by Terrence Clark
In 1896, when the Klondike Gold Rush hit the new world, settlers and prospectors hired and took in this large type of breed to carry their heavy loads and valuables to and fro a destination. This breed is the Alaskan Malamute, a quiet and calm breed that was once a dependable companion of the Mahlemuits tribe of upper western Alaska. For centuries, the tribesmen and this breed lived side by side hunting, working and surviving the cold surroundings of the north.
The Malamute is a large breed that’s originally developed to be a sled dog, carrying heavy loads across great distances. Many can attest that the pulling strength of this breed is powerful and has an incredible stamina and endurance at pulling weights heavier than itself. Because of this, the only important skill that is honed and hoped for in this breed is pulling and the rest are not as important.
Now and then, the Malamute is a widely used sled dog and freighter. Additionally, people now are engaging in sports which utilize the skills of this breed such as mushing, skijoring, bikejoring and canicross. Not only that, the Malamute is beginning to become a well-loved house pet and show dog among fanciers and families.
Although superb as a sled dog, the Malamute is not the fastest there is when it comes to long-distance dog sled races. This creature can haul freights and travel at great expanse but it is best to do this at a slower pace. Additionally, four Malamutes are enough to amazingly pull a load as heavy as thousands of pounds across a distance.
Often, the Malamute is mistaken for a Siberian Husky but upon closer inspection, one will realize that they have distinct dissimilarities in so many ways. Moreover, the Malamute tends to give off a “talking” quality of vocals which is called the “woo-woo”. This sound is the inspiration behind Chewbacca’s voice, a Star Wars character, due to the fact that George Lucas once owned a Malamute named Indiana.
The Malamute may be a large breed but comparing to its contemporaries, this is surprisingly quiet and does not like to bark much. However, it is a little stubborn for it sometimes turns a deaf ear to the master’s commands. This breed is fairly friendly to all humans especially children but hostile towards smaller canines and other animals.
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.
The Quiet and Reliable Sled Dog of the Last Frontier, The Alaskan Malamute
In 1896, when the Klondike Gold Rush hit the new world, settlers and prospectors hired and took in this large type of breed to carry their heavy loads and valuables to and fro a destination. This breed is the Alaskan Malamute, a quiet and calm breed that was once a dependable companion of the Mahlemuits tribe of upper western Alaska. For centuries, the tribesmen and this breed lived side by side hunting, working and surviving the cold surroundings of the north.
The Malamute is a large breed that’s originally developed to be a sled dog, carrying heavy loads across great distances. Many can attest that the pulling strength of this breed is powerful and has an incredible stamina and endurance at pulling weights heavier than itself. Because of this, the only important skill that is honed and hoped for in this breed is pulling and the rest are not as important.
Now and then, the Malamute is a widely used sled dog and freighter. Additionally, people now are engaging in sports which utilize the skills of this breed such as mushing, skijoring, bikejoring and canicross. Not only that, the Malamute is beginning to become a well-loved house pet and show dog among fanciers and families.
Although superb as a sled dog, the Malamute is not the fastest there is when it comes to long-distance dog sled races. This creature can haul freights and travel at great expanse but it is best to do this at a slower pace. Additionally, four Malamutes are enough to amazingly pull a load as heavy as thousands of pounds across a distance.
Often, the Malamute is mistaken for a Siberian Husky but upon closer inspection, one will realize that they have distinct dissimilarities in so many ways. Moreover, the Malamute tends to give off a “talking” quality of vocals which is called the “woo-woo”. This sound is the inspiration behind Chewbacca’s voice, a Star Wars character, due to the fact that George Lucas once owned a Malamute named Indiana.
The Malamute may be a large breed but comparing to its contemporaries, this is surprisingly quiet and does not like to bark much. However, it is a little stubborn for it sometimes turns a deaf ear to the master’s commands. This breed is fairly friendly to all humans especially children but hostile towards smaller canines and other animals.
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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