60-75 lbs
22-24"
United States
Alaskan Maladors are active and affectionate family pets that get along with almost everyone. They require quite a bit of exercise, attention, and maintenance. In return, however, pet owners get a loyal dog that will accompany them on all sorts of outdoor adventures. Alaskan Maladors are also easy to train and great at learning commands and tricks due to their intelligence. This breed is likely to have originated in the early 1800s when its parent breeds, the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever, were present and popular in the United States. Though great family companions, this breed is uncommon in most parts of the world and not recognized by the American Kennel Club roster of purebred dogs.
The name Alaskan Malador is a combination of the names of
the dog’s parent breeds: the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever. The Alaskan Malamute,
is thought to have descended from the first dogs associated with mankind. They originated
over 4,000 years ago and acquired the name “Malamute” after the Mahlemuts Innuit
tribe which inhabited the northwest coast of what is now present day Alaska. Alaskan
Malamutes were loyal companions originally used for hunting large animals,
including seals and bears. They also helped tribes people navigate rough
terrain and harsh climates by acting as guides and sled dogs. Eventually,
explorers from North America “discovered” the Alaskan Malamute and imported it
to the United States as a working dog in the 1800s. In the United States, this
breed assisted Gold Rush prospectors in carrying out expeditions in the Western part
of the country. Eventually, American breeders started mixing the breed with
smaller dogs for racing and entertainment purposes. This weakened the purebred
lineage significantly. Fortunately, in the 1920s there was an effort to revive
the Alaskan Malamute variety, which revived the fading breed. In 1935, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Alaskan Malamute and in 2003 it became the official state dog of Alaska. The
Alaskan Malador’s other parent, the Labrador Retriever, hails from
Newfoundland, Canada. As its name suggests, it was bred to retrieve items –
such as small, wounded game and hunting trappings (like a net) – from both land
and water. Due to a dog tax in the late 1800s, the Labrador Retriever
population declined significantly in the region. However, it exploded in the
United Kingdom, where Englishmen had imported the breed since the early 1800s.
The Labrador retriever was imported to the United States shortly after and
recognized by the AKC in 1917. It has been one of the most popular breeds in
the United States ever since. Alaskan Maladors may have been breed since the
early 1900s given the Labrador Retriever and Alaskan Malamute’s long history in
the United States. Nevertheless, they are an uncommon hybrid and not recognized
by the AKC.
As a hybrid that isn’t fully stabilized, the Alaskan
Malador can inherit any combination of physical traits its parent breeds.
Generally, however, this breed looks like a lean Labrador with Malamute
markings on the face and body. It has a muscular body, with a moderately wide
chest, and slightly arched neck. It has pendant ears like its Labrador parent
and wide, almond eyes like its Malamute parent – giving it a distinct
Spitz-like appearance. Its eyes can be blue, hazel, brown, or amber, and its
coat can be multicolor combinations of colors that are common to both parents.
Additionally, the coat is dense and short, while the undercoat is soft and
wooly. It is also common for Alaskan Maladors to have conspicuous black
markings around its face. Finally, the Alaskan Malador has large, heavily
padded paws and a tail that is medium in length as well coated, with the possibility
of feathering along the ridge.
Alaskan Maladors are not a hypoallergenic breed and are not suitable for pet owners with allergies. Their coat is dense and sheds
heavily, particularly during seasonal changes. To some extent, owners can reduce
shedding by brushing their pets with a pin, slicker, or deshedder brush on a
daily basis. Beyond this, Alaskan Maladors should be bathed occasionally –
no more than once every other month to avoid drying out the natural oils in
their coats. They should also have their pendant ears cleaned regularly, teeth
brushed daily to avoid dental problems, and nails clipped monthly to avoid
painful overgrowth.
Alaskan Maladors are energetic and outdoorsy pups that
love human companionship. They love to explore and are the happiest when they
spend all day on a hike or adventure with their owners. The Labrador Retriever
influence in this breed makes them very people-focused, so much so that Alaskan
Maladors are prone to separation anxiety. Owners can combat this to some extent
by keeping their pet on a consistent and balanced schedule. This hybrid is also
very smart and is highly trainable; it is great at learning and performing tricks
as well! Keep in mind, however, that restless and bored Alaskan Maladors can be
boisterous and destructive. Beyond this, Alaskan Maladors are friends to all – they
do nicely in multi-pet households and get along with children very well. They
respond well to positive affirmation and affection. Overall, this large dog
will do best with an active lifestyle and loving family home.
This hybrid is known for its stamina and loves vigorous
exercise and activity. Both its parent breeds enjoy outdoor adventures, and
Alaskan Maladors are no exception. They enjoy strenuous hikes, swimming, and
romps outside in large, open spaces (possibly in the company of other dogs).
Because this dog is so active, it requires 60 to 90 minutes of physical
exertion every day. Alaskan Maladors are also quite intelligent and like to
learn tricks, commands, and play games with their owner indoors. While this
breed does well in all types of climates, it thrives in rural or suburban
environments where its has a yard and/or ample outdoor space to run around in.
Written by Krista Bochicchio
Published: 11/03/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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