Here are some fun and fascinating facts about the Alaskan Malamutes that will surely surprise a lot of people!
It is believed that the Alaskan Malamutes were bred by the nomadic tribesmen of Alaska which were known as the Mahlemuts. To honor their place of origin and the people who developed this breed, these canines were given the Alaskan Malamutes.
The Alaskan Malamutes can easily weigh around 40-45 Kilograms and can have a height of 26 inches (at the shoulders) when they grow up, which makes them the biggest out of all arctic canines that include the likes of American Eskimo Dogs, Samoyeds et cetera.
Alaskan Malamutes are double coated canines that have a thick and soft outer coat and a dense and woolly undercoat. And, it is mainly because of their exceptional coat that these canines can comfortably reside in extremely cold and chilly areas. In the past, the Alaskan Malamutes were able to survive even when the temperature plunged to -54°C, so that should tell you something about the low-temperature tolerance of these amazing canines from Alaska.
Although the thick and dense double coat of the Alaskan Malamutes is definitely great for cold weather conditions, it struggles to keep these canines secured under high temperatures and in hotter areas. And, that is where the versatile coat of Siberian Huskies shine, it not only keeps them safe when temperatures are low but it also helps those pooches in warmer areas as well. Huskies’ coat has evolved enough to withstand both hot and cold climatic conditions, unlike an Alaskan Malamute’s coat.
The exact origins of these canines are still not very clear, but it is believed by many that these canines came into existence at least 5000 years ago. The Mahlemuts probably developed these canines by crossing a very old breed of dog with the arctic wolf. And, soon after they first appeared on this planet, they became one of the closest companions to the native tribesmen of Alaska.
The primary task that was given to the Alaskan Malamutes when they first came into existence was to haul heavy loads of the native tribal people known as the Mahlemuts. These canines were very strong and powerful and they had great speed and stamina which helped them a lot in pulling sleds and loads from one place to another. And gradually the Malamutes became the only mean of transport for the Mahlemuts which also brought them a lot closer to their tribal owners and they were able to gain their respect as well.
Because of their strength and versatility, these canines were also used quite heavily during the Second World War. They were mainly used to haul weapons from one point to another and they also acted as rescue dogs. And, by the end of it, the effects of the war were clearly visible on this breed as well. It was almost on the verge of extinction and it is believed that only 30 registered Malamutes were left alive. But, at that time, former navy officer Robert J. Zoller came forward to save this breed and started a breeding program to revive the Malamute breed. And eventually, he was successful in his task as this breed’s numbers again became fairly strong and gradually it was again one of the most popular American breeds to be ever created.
The Alaskan Malamutes were registered by the American Kennel Club as a distinct breed in the year 1935, four years before the beginning of Second World War.
The Alaskan Malamutes require a lot of guidance and training from their owners so as to become more sociable with other animals. These pooches are great with people and even strangers, but when it comes to other animals like cats and other dogs especially of the same gender, these Alaskan canines can be fairly aggressive with them. They do not trust other animals a lot and that is why they remain cautious and careful around them. Early socialization and proper training are the best way to go if someone wants to make their Alaskan Malamute more sociable and cordial with other animals.
It is believed that around 450 Alaskan Malamutes were sent to France to help out the French army by delivering weapons and supplies to them during World War I.
Both Jack London (American Novelist) and Rudyard Kipling (English Novelist, Journalist et cetera) were huge fans of Alaskan Malamutes. Kipling was known to feature these canines in a lot of his stories and London made an Alaskan Malamute the main canine character of his highly successful book “Call of the Wild.”