Malamoodle

by Mary Simpson

Published: November 30th, 2017

About Malamoodle

Weight

65-120 lb

Height

25-28 inches

Lifespan

8-12 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

First time dog owners, families with older kids and other pets, home owners with large yards or acreage.

Temperament

affectionate, intelligent, energetic, playful

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Alaskan Malamute

Malamoodle Basics

The Malamoodle delivers love and affection in a great big dog format. He brings the highly intelligent nature of the Standard Poodle together with the family-pack oriented Alaskan Malamute to produce an active family dog who thrives with kids and other pets alike.

The Malamoodle combines the intelligent poodle and the pack-oriented nature of the Alaskan Malamute.

Origin

The Malamoodle likely originated in the 1980s when breeders first began crossing various breeds to develop dogs that were smaller, hypo-allergenic or simply gentler variations on some of the more popular breeds.

Pedigree

Because he is not a pure-bred, the Malamoodle does not qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are members; the Alaskan Malamute joined the club’s “working” group in 1935 while the Poodle became a member of the “non-sporting” group in 1887.

Food / Diet

The Malamoodle is a large, active dog who will require nourishment that is specifically designed for his size, age and activity level. Look for a nutrient-rich, top quality kibble that will support his need for protein and plan to feed him 2 to 3 times daily versus free feeding. The Poodle’s propensity to bloat means overeating is a big no-no and that any exercise be scheduled at least 2 hours after eating or before.

The affectionate Malamoodle is an excellent family pet that once socialized, gets along well with kids and other pets alike.

Training

The Malamoodle will be a handful when it comes to training. While the super intelligent Poodle side of this big boy makes him quick to pick up commands, the Alaskan Malamute side brings a more stubborn dog who will require patience alongside a firm, consistent approach to establish pack leadership. If you aren’t getting the results you want, bring in a professional but never side-step this important step in raising an obedient, friendly dog. As with most dogs, a rewards-based approach with lots of verbal praise and treats will go a long way in getting the results you are seeking.

Weight

Malamoodles are big dogs that can weigh between 65 and 120 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

This affectionate pooch is an excellent family pet that once socialized, gets along well with kids and other pets alike. He’s known to be a friendly, loving dog who enjoys being part of a family and for that reason, doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods. Because of their “working” background, this dog needs regular mental stimulation and a job to do to keep him from becoming bored and potentially destructive.

Common Health Problems

Though Designer Dogs are typically healthier than their purebred parents, it’s important to be aware of what your new pup could inherit. For the Malamoodle, that can include bloat from the Poodle side, joint issues from both parent breeds and from the Alaskan Malamute side, a disease called Polyneuropathy – a progressive loss of nerve function.

Life Expectancy

The Malamoodle has a life span of between 8 and 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Malamoodle comes from two highly active breeds and will require substantial daily exercise to keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated. If socialized, a trip to an off-leash park will be a great way for him to burn off energy, meet other dogs and augment a rigorous walking routine.

The Malamoodle is a friendly, loving family dog.

Recognized Clubs

The Malamoodle is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

No surprises that the Malamoodle has a thick, course double-coat that will require brushing 4-5 times per week to keep shedding in check and his coat looking its best. Shedding may be more pronounced in warmer climates and require daily brushing. Although he won’t require professional grooming, as a floppy eared dog he can be prone to ear infections so cleaning should be done weekly.

Puppies

If your Malamoodle comes from a breeder, request DNA testing for Polyneuropathy prior to falling in love with your puppy. As this dog is prone to joint issues, exercise and obedience training should be progressive and not over-tax tiny joints and limbs. As bloat may be an issue later in life, get him set up on a feeding schedule that will help avoid him becoming used to overeating and subsequently obesity.

Photo credit: Eric Isseleec/Shutterstock.com; Clement Morin/Shutterstock.com; Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

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It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

What Causes Heartworm in Dogs?

One of the most dangerous threats to the health of dogs around the world is the dreaded  heartworm. Most people are not even aware of the illness, until it is too late for  treatment and the damage has already been done. In fact, many dog owners are not at all familiar with heartworm, how it occurs, how it progresses, and what causes it in the first place. That’s why we’ll go into all of the details every dog owner should know about heartworm. What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What Causes It?Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, called Dirofilaria Immitis. These are most simply put, heartworm larvae, and are carried within mosquitos. And that’s how they are transmitted – through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito, carrying a heartworm larva, bites a dog, it immediately transmits the larvae onto the dog’s skin. This is how the heartworm enters the bloodstream, through the teeny tiny mosquito bite wound – yes, that is how incredibly small these larvae are. After this, over the course of several months, the deposited larvae mature and grow into adult worms that nest and reside within your dog’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Once they become adults and enter the animal’s system, these worms can really cause substantial damage to the lungs, heart, and even other organs. This damage is then manifested through visible symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing, and – in the most extreme cases – heart failure. Heartworm needs to be treated. Otherwise, this disease can be fatal to dogs. Of course, your most common precaution is through regular use of heartworm preventatives, as well as minimizing exposure to mosquitoes or mosquito-dense areas. This can help protect your doggo from contracting a potentially deadly disease. Preventing And Treating Heartworm Disease in DogsThis being said, we need to take into account that heartworm disease won’t be common in all parts of the world equally. The disease is prevalent in parts of the world with warm or humid climates, and high populations of mosquitoes. This is not an exclusive rule, however, and the disease can occur in all parts of the world, including temperate zones. As a diligent dog owner, you should get familiar with your region and if needed, take precautionary measures. If you live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can invest in things like mosquito repellents for dogs. 

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