A few weeks ago we took Forest on a trip to the Colorado River. We think it’s really important to bring your mal out and about, by doing so they’re getting some exercise, getting used to new things, and having a lot of fun.
Young Forest playing in the mountains
Forest has always been a really adventurous pup, because we always take her on hikes she gets to really enjoy herself. She especially loved the trip to the Colorado River, malamutes although they’re known for being lazy love to go play outside, go on hikes, and trips with their families. Taking your dogs out and about is an important part of being a mal owner.
Taking your mal out often has other advantages like the fact that they are able to get used to different places and people. Mals protective nature makes them homebodies usually, but if you take them out often and expose them to new places and people they will be less like that.
Malamutes love to explore, and they make great hiking partners so next time you go on a hike don’t forget to bring your furry friend!!
Spring is around the corner at least that’s what old Punxsutawney Phil says. Winter is fun and obviously Alaskan Malamutes love the snow and cold weather, but isn’t it great when you can reach the tops of the mountains again? We love hiking, backpacking, and camping with our malamutes. Spring means summer is right around the corner bringing access to all our favorite locations that have been untouched for months.
Sitka enjoying the summer sun
Nothing beats a getting up in the mountains and hiking with our malamutes. Hiking trails or cross country are both great ways to enjoy time with your dogs and get some great exercise doing it. Not only do you get a workout you have the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore new areas. On most of my greatest adventures in the mountains I was accompanied by at least one furry companion.
Forest walking along the river
Forest hiking through the snow
There are many great ways to enjoy time with you dogs, but summer sure does openup some. We are excited to get back outside and take the mals camping and on hikes summer brings so much fun we can’t wait!!
While breeding mals we have learned a lot. One thing that we can always see though, is how the litters change; unique, interesting, new qualities arise with every new litter.
Pup from Charlie’s first litter
First, Charlie’s first litter brought us rambunctious, short haired, black and white pups. This was one of our most playful litters and they were so much fun! They also all had standard length coats so they weren’t super fluffy. Lastly they were all black and white colored.
Pup from Sitka’s first litter
Next, Sitka’s first litter introduced us to a bit more color, lots of markings and size. Sitka’s babies were all grey and white, or black and white so we gained some more color. Her babies also had beautiful markings on their faces and bellies. Finally this litter brought us big pups they were all a few pounds larger than Charlie’s when they were 8 weeks.
Pup from Charlie’s most recent litter
Last Charlie’s most recent litter brought us beautiful red, calm tempered, and very fluffy pups. Charlie had seven pups four of which were red and they were so stunning. They also were extremely calm they loved to sit and cuddle they weren’t very rowdy unlike the majority of our litters. Lastly, this litter brought the fur! By far our fluffiest pups came from this litter.
Overall every malamute is different than the last and every new litter has something interesting and new about it. It so exciting to see what each litter brings we can’t wait to see what new traits are introduced in our future litters.
Mayah has been an amazing pup for us she’s our smallest but also our most obedient. Since the first day we got Mayah, she has been a super good listener she was so easy to house train and teach the basic commands such as: sit, lay down, stay. In the Alaskan Malamute community we all know they don’t always love to listen it’s just part of their personalities that we love. Mayah on the other hand didn’t have that problem she is as obedient a collie. Mayah comes from a long line of show dogs which is probably one of the big reasons she such an obedient pup.
Mayah on a walk
According to the AKC female Alaskan Malamutes weigh around 75+ but our girl Mayah is on the smaller end weighing 66 lbs when she’s full grown she will probably weigh about the standard 75. Unlike the rest of our mals who are all on the bigger end of the scale full grown.
Mayah playing in the grass
Mayah is our most unique Malamute her coloring is much different than the rest she’s our only silver and white, she’s smaller, and she’s much more obedient she makes our beautiful pack a bit more diverse than most. We love Mayah, can’t believe it’s already been two years, we are excited to see where we are in another two years.
We love our malamutes but Sitka’s litter has been a family favorite. Sitka has been such an amazing momma. She raised a litter of huge, beautiful, and loving pups.
Sitka has raised a beautiful family she has been such a phenomenal mother to all eight of her precious pups. Malamutes have very natural mothering instincts like most dogs; malamutes especially Sitka, know exactly how to entertain her pups. Every time we let Sitka out with her pups she runs around with them chasing her heels until they’re all worn out.
Malamutes are a breed that has a variety of different sizes a malamute can commonly weigh anything between 75-100 plus pounds. Sitka’s puppies got big so quickly they’re going to be giants just like their momma.
Malamutes can also be various colors and have all kinds of different markings around their faces and bodies especially the bellies. Malamutes can be multiple different colors such as: red & white, grey & white, black & white, white, seal & white, sable & white, agouti. Sitka had a very diverse litter which was so exciting because we got to look at all the differences in markings and colors. She had lots of different shades of grey & white and black & white. If you look at the photos above you can see some of the unique colors and markings from this litter.
Another thing we love about our malamutes and Sitka’s litter is how loving and playful the pups are. Some of the puppies are shy at the beginning before they meet lots of people but as they get older its fascinating to see how playful they become. They start pouncing at you and licking you they’re so entertaining.
Time spent with puppies early on in life can never be over valued. Good breeders make it a priority to hold and play with puppies from the time they are born until the time they leave to their forever homes. With Alaskan malamute puppies starting them at such a young age is essential. The combination of a malamute being with its siblings until at least eight weeks old, and being handled frequently make all the difference in the future behavior of the puppy. Not only does it allow your puppy to bond with humans, but it teaches them how to properly socialize and learn basic respect. When a puppy raised in this manner is sent to its forever home the same early teaching and socialization should be continued, making your training so much easier later. When getting a puppy it is important to make sure to focus extra attention in the early stages of life. Also look at breeders who actually spend time with their puppies and handle them from the day they are born. There is nothing more fun then having a puppy be your “perfect puppy”. All you need to do is put in time especially when your puppy is young and you will end up with just that your definition of a “perfect puppy”.
Coho and Tiffany taking a break part way up the mountain.
Coho scouting the trail.
Just like with children malamutes enjoy some alone time with their family. Once in a while make sure to spoil your dog just enough that he or she feels like an important part of the family. It doesn’t matter what you are doing just get your dog out. This trip with Coho and my wife up in the mountains was a ball, but just one example of how to show your dog that you care. A short trip to the dog park, a swim, a game of fetch, or whatever works. The key is to do something and make time even when you are busy. Our Alaskan Malamutes love going on big hikes up in the mountains, a dip in the river, chasing a ball, or just about anything as long as they are the center of attention. Always remember how much your 4 legged furry companions love spending time with you, and don’t ever miss a chance to take them on an adventure.
Recent shot of Sitka in the same yard as above all grown up.
Young Charlie on a walk along the Snake River
Charlie as an adult up in the mountains.
Mayah as a young pup learning to sit.
On a recent walk with Mayah.
Older picture of Chinook.
Recent picture of Chinook playing in the yard.
Coho taking a snow day a couple winters ago.
Coho on a recent walk.
As you may have guessed I love my malamutes and treat them like family. Dogs need to feel loved and a part of their human family to be happy and healthy. Having a dog is not the same as having a goldfish, and northern breeds like Alaskan malamutes require a little extra love. The end result is having a loving companion that will bring joy for years to come. Like has been said in many walks of life “you get out what you put in”, and with dogs it is no different. If you want a dog to be perfect for you then put time into that dog and you will be repaid. On the flip side if you want a dog for the sake of having one and it is neglected, he/she will likely act out to get attention like a child. Find ways to have fun that involve your dog and you will notice that your dog will have fun when you are. With time, patience, and love your dog will indeed grow to be a perfect dog for you and your family.
Spending some quality time with Sitka in the mountains just eight weeks old.
Now we have Sitka as she is growing up taking a swim with the family.
Mayah enjoying time with Taylor at the lake.
Chinook on day hike with her pack.
When it comes right down to it your mal will probably enjoy spending time with you doing just about anything. Chinook had a great day backpacking in this picture. The key is to get out and spend time with these furballs.
Most at one time or another have experienced the excitement of a new puppy. Alaskan Malamute puppies are not so different than other puppies, but have some notable differences such as, size, grooming, and just the fact they are a northern breed which brings with it behavioral characteristics unique to their breed. Housing, feeding, exercise, basic training, and grooming are all important topics to understand as a new puppy owner.
Housing for Alaskan Malamutes can be done appropriately indoors or outdoors. If you choose to have your puppy’s primary residence be in your home that is great, just always remember trust is earned, and do not give your puppy a free rein. Malamutes can make wonderful house dogs or can be just the opposite couch eating pooping machines. At our kennel we advocate for crate training and giving a puppy more and more trust as she/he gets older and more trustworthy. Spending time in a kennel does one very important thing while training the perfect house dog it allows you to know where the puppy is at all times and hopefully preventing disaster. Eventually your pup can sleep in your bed, a pet bed, or still be crated at night. Some choose to have their puppy live primarily outdoors which is alright as long as time is spent with them and they have their needs met. Malamutes do well outside even in summer heat with some shade. Many think they would overheat when truthfully they are as tuff in the heat as most breeds as long as they are in the shade and not being worked in the heat. Remember the same insulation they have to keep them warm in the winter also keeps out heat. All dogs need some sort of shelter where they can remain dry in a storm mals are no different. During summer heat malamutes enjoy wading pools, and in the winter when it is below zero, and other dogs are shivering they are outdoors enjoying the fresh air. Where ever you chose to house your dog, you must have a good yard and solid fencing to let the puppy burn off energy. It can be done without a yard and fencing, but one must spend more time on walks. My preference is to have a good secure kennel for indoor and outdoor dogs so if you are gone for a period of time your dog can have room to move around while remaining safe and out of trouble especially in the training phase of life.
What to feed your much-loved companion is a hot topic and is argued by experts and amateurs. Above all if your vet recommends a certain diet you should probably follow their recommendations. If not advice from your breeder is often as good a place to start as any. Over the years we have fed many different diets from the most expensive to fairly cheap foods to our dogs and over time you find out what works for you and if your dogs do good on it then bingo not much else matters. If your dogs have good coats, energy, and are overall healthy then likely your feed is fine. Water is something that is important for all dogs and living creatures and more so for a malamute than many others. Fresh preferably cool water should always be accessible to your dog. Dogs that are well hydrated eat better, have more energy, and are at much less risk for overheating and other issues.
Exercise is an important thing for all dogs and their owners. Mals enjoy a good walk or run and if properly trained can do much more like, pull sleds, weight pull, bikejoring, pull carts, and backpack. Not everyone has time for a three hour walk a day and honestly it is not needed. Most malamutes are actually very laid back and will work when asked, but are happy laying on the cold floor much of the time if allowed. That said malamutes do benefit from what exercise you do give them after all it is quality time with your pet, and if you do not have time ask yourself if you should own a pet.
Not every dog owner is a dog trainer, but all dogs need to receive some basic training. At times getting help from a professional is the easiest way. A little obedience school is a big help for some while others prefer to work through these basics on their own. Starting training young is important with all breeds, but imperative with malamutes. Malamutes like other northern breeds function on a hierarchy and all humans in the family must become the alpha in the pack. This is not accomplished through abuse or being heavy handed it is done through consistency and patience. The simple act of taking away a food bowl or toy and giving it back if your puppy is appropriate are things that help engrain in your dog that you are the alpha. Another simple thing to teach while young is making your dog wait for you to go through doorways first, and leash training. While they are small and young it is the time to teach them to be respectful and not to pull on the lead or crowd your space. Potty training is generally easily accomplished with the aid of a crate. Malamutes also love to chew so one of the easiest ways to prevent them from eating the coach is to not leave them unattended except while in the crate until training is advanced. Also, the use of good chew toys that they are allowed to take out their energy on is very helpful. Abusive behavior makes your dog fear you making training difficult if not impossible. Malamutes are very intelligent, but don’t expect them to learn like a collie they are not. They learn best with lots of structure and consistency. If you do the same thing each time you feed or walk your malamute it will soon learn that is the que for what is to come. Take advantage of this and have fun. A simple que word can train a wanted action in a malamute very quickly at times, and most mals respond very well to food incentive. No matter what always treat your dog fair and be consistent and you will eventually raise exactly the dog you want.
Grooming is not all that necessary for some breeds while with Alaskan Malamutes it is an important task especially while blowing their coat. Most malamutes will not cause problems with shedding if brushed well once weekly and daily during the time they blow their coat. When you brush your dog make sure to use a brush that is designed for a double coated dog some brushes are very hard on their coats. We use a simple rake and regular brush afterwards and it does a great job the key is to stick to a schedule and groom regularly. Malamutes are naturally a fairly clean breed so bathing is not necessary very often. When you do need to bathe your dog use the proper shampoo and only do when necessary to prevent skin from drying out.
My family and I don’t think there’s a better pet than an Alaskan Malamute in the world. Choosing to bring a pet into the family is a big commitment and worth every bit of it in my opinion. Whether you chose to house your mal indoors or outdoors treat he/she with love, feed a good diet, exercise, give basic training, groom appropriately, and you will make a big furball into a cherished part of the family.
For many it is hard to imagine a huge Alaskan Malamute being so small, but when they are born they are only around a pound. Young malamutes are relentless eaters often consuming more than they do when fully grown as small puppies. The transformation is an amazing thing to behold as they change from puppy coat to their adult beauty many could never imagine their dog would ever end up the color and size they do. Opinions differ on how to feed these young babies the safest thing to do is follow a trusted vets advice. I personally keep my dogs a little lean especially when growing, and think it is better for large dogs, as they age to avoid extra pounds. At times when young, one may think what have I gotten myself into getting such a big, hairy, and stubborn dog. The truth of the matter is once someone has been around a malamute for awhile they become addicted to their amazing personalities and find it easy to overlook a possible shortcoming because of the amazing end result. There is nothing more beautiful and majestic than an Alaskan Malamute and they all deserve to live with someone who will love them the same as they are loved by their furry friend.
