Giant Alaskan Malamute is a great option to consider whether you want your first dog or a new addition to your pet family. Despite its daunting bear-like appearance, the Alaskan Malamute is one of the most popular dog breeds.
The Giant Alaskan Malamute is considered a very wolf-looking dog breed and a very large and ancient-looking one. They look adorable and are playful many pet owners are often intimidated by their huge size.
However, don’t let the looks misguide you. These canines are super active, loving, and devoted to their owners.
We are here to tell you all you need to know about Alaskan Malamutes and how to look after them. So, continue reading to find out!
Giant Alaskan Malamute: The Introduction
The Giant Alaskan malamute dog breed is recognized for its sturdiness and work endurance. They were created by the ancient Malamute people of Alaska’s Norton Sound region, over 3,000 years old. They were initially bred as sled dogs for hauling heavy freights because of their strength.
There has been very little change in the appearance or size of this ancient dog breed. The Giant Alaskan malamute weighs more than 100 pounds because of its large size, resulting from selective breeding.
These large sports dogs need a strong pack leader and plenty of exercise to keep them from becoming bored.
The Giant Alaskan Malamute is well-suited to colder climes because of its thick, medium-length coat. It is playful, clever, and loyal to its family.
Giant Alaskan Malamute Appearance: The Looks
The thick double coats of giant Alaskan Malamutes are often black, brown, or gray, with the breed’s signature white markings appearing on the face, head, and legs.
In contrast to their smaller counterparts, who have husky blue eyes, these dogs’ amber-brown ones are deep and expressive.
Having a large chest makes them more effective pullers. Muscular and without a curl to their tail, these dogs are a sight.
Giant Alaskan Malamute Puppies
The lovely, fluffy look and loving nature of the giant Alaskan Malamute pups captivate their new owners. Giant Alaskan Malamute puppies are super adorable, with a thick fur coats and cute puppy dog eyes.
Puppies of the Giant Alaskan malamute breed grow relatively slowly, reaching their peak size at about the age of three years.
Since the average Alaskan malamute is already rather huge, there is less desire to breed the giant version. There are, however, rare instances when normal-sized parents have Alaskan Malamute puppies that grow up to be huge.
Giant Alaskan Malamutes Health: A Healthy Breed Or Not?
Giant Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The giant version of the Alaskan Malamute is just as susceptible to illness as the smaller one. However, they can suffer from different health conditions due to their large size.
For example, hip and elbow dysplasia are common in giant dog breeds. To avoid these problems, wait until a dog is at least three months old to introduce them to stairs. Bloating (gastric dilation volvulus) is also more common in large-sized dog breeds.
Furthermore, there are more chances of Wobblers syndrome, hypothyroidism, cataracts, renal atrophy, and epilepsy in the Giant Alaskan malamute.
Feeding Giant Alaskan Malamute: The Diet
Alaskan Malamutes, being giant canines, need large-breed dog food. Due to their propensity for overeating and obesity, these canines need a diet rich in nutrients and low in carbohydrates.
They may quickly develop excess weight if not sufficiently exercised, so free feeding or giving them too many table crumbs is not recommended.
We suggest giving them a little breakfast and dinner to keep an eye on their calorie consumption. At least 25% of their calories should come from protein, and 10% should come from fiber.
Here are some foods to feed your Giant Alaskan Malamute:
Characteristics Of Giant Alaskan Malamute: Temperament and Personality
Here are some key characteristics of the Giant Alaskan Malamute:
Loyal:
Giant Alaskan Malamutes are respectful and confident dogs. They are loving, devoted, and engaging.
Anti-Social:
The Giant Alaskan malamute is a great companion for families, hunters, and those who like to live alone. However, they are not very sociable. It is best to keep them in a home that does not have other animals.
Active:
Moreover, Giant Malamutes are also super energetic. Stop, take them out for regular walks, running or playtime outdoors.
Howler:
Alaskan malamutes do not bark. They love howling and can be quite vocal. They often let out woo-woo sounds late at night.
Prey Drive:
They love to prey and often go after smaller animals like rabbits, cats, and squirrels. If you have other pets in the house, avoid getting Giant Alaskan Malamute.
Cold Climates:
Giant Malamutes are sensitive to hot climates. They thrive in places that have a temperature lower than 80 F (26 °C).
Diggers:
Giant Alaskan malamutes are diggers and can dig deep enough to escape the fence. So, keep a close watch on the digging!
How Long Do Giant Alaskan Malamutes Live: The Lifespan
Unfortunately, the average lifespan of a giant dog breed is not very high. When considering the average lifetime of the breed, the healthy ones can live as long as 15 years.
However, this dog breed seldom lives to see double digits. This is due to the typical health problems of Giant Alaskan Malamute, like hypothyroidism and polyneuropathy.
Train Giant Alaskan Malamute: The Training
Training is frequently successful with the Giant Alaskan Malamute. They learn quickly and respond effectively to positive reinforcement because of the close relationship they create with their owners.
However, Giant Alaskan Malamutes require obedience training. They value ‘pack hierarchy,’ so to effectively obey and communicate with you, you need to reflect the alpha energy.
Dominate your Giant Malamute and keep it in line with the rules of the house. Your big canine companion will get spoiled and develop bad behaviors if you are too lenient.
Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, these dogs will appreciate the challenge of figuring out how to earn the praise and rewards you have in mind.
Looking After Giant Alaskan Malamute: Grooming and General Care
Giant Alaskan Malamutes are not the easiest to care for. They require frequent maintenance to keep their skin in good condition and look their best.
Hydration:
Since Giant Alaskan Malamutes are super active dogs, make sure you hydrate them enough.
Grooming:
The Giant Alaskan Malamutes possess a thick and double-layered coat. Since the fur is of a medium length, it may get tangled if not groomed regularly. Grooming may help you keep up with the mild shedding that occurs with Giant Alaskans.
Trim Nails:
Don’t forget to inspect their ears and paws when doing their nails. Nails must be trimmed or filed down if they aren’t worn down naturally via play and activity.
Bathing:
From an early age, the Giant Alaskan Malamute should be exposed to bathing so that they learn to like it. Their access to water and a cool, shaded place should be guaranteed.
Breeding Giant Alaskan Malamute
Since there aren’t that many individuals breeding Giant Alaskan Malamutes, reputable breeders may be hard to track down.
While checking out the giant Alaskan malamute, be sure the breeder has provided you with copies of health certificates and medical documents for both parent breeds. Only purchase from a seller who has passed the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals’ health check requirements.
The giant Alaskan malamute dog breed is neither a rare anomaly nor a fluke of nature. Some people think they are the unfortunate offspring of purebred Malamutes that were bred excessively during the Gold Rush in Alaska, while others see them as something different.
That’s why some pedigree purists are so concerned with keeping the breed’s original, undiluted form alive and well. They argued that breeding Giant Malamutes is unnecessary and unethical.
Standard Alaskan Malamute vs. Giant Alaskan Malamute: The Comparison
Any Alaskan malamute that weighs more than 100 pounds is usually classified as a Giant Alaskan malamute. In other words, the major distinction between Standard Alaskan Malamute and Giant Alaskan Malamute is the size.
An adult male Alaskan Malamute can reach a height of twenty-five inches and a weight of 85 pounds, while a female can reach a height of twenty-three inches and a weight of 75 pounds.
On the other hand, giant Alaskan malamutes may grow as tall as 35 inches and weigh as much as 130 to 150 pounds.
Giant Alaskan Malamute Price: The Cost
You should expect to pay between $1800 and $3000 for a giant Alaskan Malamute. Puppies may range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on many factors, including their expected adult size (based on their parents), coloration, geographical region, demand, and more.
In addition to this initial investment, owners must consider the ongoing expense of caring for their Giant Alaskan Malamute. Unlike smaller dog breeds, these dogs need more space in their sleeping quarters and crates.
They will eat far more than a poodle or other small dogs. Toys and personal care items are just as crucial. Bringing a giant Alaskan malamute into your house may be quite an investment.
Wrapping Up | Giant Alaskan Malamute!
Gorgeous, friendly, loyal, and noble, Giant Alaskan Malamutes live up to the “giant” part of their name. It is truly one of the most charismatic canines there are.
The Giant Alaskan’s ancestry as a working sled dog means that it will be high-spirited, active, and need daily exercise. A reasonably big breed, owners must be cautious of practices that may cause joint harm.
This breed does not do well in apartments or other cramped living situations. You should get them a spacious house with plenty of room to run about and play in.
A properly socialized and trained one of these canines would be an excellent addition to any home. The Giant Alaskan Malamute is a fantastic animal that will create a deep bond. But only if you are ready, capable, and up to the job of addressing the problems described above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Giant Alaskan Malamute!
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Giant Alaskan Malamutes.
Are Giant Alaskan Malamutes easy to train?
Yes, the Giant Alaskan malamutes are easy to train. They learn quickly and respond effectively to positive reinforcement because of the close relationship they create with their owners.
Are Giant Alaskan Malamutes good dogs?
While Malamutes may have been developed to work tirelessly under difficult conditions but tend to be rather lovable and loving pets, they are great pets. However, families with small children shouldn’t have them because of their territorial nature.
Do Giant Alaskan Malamutes shed?
Yes. As the seasons change, they shed twice a year heavily and, to a lesser extent, at other times all over the year.
Is there a Giant Alaskan Malamute?
The answer is yes. Any Alaskan malamute that weighs more than 100 pounds is usually classified as a Giant Alaskan malamute.
Are Giant Alaskan Malamutes Friendly?
As a result of their loyal nature, Alaskan Malamutes share an incredibly close bond with their human families. They are friendly and eager to learn, making them great training companions.
They are more inclined to engage in “conversation” with you. They are energetic pets that thrive on daily walks.
How Big Does a Giant Alaskan Malamute Get?
A Giant Malamute may exceed 35 inches (89 centimeters) in height when fully grown. Also, their average weight is beyond 100 pounds (45 kilograms), and some even top 190. (86 kilograms).
Tyson, who lives in Richmond, is the largest Giant Alaskan Malamute at the moment. He’s 3 years old, has a 63-inch (160 cm) long body, and weighs 68 kilograms (150 pounds). These dogs are too big and hyperactive to live in a condominium or apartment.
Should I get a Giant Alaskan Malamute?
Yes, anyone can get a giant Alaskan Malamute. Just make sure you can control and train them properly. They need extensive grooming, plenty of love and care, room to play, and a few hours of daily exercise.
