The Alaskan Malamute is a double-coated Breed.Their coat consists of a undercoat and longer guard hairs. They can have very intense shedding periods ,that happen twice a year. These sheddings (or blowing) as it is called,can last up to 3 weeks. In warmer climates these blowings can be lighter and can last for longer periods of time. In between blowings, the Malamute needs only an occasional brushing.
There is two kinds of coats for the Alaskan Malamute, a Standard Coat and a Wooly Coat. The difference between the two coats being, the wooly coat is much longer and thicker. It can be anywhere from 2 inches long to 5 inches long.
There is two kinds of coats for the Alaskan Malamute, a Standard Coat and a Wooly Coat. The difference between the two coats being, the wooly coat is much longer and thicker. It can be anywhere from 2 inches long to 5 inches long.
SILVER AND WHITE.
These dogs have a very light -grey guard coat ,with a white or cream undercoat. Many silver and whites look almost all white at birth.
GREY AND WHITE
SEAL AND WHITE
These dogs have black guard hairs with the white or cream undercoat. They are often mistaken for the black and white Malamutes as they appear to be black and white from a distance. But at closer inspection they are different than the black and whites because they do have the light undercoat.
BLACK AND WHITE
They have black guard hairs with a black or dark grey undercoat .They have a definite contrast between their light and dark areas of their body. Many pups appear to be black and white puppies when they are young but lighten up and become the Seal and White coloring. True black and white dogs tend to have dark eyes. (this coloring is somewhat rare)
RED AND WHITE
There is a variety red shades from light red to a dark mahogany red coloring. These dogs have liver colored lips and eye rims, with their eyes often being lighter brown or amber color. (red coloring is considered rare in Malamutes)
WHITE
Both guard and undercoat on these Mals are white while the mask can be evident of the cream color and the face is pure white.This is the only solid color allowed by the Malamute standard.(The pure whites are even rarer than the reds)
BLUE
These dogs have a off black or bluish charcoal color. No black is evident and their eye color may be affected.
Eye colors of Malamutes are Brown ,except on the Red and Whites which are amber colored. Blue eyes are a disqualifying fault. (From the Alaskan Malamute Standard)
The Malamute is a friendly breed but demand a lot of attention. They are often called big Teddy Bears or Gentle Giants because of their love of attention. The Malamute is a very loving people friendly breed. They are very loyal to their owner and love children.They are extremely intelligent but without attention and love a Malamute can be easily bored . Their easy - going nature makes them lousy watch dogs but their sheer size can be a deterrent in itself. They should never be actively trained to be protective, vicious or aggressive due to their gentle, people friendly nature. Alaskan Malamutes tend to be a very quite dogs. They generally do not bark but tend to howl or even 'talk'. Do to their very large size, they need lots of room to live. However the Alaskan Malamute is happiest when they share with the family's activities. It is a good idea to allow your Malamute access to both in and out of the house on its own will, through a doggy door. The Malamute is considered to be a notorious digger so an owner should expect a few pot holes around the yard. Giving a Malamute an area of its own to dig is a good deterrent for having him dig where he is not welcome. Malamutes spend most of their time outdoors so having a good amount or room is required. Also a good 6 foot wall to keep them contained is very important. A happy Malamute is one that is given lots of attention and exercise, and not just left in the back yard .Playing with your Malamute and taking him on Frequent walks or hikes is very important to making both you and your pup happy and healthy. This is the secret ingredient to making your Malamute your greatest companion and best friend forever!
There is a variety of grey shades on these Malamutes. The guard hairs are grey or light-grey with the traditional white or cream colored undercoat. There may be some all black hairs on the back or throughout the body. (very common coloring )
Cap
The cap is the color coveing the top of the head and ears usually coming to a point in the center of the forehead.
Goggles
Dark areas around the eyes, extending sideways to the cap.
Eye Shadow
These are dark areas below, between or next to the eye, It does not extend into the cap,it may or may not be dark and it tends to fade with age.
Bar.
This is a dark area extending from the point of the cap down the nose,can be dark or light and can also fade with age.
Blaze
A white streak or maker extending from the center of the cap back up the forehead.Can be wide or narrow or irregular.
Star
A white forehead marking within the area of the cap on the forehead.
Full Mask
The combination of the cap,goggles and bar.
Open - faced
The face is all white except for the cap,with very little or no eyeshadow.
Closed -Faced
There is no distinct marking of a cap ,bar or goggles.
Withers spot
A white mark or spot on the top of the neck
Collar
A white band extending around the neck. Can be a partial collar.
A white spot on the top of the neck.
Alaskan Malamute Markings and Terms
EYE COLOR
TEMPERMENT
COATS & COLORS