Tough, strong pack-working dogs that are suitable for people who love outdoor activities with their dogs.
They are more content when pulling a load, especially in cold weather.
In 1925 these breeds gained widespread fame by battling blizzard conditions to relay life-saving serum over 1,085 kilometres to Nome in Alaska.
Soon after, they became more popular.
However, they struggle in hotter areas, although they deal well with gradual temperature increases; it takes time for their bodies to adjust.
Those people keen on owning a husky type breed in Queensland will find most cross breeds still have the pulling-sport capability, less shedding and not such a strong, independent temperament that can be a challenge for the inexperienced owner.
The Malamute, Siberian and Alaskan husky share a close genetic relationship, according to studies in 2015 that used several genetic markers.
DNA was extracted from a 9,500-year-old dog Zhokhov, named after a Siberian island, which also proved to be a common ancestor.
The Husky breeds can be very challenging to train and live with, expressing boredom by chronic howling and destructive chewing.
These dogs need to be desexed unless singled-out and suitable for breeding.
They can be dominant towards other dogs, especially of the same sex and when they fight, the battles can be serious.
They can be predatory with smaller pets and have a strong exploratory instinct, once on the loose they may not come when called.
On the positive side they are usually great with people.
Because they are such a powerful breed, weighing up to 40 kilograms, it is essential to socialise young dogs with people.
Having a strong pack instinct they can test the family pecking order; the leaders position needs to be established with positive methods.
The Malamute can have extreme possession of food; children and other animals need to leave the dog alone when eating.
They are a relatively healthy breeds for such large dogs, and live between 10 and 14 years.
Some may suffer from common conditions like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and bloat.
Grooming requires constant brushing and combing, checking for mats which can harbor fungus, hotspots and infection.
By Pam Brandis
