Alaskan Malador -- Alaskan Malamute X Labrador Retriever

		Alaskan Malador
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A. <> Canada -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Alaskan Lab

A brief presentation of the Alaskan Malador

Alaskan Maladors are active, affectionate pets that get along with almost everyone. They require a little exercise, attention and maintenance. In return, owners get a loyal dog to accompany them on all kinds of outdoor adventures. Alaskan Maladors are also easy to train, and learn commands and tricks easily thanks to their intelligence. This breed probably originated in the early 1800s, when its parent breeds, the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever, were present and popular in the United States. Although an excellent family companion, this breed is not common in most parts of the world and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club in the list of purebred dogs.

History of the Alaskan Malador

The name Alaskan Malador is a combination of the names of the dog's parent breeds: the Alaskan Malamute and the Labrador Retriever. Alaskan Maladors may have been bred since the early 1900s, given the long history of the Labrador Retriever and Alaskan Malamute in the United States. Nevertheless, they are an unusual hybrid and are not recognized by the AKC.

	A little of the Alaskan Malamute
	The Alaskan Malamute is thought to be descended from the first dogs associated with mankind. They appeared over 4,000 years ago and acquired the name Malamute from the Mahlemuts Innu tribe that inhabited the northwest coast of what is now Alaska. Alaskan Malamute were faithful companions originally used to hunt large animals, notably seals and bears. They also helped tribesmen navigate rugged terrain and harsh climates by acting as guides and sled dogs. Eventually, North American explorers discovered the Alaskan Malamute and imported it to the United States as a working dog in the 1800s. In the United States, the breed helped gold-rush prospectors lead expeditions in the West. Eventually, American breeders began mixing the breed with smaller dogs for racing and entertainment purposes. This considerably weakened the purebred line. Fortunately, in the 1920s, an effort was made to revive the Alaskan Malamute variety, reviving the declining breed. In 1935, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Alaskan Malamute, and in 2003, it became the official dog of the State of Alaska.

	Standard of the Alaskan Malamute
	A little of the Labrador Retriever
	The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada. As its name suggests, it was bred to retrieve objects, such as wounded small game and fishing traps like a net, both on land and in the water. Due to a tax on dogs in the late 1800s, the Labrador Retriever population declined considerably in the region. In contrast, it exploded in the UK, where the English had imported the breed since the early 1800s. The Labrador Retriever was imported into the United States shortly afterwards and recognized by the AKC in 1917. Since then, it has been one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

	Standard of the Labrador Retriever

Appearance of the Alaskan Malador

As a hybrid that is not completely stabilized, the Alaskan Malador can inherit any combination of physical traits from its parent breeds. In general, however, this breed resembles a lean Labrador with Alaskan Malamute markings on face and body. It has a muscular body, with a moderately broad chest and slightly arched neck. It has pendulous ears like its Labrador parent and large almond-shaped eyes like its Alaskan Malamute parent, giving it a distinct Spitz appearance. Its eyes can be blue, hazel, brown or amber, and its coat can be a multicolored combination of colors common to both parents. In addition, the coat is dense and short, while the undercoat is soft and woolly. Alaskan Maladors often have prominent black markings around the face. Finally, the Alaskan Malador has large, heavily padded legs and a medium-length, full tail, with the possibility of feathering along the crest.

Temperament of the Alaskan Malador

Alaskan Maladors are energetic, outgoing dogs that enjoy the company of humans. They love to explore and are happiest when spending the day hiking or adventuring with their owners. The Labrador Retriever influence in this breed means that they are very people-centered, so much so that Alaskan Maladors are prone to separation anxiety. Owners can combat this problem to some extent by ensuring that their pet has a regular, balanced schedule. This hybrid is also highly intelligent and very easy to train; it is also very good at learning and performing tricks. Bear in mind, however, that restless and bored Alaskan Maladors can be unruly and destructive. What's more, Alaskan Maladors are everyone's friend: they adapt perfectly to multi-pet households and get on very well with children. They respond well to positive affirmation and affection. All in all, this large dog will adapt perfectly to an active lifestyle and a loving family home.

Needs and activities of the Alaskan Malador

This hybrid is known for its stamina, and loves vigorous exercise and activity. Both its parent breeds love outdoor adventures, and Alaskan Maladors are no exception. They enjoy strenuous hiking, swimming and outdoor play in wide-open spaces, possibly in the company of other dogs. As this is a very active dog, it needs 60 to 90 minutes of physical exertion a day. Alaskan Maladors are also highly intelligent, and enjoy learning tricks, commands and playing games with their owners indoors. Although this breed adapts to all types of climate, it thrives in rural or suburban environments where it has a yard and/or a large outdoor space in which to run.

Maintenance of the Alaskan Malador

Alaskan Maladors are not a hypoallergenic breed and are not suitable for pet owners suffering from allergies. Their coat is dense and sheds a lot, especially during seasonal changes. To a certain extent, owners can reduce shedding by brushing their pets daily with a pin brush, toothbrush or detangling brush. In addition, Alaskan Maladors should be bathed from time to time - no more than once every two months - to avoid drying out the natural oils in their coat. They should also have their hanging ears cleaned regularly, their teeth brushed daily to prevent dental problems, and their nails trimmed monthly to prevent painful growths.