tail down, ears back, when being scolded, only to have him lick you, with wagging tail,
the very next minute - there are no grudges or hurt feelings for this breed. Many dog
people have dubbed the Alaskan Malamute the personality dog and some breeders
refer to their dogs as public relations dogs. It isn't difficult to understand why. The
Malamute personality is quite aptly described as gentle strength coupled with generous
portions of affection and companionship.
©1973 by Peggy Hindman as printed in Dog Fancy magazine
| Frannie.. .A sunny disposition, indeed! |
| Spiritrun Registered Alaskan Malamutes |
| Breed Information |
| Facts about this breed in point form: They require:
Without this, they become:
Malamutes are:
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| Watch a 4-minute video on You Tube. Animal Planet's Breed All About It: Alaskan Malamute click on the link! |