History
The Alaskan Shepherd were specifically designed to enhance the fantastic qualities of two dominant dog breeds, namely German Shepherd, and the Alaskan Malamutes. The athletic body and alluring eyes make this breed special. They usually look like their parents as they have a very bold wolf-like appearance.
The Alaskan Shepherd gained recognition by the International Designer Canine Association in the year 2009. They bred to be a working sledge dog used for hauling heavy freight and are commonly known for being work dogs.
Interesting Facts
The Alaskan Shepherd howls or barks if they see something unfamiliar or strange.
Temperament & Personality
Alaskan Shepherds are very active, smart, loyal and friendly towards children or other animals. With time, they usually become profoundly attached to their family. They closely observe people they find suspicious or strange and pass out a warning before attacking. They get the Intelligence (and ears) from the German Shepherd and strength and personality from the Malamute.
Care
Exercise
Alaskan Shepherd needs regular exercises. They are primarily recommended for people who like to walk, jog and play. They could be a mess if there are no activities and may even turn aggressive or destructive. Being very independent, they need to stay occupied doing specific tasks because they are working dogs by nature.
Grooming
The coat of the Alaskan Shepherd requires regular brushing with a firm bristle brush. Proper cleaning of eyes, ears and brushing teeth can prevent them from infection.
Health Problems
Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Mix can have some of the health issues like chondrodysplasia, i.e., other body parts not functioning correctly. Also, they may get infected by cartilaginous exostosis that is a disorder of the bone because of excessive formation of calcium.
Training
An Alaskan Shepherd Puppy is very easy to train with positive reinforcement and the best part about them is that they can be prepared for carrying out different activities. Sometimes they might be stubborn showing trying to be independent and not be ready to abide by their master which is usually due to their head-strong nature. Therefore, it is essential to firmly handle this specific breed to keep the dog disciplined to eliminate the chances of showing authority over their owners. Moreover, offer them proper socialization as well as obedience training since puppyhood.
Feeding
As the Alaskan Shepherds are large in size, feeding them a healthy dog food divided into 2 equivalent meals is necessary. Addition of some vegetables in their regular diet keeps them strong and active. However, overfeeding can make them fat or overweight making them prone to health issues.
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