The Giant Alaskan Malamute is a selectively bred Malamute. He is called a “giant” because he weighs more than 100 pounds. Many of his characteristics are pretty similar to the regular Malamute. The biggest difference being the size.
Appearance
The Giant Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful dog.
His ears are rather small and triangular, his eyes almond-shaped and usually brown. However, they are never blue. The rod carries the malamute upright and wound over the slightly sloping back.
The Giant Alaskan Malamute is at least 35 inches tall and weighs more than 100 pounds.
The fur of the Malamute
His dense fur protects him from the cold. It consists of an oily undercoat and protruding top hair, which is slightly longer in the shoulder and neck area.
The coat color is usually light gray to black with white badges. The head of Alaskan Malamute is usually adorned by the typical mask- or hood-like drawing. Ideally, the dog is drawn symmetrically according to standard. Completely white copies are also allowed.
Personality
The sled dog from the far north not only impresses with its imposing stature. The Giant Alaskan Malamute has also a very special personality. The fact that he was bred for pulling sleds also restits in his character.
The Malamute is very independent and enormously willing to work. He needs and demands daily employment. But his own will is just as pronounced. If he is not properly guided, the beautiful four-legged friend likes to implement his own plans.
Basically, however, he is a very friendly dog that is not so easy to disturb. If he trusts his person, he will willingly follow him. He usually treats strangers very calmly and with a certain indifference. He usually shows the same attitude compared to other four-legged friends. But they had better not provoke him. Because the strong and proud dog should not be underestimated under any circumstances.
Why training is so important
This animal companion needs clear and reliable rules right from the start. So he doesn’t even start by questioning the ranking. Because this can be very unpleasant in a dog of this stature. So you need dog experience and patience for his upbringing.
You must confidently show the Alaskan Malamute that you are legitimately the two-legged guide dog. Otherwise, he will try to take this place. Because the race tends to dominate. However, if you have won his affection and recognition, your proud sled dog will usually cooperate for your sake.
Puppy education should always be done with loving consistency. Hardness is out of place with the sensitive four-legged friend – as with any other dog. Also keep in mind: Only a physically utilized Alaskan Malamute can be a well-behaved one. If he gets bored, the sled dog will look for a valve that in most cases does not awaken the joy of his owners.
Socialization
Extensive socialization should already begin with the breeder. In this way, your companion will get along well with conspecifics, among other things, on the daily excursions. Continue this approach also in the form of visits to the puppy play lesson and dog school in general.
The strong dog from the north places high demands and is not suitable for beginners. Potential holders should have plenty of experience to get along well with the character head.
They should also be able to lead the Alaskan Malamute calmly to basic obedience. This is essential precisely because of its great power. Please take this aspect into account when planning to have this dog moved in with you. Because the strength of the sled dog is often underestimated.
Giant Alaskan Malamutes are not city dogs
The same applies to the great need for movement of the four-legged endurance athlete. Two short walks every day are not enough for Alaskan Malamute. The breed from the vastness of Alaska therefore does not belong in the city or in an apartment.
Rather, a malamute needs space and nature. It can be kept well outdoors on a securely fenced surface with shelter if he lives together with conspecifics in a pack. It is also possible to keep him as a family dog. In both cases, however, he still needs a lot of human contact.
It goes without saying that this dog is not suitable for warm countries. Because he would suffer from the heat. Keep this in mind when planning your vacation in southern climes. If in doubt, leave the Alaskan Malamute at home in expert all-round care.