FluffyDogs.com

by Richard Delgado

The dog’s skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are actually pretty similar to our own. They are mammals, just like us, and they share some of the same characteristics. Of course, they are four-legged, they do not sweat, they have a tail, and differ in many other ways, but the systems are alike.

Mammal structures are made up of bone, muscle, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. These all work together to make up the structure of the body and are what contribute to the motor functions.

I will be describing the make-up and the function of these structures, starting with bone in this part one issue.

Alaskan Malamute puppies purchased from a breeder have no doubt already developed a feeding routine and got used to a certain type of food. The breeder should inform you about your Alaskan Malamute puppy’s diet and suggest which foods would be best for it, as well as how often it should be fed. As a puppy, the Alaskan Malamute will have a different feeding frequency, compared to the adult Malamute. Your breeder will be able to explain to you how it is best to feed your pet throughout its lifecycles.

Canadian Breed Standard for the Alaskan Malamute
CKC Revised Breed Standard Effective 1 January 2000

Background
The breed standard for the Alaskan Malamute was revised in the country of origin (United States) in 1994 and became effective May 31, 1994. This revision resulted from the American Kennel Club’s request that breed clubs reformat their standards, utilizing Spira’s book Canine Terminology as the official lexicon. The resultant standard recommended by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America Breed Standard Committee maintains the essential description of the Alaskan Malamute with some rewording. The most significant changes are:

acknowledges the red colour with liver pigment;

ALASKAN MALAMUTE
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

History

The breed is a member of the “Spitz” family. The name indicates its area of origin, Alaska. The tribe of Mahlemuts, now spelled Malamute, is the source of the dog’s name. The natives used them as draught animals.
The Alaskan Malamute was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1947.

General Appearance

The breed was primarily a working sled dog used for hauling heavy freight. It is a heavily-boned, well-muscled, medium-sized dog, with a thick double coat, fox-like face, erect ears and a curled tail carried over the back.
Characteristics

Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard
Working Group

General Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. The Malamute stands well over the pads, and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. Malamutes are of various colors. Face markings are a distinguishing feature. These consist of a cap over the head, the face either all white or marked with a bar and/or mask. The tail is well furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waving plume.