Alaskan Malamute Related Activities
The versatility of the Alaskan Malmaute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the Arctic, or Nordic, breed of dog and is one of the breeds contained within the AKC's classification of the Working Group. As a working dog, the Alaskan Malamute excels as a heavy freighting and draft animal. As such, they are inherently adept at pulling anything they can move. Be it a sled, a bicycle, a scooter, a cart, or a log; if they can get it moving, move it they will. But, if the owner is up to the task, they are much more than that.
For centuries uncounted the Alaskan Malamute was used by the Alaskan Inuit tribes as a heavy hauling animal, a hunting dog, and a companion. By most accounts, the Alaskan Malamute is described as a descendant of dogs of the Mahlemut (now known as Kuuvangmiut, or more commonly Kobuk) group of Inupiat in upper western Alaska. These dogs had a prominent role with their human companions – as a utilitarian dog, working, hunting, and living alongside humans. The dogs were renowned for their excellent hunting abilities and were used to hunt large predators such as bears. They also aided their owners in finding seals by alerting to seal blow holes. The interdependent relationship between the Mahlemut and their dogs fostered prosperity among both and enabled them to flourish in the inhospitable land above the Arctic Circle. This centuries old history in close collaboration with humans has created an animal very attuned to people, and very sociable by nature.
Read on to learn more of what the Malamute can do!
Conformation |
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Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged. - Alaskan Malamute Illustrated Standard
- How a Dog Show Works
- Alaskan Malamute Grooming
- Free-Stacking Training
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Sledding/Carting/Jouring |
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The Malamute excels as a draft animal. Taught correctly and conditioned well, the malamute is the most happiest when they are pulling with a team. But, like any other athlete, they must be trained and conditioned well in order for both the dog and its owner to experience the most enjoyment. - Sledding Primer and How to make a Gang-Lines |
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Weight Pull |
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Weight Pulling is another avenue to work your Malamute. Non-weight training can start as young as six months, but no weight should be pulled until the dog is at least 1 year of age. Proper harnesses must be used and training weights should be very light until the dog is of age and properly trained and conditioned. - How to Professionally Train a Weight Pull Dog |
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Hiking / Backpacking |
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Hiking and backpacking are both common traits and activities for the malamute. So long as the weather is cool (below 60 degrees), Malamutes can cover a lot of ground, and carry as much as 1/3 of their body weight without issue, over amazingly long distances. | |
Therapy Dog |
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The Malamute is a very human oriented animal. Given the proper socialization and early training the excel at visitation therapy work. Training should begin with basic, intermediate and advanced obedience training, then progress to Therapy Dog training through organizations such as Therapy Dogs International, Inc. Starting early is the key and many hours should be spent between handler and dog in all manner of environments and conditions.
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Agility |
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Obedience |
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