The heavy freighting dog of the Inuit people who inhabited the shores of the Kotzebue Sound, the Alaskan Malamute excels as an adaptable, intelligent canine companion. A heavy-boned dog with a bulky muzzle, a broad head, wide-set ears, and a thickly-furred tail carried plume like over the back, makes the Alaskan Malamute one of the most beautiful dogs; and, pound for pound, one of the strongest.

Still interested? Rescue Malamutes are as varied as the breed itself.

Malamutes make splendid, almost odorless housedogs. Under no circumstances should a Malamute be allowed to run loose or be kept on a chain, tie-out, or trolley. The dog requires daily exercise on leash or in a completely enclosed area such as a tennis court or a fenced yard. They have a strong need for daily companionship and affection.

The ancestors of today's Malamute were sometimes forced to hunt, forage, and compete for food. Consequently, Malamutes have a predatory streak and, if allowed to run loose in rural areas, will reliably slaughter livestock and wild animals. In urban and suburban areas, a loose Malamute is a menace to cats. Swift, fearless and powerful, Malamutes have been known to catch songbirds on the wing and, if challenged, to deal harshly with other dogs. Some adult rescue Malamutes get along well with cats and with other dogs, but some must go to homes with no other pets. Although the breed boasts a few angels, some Malamutes will raid trash and steal food from inside the house. Anyone unprepared to deal firmly and calmly with this wild streak should not own an Alaskan Malamute.

The prospective adopter who has never before owned any dog should consider a sedate, older Malamute instead of a spunky young dog, as should anyone without the physical strength to handle a vigorous youngster. Fortunately, the Alaskan Malamute has a life-span of about 12-14 years. Thus, a 5 year old Malamute has, on the average, more year's ahead of him than does a 5 day old Irish Wolfhound.

Still interested? If you would like more information about the Alaskan Malamute and about adopting a rescue dog, call or write to anyone on our Contact List. Visit Us. Meet our dogs. Share our joy.

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