How exactly the breed was started is hotly debated. However, a genetic study in 2015 suggests that malamutes, Siberian huskies and Alaskan huskies are closely related – and that they are also related to Siberian chukotka sled dogs.
Malamutes are giant dogs, measuring about 60cm tall at the shoulder, 35cm wide, 100cm long and weigh about 40kg. They also have a thick, waterproof double coat that is a handspan deep.
Malamutes look like supersized wolves. Thankfully, they’re also loving, playful and yet gentle.
However, as they are noisy, barking as soon as someone closes in on their territory. And being big, their woof travels.
While these tame wolves are beautiful, their size and fur means they don’t do well in Malaysia. They need to be kept in very cold air-conditioned homes, need specialist (read: expensive) grooming every week and constant combing every day at home.
