One of the oldest purebred dogs that still closely resembles its original ancestors. The stunning and powerful-looking Alaskan Malamute. These intelligent dogs have many wolf-like features, and they are believed to be part wolf. They still retain a lot of their wolf-like traits today, such as their incredibly high prey drive and their signature howl.
This dog has an extensive and interesting history. They were developed thousands of years ago by the “Mahlemut” tribe to act as their version of a working dog. The Malamute was an invaluable tool for this tribe as they were able to pull heavy sleds, hunt seals, and even defend their people from polar bears. These 75-100 pound dogs traveled with their people across the Bering Strait to Alaska’s Siward Peninsula. This trek was over 400 miles in length, and the Alaskan Malamute performed it while pulling extremely heavy sleds. Needless to say, this breed has an incredible level of stamina.
These working dogs have very high energy levels and will certainly need their daily exercise. These are not the type of dogs that can stay indoors all day and especially hate being left alone. The Alaskan Malamute is not an easy dog to handle and they are recommended for more experienced dog owners. They are not only high maintenance concerning their seemingly endless shedding, but they also have a stubborn personality if they are not trained properly. That being said, a well-trained Malamute is a wonderful companion to have around the house.
While this ancient breed may be intimidating in size, they do not make the best guard dogs. The reason for this is because they are so friendly towards everyone they meet. These pups love being with their people and will enjoy nothing more than going for a long walk or run alongside them. If you are ready to take on the challenge of raising one of these dogs, the reward is high as these pups are just about as loyal as they come!
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