Large, Dependable and Quiet: That’s the Alaskan Malamute
June 23, 2009 by Terrence Clark
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When the Klondike Gold Rush happened in 1896, one dependable breed of dog that became a well-known freighter of the settlers and prospectors is the Alaskan Malamute. Before this frenzy, however, this breed was peacefully living among the Mahlemuits tribe of the upper western regions of Alaska. It is said that for thousands of years, this breed and tribe lived together peacefully, hunting and working side by side.
The Malamute is considered as a large breed and it was originally developed to perform the tasks of sledding and pulling some heavy baggage across far distances. People who have tried traveling with this breed attest to its impeccable strength, stamina and endurance on going over long distances, all the while pulling humans and loads. Today, when people look for a Malamute, they look for its sledding ability first before inspecting its other less important abilities.
Even to this day, the Malamute is still used heavily for sled traveling and load freighting. However, the uses of this breed now extends to games such as mushing, skijoring, bikejoring and canicross. It is also beginning to have a reputation as an excellent pet and show dog among breeders and families.
On the issues of speed, the Malamute does not come first as there are speedier breeds than it. It can haul heavy loads across great distances but only at a slower pace. Four Malamutes are said to be enough to carry loads as heavy as thousands of pounds at short distances.
The Malamute is often mistaken for a Siberian Husky but the two have clearly different characteristics. Additionally, one unique fact about this breed is that it emulates a “talking” voice which people call a “woo woo”. To clearly understand what this sound is, Chewbacca’s voice of the Star Wars movie is the exact replica of the Malamute’s sound, thanks to the inspiration of Indiana, George Lucas’ own Malamute.
Unlike other large breeds, the Malamute is rather quiet and not much of a yapper. It does not, however, do well in heeding the master’s commands but it is nonetheless friendly with all humans especially children. This breed is wary of other animals especially those that are smaller in size that’s why owner’s should be well aware of this instinct.
Considered as a large breed of dog, the Malamute should weigh 75 to 85 pounds and stand 23 to 26 inches. It has a dense double coat which serves as a protection from the harsh climates and a densely fur-covered tail which it uses to wrap its nose and face as protection from heavy blowing snows. The Malamute comes in colors of gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white.
Said to have lived 2,000 to 3,000 years ago with the Mahlemuits tribe, the Alaskan Malamute is considered to be one of the most ancient dog breed. Recent DNA testing proves that this dog possesses genes that are clearly unique compared to other dog breeds. Additionally, a recent discovery of 30,000 years old dog remains resemble greatly the structure of the Alaskan Malamute so scientists have a conclusion that the Malamute is probably the closest living relative of the world’s very first dog.
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