The Alaskan Malamute is a member of the working breed group. It was bred for strength and endurance so that the Inuit of Alaska could travel the Arctic on their heavy sleds. The malamute has many care needs in common with all dogs, but they also have needs that are particular to their breed. This article will outline some basic care as well as a few of their particular needs.
Your dog should receive vaccinations against infectious diseases when it is three months old and begin a regular schedule thereafter for lifelong health. Some of the shots your dog will receive are distemper, parvovirus and rabies. If you will be boarding your dog, a kennel cough vaccine can also be given. In the spring, be sure he takes a blood test for heartworm.
While your Alaskan Malamute is still a puppy, food can be left in his dish so he can eat whenever he is hungry. By the time he is eight to ten months old, make the switch to adult food. Some breeders believe that feeding puppy food beyond this age can result in hip dysplasia. At this time, begin leaving one cup of food in his dish three times per day and by the time he is eighteen months old, he should have one meal consisting of 4 cups of food. Malamutes eat surprisingly little food for their size. Too much food as an adult can result in obesity or bloat.
Your Alaskan Malamute is a pack animal. He needs to know that you are the alpha male, and he needs you to be a firm and confident leader. Interact with him daily to maintain your role. It is of the utmost importance that your dog is socialized with other dogs from an early age. Obedience training is recommended, but do not expect him to do tricks over and over. Malamutes are highly intelligent and become bored easily, but proper training will teach your dog to become well-mannered because they love to please.
Caring for your Alaskan Malamute includes brushing. Shedding is not much of a problem because they have a dense undercoat that sheds twice a year. Once this undercoat is gone, shedding is not much of a problem. Brush his coat at least once a week to help keep his coat glossy and to spend some time with him. Malamutes bathe themselves in a way similar to a cat, so it is not necessary to bathe your dog. Nails should be trimmed several times a year.