FAQ | malamutes

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Siberian Husky

What is the Siberian Husky? The Siberian Husky is a northern breed of working dog that was originally used to pull sleds at moderate speeds over long distances. It is recognized by the American Kennel Club. The AKC has developed a standard for the Siberian Husky as well as several other breeds.

Where did the Siberian Husky Originate? The Siberian Husky has been a pure bred DOG, for many centuries. It is NOT a half wolf or wolf cross. The Checki people of Siberia developed the Siberian Husky as an endurance sled dog. In 1909, the Siberian Husky was brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance races.

What does the Siberian Husky Do Now? The Siberian Husky is an excellent companion dog for the right person. They also excel in many winter sports such as sprint sled racing, mid-distance sled racing, Skijoring, as well as in obedience and agility (with the proper training).

What part did the Siberian Husky play in history? In the winter of 1925, a diphtheria epidemic broke out in Nome Alaska. Many dog teams relayed the serum to Nome. Leonard Sepalla, brought his team of Siberian Huskies to help compete the run. The most famous dog is Balto.

What is the Siberian Husky temperament like? The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not fawning. They are eager to please, alert , and adaptable. They are highly intelligent, but it is their independent spirit that may challenge the best of trainers! They respond best to positive reinforcement.

Are Siberian Huskies good watch or guard dogs? In general, NO! The Siberian Husky, is capable of showing strong affection for his family, but is typically not a one-man dog. They are generally not suspicious, nor fearful of strangers and greet strangers and guests cordially.

Are Siberian Huskies dog aggressive? In his relations with strange dogs, he will generally display a friendly interest and gentlemanly decorum. There are some who are aggressive of other dogs. Siberians were meant to work as a pack, and generally like other dogs.

Do Siberian Huskies Shed? YES!!! do they ever shed! They generally "blow coat" twice a year and be prepared with a brush and garbage bags for all of the hair! They do loose some hair all year round, but the profuse globs of hair usually only occur two times a year. Daily brushing and frequent bathing will decrease shedding. Siberians tend to be very clean and free from body odor and parasites.

Do Siberian require any special vet care? Typically, they only require a proper diet and regular medical care including vaccinations, fecal exams for worms, heart worm preventative, and regular check ups. It is also extremely important to spay or neuter your dog as early as possible.

How much should the Siberian Husky weigh? According to the AKC Standard, the Siberian Husky show carry no extra weight. Their weight should correspond with their height. A Siberian can weigh anywhere from 40 pounds to 65 pounds. It is important that the Siberian Husky is not overweight. They are typically easy keepers. Requiring little food for their size in comparison to other breeds. A thinner dog will live a longer happier, healthier life. You should be able to feel the backbone/spine, and their ribs should be felt without having to push in through a layer of fat.

Do Siberians chew or dig? YES! They are definitely known to do their share of digging and chewing. Siberians love to dig!

Can I train my Siberian to stay in the yard without a fence? NO! In general, the Siberian has one major trait given to it by its relatives~~~ They love and desire to RUN!! No Siberian should ever be allowed unrestrained freedom! For his own protection and out of your love, he should be confined or under control at all times. I know of several breeders who include a no off leash rule in their contracts. A Siberian should only be allowed to run in a safely fenced in yard with supervision.

Do Siberians require a lot of exercise? They do require a moderate amount of exercise. If they do not have proper exercise, they may think up activities for themselves, such as digging, chewing and tearing up your stuff!

Do Siberians have genetic health problems? YES! There are a few genetic health problems in Siberians. Generally, the Siberian Husky is a very healthy dog living on average 10-15 years

Alaskan Malamute

How large do Malamutes get? Malamutes have a natural range in size, but the desired freighting size is 25" in a male and 23" in a female. This size is at the shoulder or (withers). It's not uncommon to see Malamutes as large as 29" or as small as 23". Average weight is approximately 70 - 110 lbs.

Are Malamutes good with people? Malamutes were bred to work for man. They were even used as a medium of exchange in the arctic region. The loving temperament of the Malamute towards man is a must. Malamutes do have problems with other animals and owners must use supervision when allowing a Malamute to get to know another animal.

Do Malamutes eat a lot of food? They do not require as much food as other dogs their size. They are bred to be a freighting dog carrying heavy amounts of weight. The more they eat, the more food which would have to be added to their already heavy loads. The average Malamute will do fine on 3 - 4 cups of high quality food a day.

Do Malamutes shed their coats during the summer? The males normally shed once a year, but not necessarily in the summer. They shed as required. If they shed in the Winter months they will be back in full coat much quicker than if they shed in the Summer months. Females normally have a light shed twice a year and is before, during or after their heat cycles. Females will shed to the skin after whelping a litter of puppies.

Which makes a better pet, Male or female? We feel they both make very nice pets as well as house dogs. The sex is really up to what you want. They are both very easily house trained. Males do tend to mark their territory. Females, (which have not been spayed), will have 2 seasons a year which can be a problem as a house dog.

Do Malamutes make good watch/guard dogs? No. You must understand that Malamutes were bred to get along with Man and need to have the ability to move from owner to owner. Malamutes were never intended to be a guard dog. By trying to make a Malamute become a guard dog, you literally tear out his heart. He only wants to love man, not hurt him. However, I must admit, they will guard their food bowl.

Do Malamutes have blue eyes? No. As a matter of fact, blue eyes are the only disqualification in the Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard.

Are Malamutes easily trained for obedience? Yes they are. If you have the patience to work with them. As a rule Malamutes are much smarter than their owners when it comes to training.

Are Malamutes good with small children? Yes, but caution and close supervision should be used when any animal is allowed to be in contact with a small child. Be safe, not sorry.

How do I locate a breeder? There are several ways but the best is to contact the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, or your local kennel club for breeders in your area.

What should I expect from the breeder when I purchase a puppy? The breeder of your puppy should provide you records of the parents which show both Father & Mother have cleared their OFA Hip X-Rays. If there are problems in their lines with eyes, they should also provide records that both parents are clear of any eye problems and they should indicate the CHD ratings of both parents. They must provide you a health & shot record of the puppy. If they cannot provide the above records, beware, and go elsewhere for your puppy. Again, better safe than sorry. Also, check out the conditions of the kennel and home. A clean kennel and home show that the breeder is concerned with the health and well-being of their dogs. A dirty kennel, more often than not, breeds problems for the puppies, which you will encounter later on. "Insist on a health guarantee".

What are the colors of Malamutes? Malamutes come in a wide range of colors. The most common, and most popular, is the gray & white, which go from light to dark. There is also the seal, black & white, sable, red, & blue. The choice is solely on the buyer as to what he/she prefers.

Do Malamutes like to chew on things? Everything. A buyer has to be aware that a Malamute, particularly a puppy, will chew on anything he finds from electric cords, rocks, to rose bushes. One has to take great care to ensure the new home, including the yard, is prepared for the arrival of the new member of the family.

How do Malamutes handle the heat of warmer climates? Malamutes can adjust very well to most climates and heat. Areas of high humidity should be avouded. Shade and water is a must in the warmer areas. A mister system is very nice to aid in keeping them cool in very hot areas. A mister is nothing more than a section of PVC connected to a water source which applies a small amount of spray to the area where the dog can benefit from it.

How long do Malamutes live? A healthy Malamute can be expected to live 12 - 14 years.

How much exercise does a Malamute require? Malamutes are dogs of working instinct. They require an area to run in to tone, develop, and maintain muscles, but more, they demand the Human companionship that an owner must accept when thinking about a Malamute as a dog of choice. A Malamute is a life long friend and deserves the return of love they give. Love, attention, food, water and a safe environment is all they will ever ask of you. You will get so much back in return.