If you are looking for a large, loyal, and intelligent dog that can turn heads with its wolf-like appearance, you might want to consider the Alaskan malamute mix German shepherd. This crossbreed, also known as the Alaskan Shepherd, is the result of combining the German Shepherd’s courage and trainability with the Alaskan Malamute’s strength and endurance.
The Alaskan Shepherd is a relatively new crossbreed that likely originated in the early 1900s. Breeders wanted to create a dog that could carry packages and pull sleds, using the best qualities of two popular and powerful purebreds. The Alaskan Shepherd is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it is registered by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
To understand the Alaskan Shepherd better, we need to look at its parent breeds’ history and characteristics.
The German Shepherd: A versatile and loyal working dog
The German Shepherd was developed in the 1800s by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to create the ideal herding dog. He carefully selected various European herding dogs and bred them for intelligence, work ethic, and versatility. The German Shepherd was recognized by the AKC in 1908 and is now the second most popular breed in the US.
The German Shepherd is known for its loyalty, courage, and hard-working qualities. It is widely used as a service, protection, and military dog. It is also a popular choice for creating designer dogs, as it can pass on its desirable traits to its offspring.
The Alaskan Malamute: An ancient and powerful sled dog
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back to the Paleolithic period. It is a descendant of the dogs that crossed into North America through the Bering Strait and were used by the Inuit people for hunting and sledding. The Alaskan Malamute was named after the Mahlemuts Indian tribe and is considered a basal breed, meaning it is closer to the wolf than most other dogs.
The Alaskan Malamute is known for its strength, endurance, and imposing build. It can pull heavy loads over long distances and can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also a friendly and playful dog that enjoys human companionship.
The appearance of the Alaskan Shepherd
The Alaskan Shepherd is a large and impressive dog that can weigh between 64 and 130 pounds and stand between 22 and 26 inches tall. It has a thick and dense coat that can come in various colors, such as black, white, gray, brown, or red. It has a broad head, erect ears, dark eyes, and a bushy tail. It may have blue or pale eyes, but this indicates that it is crossbred with a Siberian Husky, not a pure Alaskan Malamute.
The Alaskan Shepherd resembles a wolf in its appearance, but it is more refined and elegant than its wild ancestor. It has a strong and muscular body that is well-suited for work and exercise.
The temperament of the Alaskan Shepherd
The Alaskan Shepherd is a loyal, intelligent, and courageous dog that can make a loving and devoted companion at home. It is affectionate and playful with its family and can get along well with children and other pets. It is also alert and protective of its territory and can be a good watchdog.
However, the Alaskan Shepherd is not a dog for everyone. It is a high-energy and high-maintenance dog that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. It can be stubborn and independent, and may not listen to commands if it does not respect its owner. It can also be prone to boredom and destructive behavior if left alone for too long.
The Alaskan Shepherd needs a firm and consistent leader who can provide it with proper training and socialization from an early age. It also needs a spacious and secure environment where it can run and play freely. It is not suitable for apartment living or for owners who are busy or inactive.
The health of the Alaskan Shepherd
The Alaskan Shepherd is a generally healthy dog that can live up to 15 years. However, like any crossbreed, it can inherit some health issues from its parent breeds. Some of the common health problems that may affect the Alaskan Shepherd are:
Hip dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint is malformed, causing pain and mobility issues.
Elbow dysplasia: A condition where the elbow joint is malformed, causing pain and mobility issues.
Bloat: A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, causing pressure on the organs and blood vessels.
Degenerative myelopathy: A progressive disease that affects the spinal cord, causing weakness and paralysis of the hind legs.
Cataracts: A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing vision and leading to blindness.
Progressive retinal atrophy: A degenerative disease that affects the retina, causing vision loss and blindness.
To prevent or reduce the risk of these health issues, the Alaskan Shepherd should have regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control. It should also have a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and proper grooming. It is also advisable to get the Alaskan Shepherd from a reputable breeder who can provide health certificates and genetic testing for the parent dogs.
The cost of the Alaskan Shepherd
The price of an Alaskan Shepherd puppy can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. The average cost of an Alaskan Shepherd puppy is between $800 and $1500. However, some breeders may charge more for a higher quality or a rarer color.
Apart from the initial cost, the Alaskan Shepherd also has other expenses, such as food, toys, grooming, training, vet bills, and insurance. The estimated annual cost of owning an Alaskan Shepherd is between $1000 and $1500.
Before buying an Alaskan Shepherd puppy, it is important to do some research and find a reputable breeder who can provide health guarantees and socialized puppies. It is also advisable to avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and online ads that may sell unhealthy or poorly bred puppies.
Conclusion
The Alaskan Shepherd is a captivating crossbreed that combines the best qualities of the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. It is a loyal, intelligent, and courageous dog that can make a loving and devoted companion at home. However, it is also a high-energy and high-maintenance dog that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. It is not suitable for apartment living or for owners who are busy or inactive.
The Alaskan Shepherd is a dog for experienced and active owners who can provide it with proper training, socialization, and care. It is also a dog for owners who can appreciate its wolf-like appearance and personality. If you are looking for a large, loyal, and intelligent dog that can turn heads with its wolf-like appearance, you might want to consider the Alaskan Shepherd.
