Meet a Family of 13 Fluffy Alaskan Malamutes

The Alaskan Malamute is possibly one of the most beautiful dogs on the planet. With their thick, fluffy coats and almond-shaped eyes, it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Also, they have beautiful hearts that match their impressive outward appearance. Malamutes are adorable family pets, as they are loyal, friendly, and affectionate.

You might call them “gentle giants” because, despite their enormous size, they are surprisingly affectionate and playful. They have robust, muscular bodies and incredible stamina, originally bred to carry heavy loads such as dog sledding. People who live in the Arctic still use them to transport cargo, but they have also become a much-loved pet. However, they need a lot of exercise, so they do best in homes with a lot of space.

Most people adopt one or two Malamutes at most, but a woman in Indonesia couldn’t get enough of them. One became 13 over time and they have become her family.

“About six years ago, I bought Puffy, my first Alaskan Malamute. Then I got another one, and the next one, and we quickly became a family of 7, ”said owner Soesanti. “Then they started to mate and I decided to keep some of the cubs. Finally, we have become a family of 13. “

The dogs are named Alpha, Puffy, Alaska, Lexi, Akira, Hugo, Goyard, Pooh, Manuka, Dakota, Chelsea, Truffle, and Lexa. Soesanti lives in an area that gives them plenty of room to roam in natural surroundings. He walks them like a herd, and they all seem to get along. After all, malamutes are used to teamwork, so they do well together.

Malamutes in … Indonesia?

While malamutes tend to live in colder climates, Indonesia is tolerable for them. They have adapted to warmer temperatures by shedding more hair during the summer months.

“I’m staying in Bandung, it’s about a three hour drive from Jakarta, the Indonesian capital. The weather here is 18 to 28 degrees (64 to 82 degrees F) year-round, so it’s safe for the herd here. “

Caring for the Alaskan Malamute family

“Taking care of 13 Alaskan Malamutes is very hard work for me, so I hired some keepers to help me take care of them,” says Soesanti. “Every day, I spend a lot of time with them, especially on the weekends, and I feed them a really healthy and balanced diet myself.”

Due to their large size, many people believe that malamutes need tons of food. However, they eat less than other dogs their size due to genetic adaptations. In the Arctic, where they once lived, food was scarce, so they got used to going long periods without food. Your metabolism converts food into fuel very efficiently, which means you don’t need as much to survive.

However, they are highly motivated by food and many owners make the mistake of overfeeding them. A typical adult malamute needs about 3-4 cups of high-quality dog ​​food per day. They can also eat raw meats and treats on occasion. Malamutes that are very active may need to eat more depending on their exercise habits.

Malamutes can weigh 75-100 pounds and stand 23-25 ​​inches tall at the shoulder. They need a lot of exercise as they were bred to run long distances. If you live in the city, make sure you have a large fenced-in area for them to exercise. While malamutes can adapt to apartment living, they must walk or exercise every day.

Many owners like to take their fellow malamutes on hikes, backpacking trips, or bike rides. Any long-distance adventure is perfect for this type of dog to accompany you. Just make sure to keep them tied as they can be stubborn at times when following commands.

“My advice to you guys if you want get a pet is making sure you can take good care of them. You spend a lot of time with them and you always make them happy, ”says the dog’s mother. “My thirteen Alaskan Malamutes are a blessing to me and my family… truly fun companions for us. I really hope you continue to enjoy our adventures. “

Essential Facts About the Alaskan Malamute

• Life expectancy: 10-14 years.
• Strong and tough workers
• You need a strong pack leader to guide you
• Known for having a stubborn and domineering streak
• Requires a lot of training and care
• They are very smart and will quickly get bored if they are not challenged.
• I love exploring so best to keep them fenced off or on a leash.
• Very people friendly, not intimidating.
• Self-sufficient and stubborn
• Can be very possessive of food.
• They are not recommended for first time pet owners.
• Have tons of energy
• Best suited to cold environments
• One of the oldest and definitely largest sled dog breeds in the Arctic
• Descendant of the arctic wolf (hence his wolf appearance)
• They can have completely white or white and gray, black or red fur.
• Malamutes need training in socialization and obedience due to their determined personality.
• They love to dig big holes in the ground; while you can’t train them to stop, you can give them a designated place to dig
• They were first recognized by the AKC in 1935.
• The name of the breed comes from the Mahlemiut, an Inuit people who lived in northwestern Alaska.

Final thoughts: a woman in Indonesia loves Malamutes so much that she is thirteen

Most people would not dream of having so many dogs, but Soesanti calls them his family. Having 13 Malamutes to care for is not easy, of course, so she hires people to help her. Yet despite the challenges, not a day goes by that she is not grateful for her fur family. He likes to make dogs happy because they also add a lot of joy to his life.

If you are considering making a malamute, make sure you have the time and the will to care for it. They are beautiful animals, but they need an owner with a lot of energy and patience. However, in the right environment, they make an excellent pet!

What do you love about the Alaskan Malamute? Let us know in the comments!