The Ultimate Guide to Fat Malamute Puppy Care

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Posted Oct 1, 2024

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Young Woman Sitting on a Park Bench with an Alaskan Malamute at Her Feet
Credit: pexels.com, Young Woman Sitting on a Park Bench with an Alaskan Malamute at Her Feet

Welcoming a fat Malamute puppy into your family can be a thrilling experience, but it requires careful attention to their unique needs. Fat Malamutes are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake.

Fat Malamutes need regular exercise to stay healthy, but their thick coats and short legs make them less agile than other breeds. They require shorter, more frequent walks.

A balanced diet is crucial for a fat Malamute puppy's growth and development. Feed them high-quality puppy food that's rich in protein and moderate in fat.

Care and Maintenance

Fat Malamute puppies require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need both mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

Their thick double coat needs regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons, which can be twice a year. Brushing once or twice a week during non-shedding seasons is a must to keep their coat healthy.

Daily brushing doesn't help as much as using a high-powered pet-grooming dryer to blow away all that hair. This should be done once or twice a week as needed to keep them looking their best.

Their nails need to be trimmed about every two months, and if you can hear their nails click on the floor, it's time for a trim. You can use doggy nail clippers or take them to a groomer or vet to get them trimmed.

Caring for an Alaskan

Credit: youtube.com, Alaskan Malamute 101 - Pros and Cons of Owning

Caring for an Alaskan Malamute requires a lot of attention to their grooming needs.

Daily brushing is a must, especially during shedding seasons, to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.

Their thick double coat sheds twice a year, and even daily brushing can't stop it entirely.

A high-powered pet-grooming dryer can help blow away loose hair, but be cautious not to use a Furminator, as it can damage their top coat hairs.

Shaving is not an option, as their double coat helps keep them cool and protects them from sunburn and bug bites.

Bathing is not frequent, as their top coat repels rain and mud, but aim for a bath every two months or so.

After a bath, be sure to dry your Mal thoroughly to prevent hot spots.

Brushing their teeth at least a few times a week is essential to keep their teeth healthy.

You can use a dog-appropriate toothpaste and brush their teeth with your finger or a brush made for dogs.

Their nails need trimming about every two months, and if you can hear their nails click on the floor, it's time to cut them.

You can use doggy nail clippers or take your Mal to a groomer or vet to get their nails trimmed.

Diet

Pair of Malamute Alaskan Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, Pair of Malamute Alaskan Dogs

Your Alaskan Malamute's diet is a crucial aspect of their care and maintenance.

Their ancestors were designed to work hard on very little food, so they don't need as much food as other large dogs.

To keep your Malamute healthy and lean, look for high-quality dog food with mid-fat and mid-to-high protein content.

Farmina N&D is a good option to consider.

You should also be mindful of treats, as they count as calories, yet they're essential for motivating your Malamute during training sessions.

Just be sure to keep an eye on their waistline, as their thick coat can hide their ribs and waist.

Feeling through the coat to their skin is a good way to check if your Malamute is packing on the pounds.

This is especially important, as Malamutes tend to put on weight easily.

Expand your knowledge: Senior Dogs Eat Puppy Food

History and Background

The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient Arctic breed with a rich history dating back thousands of years. They were bred by the Inuits to haul heavy loads on sleds slowly over long distances.

Credit: youtube.com, ► Alaskan Malamute Breed [2020] Temperament & Personality

Their ancestors hauled sleds for miners during Alaska's gold rush in the late 1890s and even aided US forces during World War II. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935, but unfortunately, there were few Malamutes left after the war, so breeders started again.

The Alaskan Malamute is now Alaska's state dog, a title they earned in 2010.

Alaskan History

The Alaskan Malamute's history dates back thousands of years, with their origins tracing back to the Inuit's breeding of these dogs as sled dogs for hauling heavy loads over long distances.

These dogs were bred to be strong and powerful, not necessarily fast, so they've got a unique set of characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. They've been used for various tasks, including hauling sleds for miners during Alaska's gold rush in the late 1890s, adventuring on expeditions to the South Pole, and aiding US forces during World War II.

Credit: youtube.com, The modern History of Alaska (1741 - 1959)

The Alaskan Malamute breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935, after which they became a popular breed, although they're still not as well-known as some other breeds. In 2010, they were officially declared Alaska's state dog.

Here's a brief timeline of the Alaskan Malamute's history:

  • Thousands of years ago: Inuit breed Alaskan Malamutes as sled dogs
  • Late 1890s: Malamutes haul sleds for miners during Alaska's gold rush
  • 1920s: Malamutes aid on expeditions to the South Pole
  • 1935: American Kennel Club recognizes Alaskan Malamute breed
  • 2010: Alaskan Malamutes declared Alaska's state dog

Their rich history continues into the 21st century, with Malamutes now found in all 50 states, even in hotter climates.

Malamute Size

Malamutes are a working breed, and their size is crucial to their health and well-being.

Overfeeding puppies to promote rapid growth and weight gain is not only ineffective but also harmful, as it can lead to joint diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Their ideal weight should correspond to their height, roughly increasing in 5 lb increments per inch.

To gauge your Malamute's body condition, you need to feel their rib cage and pelvic bones with your hands.

A Malamute who weighs 150 lbs without being overweight would have to be 38 inches tall at the withers, which is quite extraordinary.

Training

Credit: youtube.com, Alaskan Malamute, dog training Sit Means Sit Boot Camp, Truckee Area

Training your fat Malamute puppy requires patience and consistency. They're smart and surprisingly easy to train, but they also get distracted easily.

Use plenty of tasty treats as rewards to motivate your puppy, and keep training sessions short - just 5 minutes at a time. This will help keep them focused.

Don't skimp on or skip obedience training - it's super important for teaching your puppy the basics like sit, stay, and come. They'll also learn how to walk nicely on a leash.

Malamutes are big dogs and will run wild if you let them, so make sure to keep them on a leash. A tired Mal is a content Mal, so exercise is key to minimizing digging instincts.

Training is a great way to keep your puppy's brain engaged, and they love to learn tricks. With time and practice, your Malamute can even excel as a therapy dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Malamute is overweight?

To check if your Malamute is overweight, gently feel their ribs - if they're easily palpable without pressing hard, they're likely at a healthy weight. If it's hard to feel their ribs due to excess fat, it may be a sign of obesity.

Tracy Schaefer

Assigning Editor

Tracy Schaefer is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling content. With a passion for storytelling, she has curated a diverse range of articles that cater to the interests of readers worldwide. Her areas of expertise include pet care, with a notable focus on Rottweiler Care.