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Thinking about adopting your own? Alaskan Malamute puppy? It’s very hard to resist the fluffy coat and active nature of an Alaskan Malamute so it’s easy to see why anyone would want one.
However, there are some things to know about Alaskan Malamute puppies before running to your local rescue and adopting one. Although they make great companions, this is a breed that requires special care and patience.
Here’s everything you need to know about Alaskan Malamute puppies.
They are a natural breed
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These athletic pups are considered a natural breed, which means that humans have not drastically altered their evolution. They were not explicitly bred to be around humans, even though they have grown with us.
The Inupiat people, called Mahlemut (today known as Kuuvangmiut and Kobuk), used these dogs to hunt big game and bring supplies to their village, and although they considered the dogs family and bred them, they didn’t breed them to change in any way.
This means that even if you get an Alaskan Malamute as a puppy, it will take some patience on your part to win their hearts. But once you do, they will be incredibly loyal.
They can be aggressive if not socialized
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While Alaskan Malamute puppies make great family pets, they are can become aggressive with other animals and small children if not properly trained. If you already own a dog of the same sex as your Alaskan Malamute, you’ll need to take extra care when introducing the two.
If you have small children in the house and you really want an Alaskan Malamute, it is important to teach your children how to handle the puppy. Teach your kids to respect your dog’s boundaries — and vice versa — and they’ll get along just fine.
In fact, a well-trained Alaskan Malamute is considered an ideal family pet!
They need A Lot from Exercise
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Alaskan Malamutes are great working dogs and as adults they need a lot of exercise.
This means your Alaskan Malamute will have loads of energy as a puppy! Alaskan Malamute puppies love to play physically active games, long walks and mental stimulation.
As they get older, you can exercise your Alaskan Malamute in other ways. These dogs love to get work done, so anything from Bikejoring (pulling someone on a bike) to agility lessons will not only keep your Malamute in shape, but also stimulate them enough that they won’t tear up your house out of boredom.
They also need A Lot of care
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One of the most appealing things about the Alaskan Malamute is how cute and fluffy they can be. Unfortunately, if regular grooming isn’t your thing, you may want to reconsider an Alaskan Malamute.
According to the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA), the Malamute’s thick, double coat requires: daily brushing. Skipping the occasional day of brushing is fine, but the club recommends brushing to avoid tangles, which can lead to yeast infections.
The club also suggests regular baths to reduce shedding and that not-so-great doggy smell.
Just because the Alaskan Malamute is a little high maintenance doesn’t mean they don’t make great family pets. Just know that they need extra coat care in the long run.
You may want to try to this shaker brush to help manage the flying fur!
‘Blowing’ their coats
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Alaskan Malamutes can lose fur all year round, but they are too seasonal sliders. This means that, in the spring and fall, your Alaskan Malamute could lose so much that you could practically make a second dog with the fur!
Many Malamute parents say that their puppies have had a major shedding moment around the age of one and a half to two years. This is when your Alaskan Malamute puppy sheds their baby coat for their adult coat.
Females often lose more than male Alaskan Malamutes. Spaying your female Alaskan Malamute won’t completely eliminate her fur blisters, but it will reduce the hormones that contribute to a hefty shedding season.
Allergies can also flare up during this time, so make sure everyone in your family with allergies is comfortable.
They are independent and
i
ntelligent
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Often, experts do not recommend Alaskan Malamute puppies for first-time dog parents.
This cold-weather-loving dog is very smart and independent, which can make training difficult for even the most experienced of dog lovers. They have a very strong feeling for package hierarchy. This means your pup needs to know who is the boss – you!
Training is important with any dog, but it is especially the case with a large, strong dog who, if left unchecked, can become unwilling and difficult.
Fortunately, Alaskan Malamutes are not as stubborn as their lookalikes, Siberian Huskies, but they can certainly still be a handful!
They are prone to certain health problems
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Because Alaskan Malamute puppies grow up to be large dogs, they can be prone to joint problems. The most common joint disorders for Alaskan Malamutes are: elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
Both conditions can lead to arthritis and other issues that can make it difficult for your Alaskan Malamute to move around during their senior years.
If you’re planning to buy an Alaskan Malamute — or any other large breed of dog — make sure you’re financially prepared for these potential health problems in the long run.
A healthy diet and the right amount of exercise will help keep your Alaskan Malamute strong and happy and may help prevent some of these problems.
They make the best pets
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Most of this list may seem like a whole host of reasons why you shouldn’t get an Alaskan Malamute, but the truth is, these puppies make excellent family pets.
They are great with kids, and many Alaskan Malamute parents say their dogs stick to them like glue. As long as you train and exercise your Alaskan Malamute properly, you’ll have a friend for life!
Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog at a shelter or rescue. View our adoption page that allows you to search for local adoptable dogs by breed and zip code!
Would you adopt an Alaskan Malamute puppy from the shelter? Have you ever had one in your family? Let us know in the comments below!
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