Ariege Pointer vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

The Ariege Pointer is a French hunting dog, coming from the Ariegeois region of France.

Known as the Ariege Pointing Dog, French Pointer or Braque de l’Ariege, these dogs came from the old French Braque dogs that were crossed with the orange and white Southern Braques.

It was in 1990 that a team of breeders decided to devote themselves to the breed’s survival. The Braque de l’Ariege was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

Average weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

The Ariege Pointer has always been a dog kept essentially for hunting and not as a companion dog. He stands between 55 – 67cm and weighs 25 – 30kg.

He is an attractive looking dog with quite a large head while the body is sleek and slender to look at. The ears are quite large and are floppy while the tail is traditionally docked to give him that distinctive look. These days the tail is often left long and hangs downwards.

The coat is short, single and rough and is white with tan or orange patches. The coat can also be speckled or ticked.

Temperament:

The Ariege Pointer is a hunting dog who is friendly towards strangers and therefore won’t make a particularly good watchdog.

These dog are lively, independent and good natured and they make excellent companion dogs. They are fairly docile and and get on well with children and pets in the home. Just like with any other dog, they need to be trained and socialized early.

Alaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

The Ariege Pointer has always been an excellent pointing- and hunting dog. When it comes to being a family pet, he puts his hunting skills aside and becomes a loyal, loving, friendly pet.

They are considered to be rare dogs, and were at one time bordering on extinction. Those who have owned one of these hunting dogs will be glad to know that they are no longer considered endangered. They’re not your friendly, social kind of dog that you find in other dog breeds, but with training and socialization he will make a fine companion and family friend.

Usually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

The Ariege Pointer is a working dog breed, used for hunting and retrieving prey. With good care the dog can live to be a good 12 – 15 years of age.

However, with every dog breed there are common dog diseases to watch for. This dog has long floppy ears and these can get damp and will need to be cleaned and dried regularly otherwise the long ears can be prone to infection.

Apart from being prone to health issues such as an ear infection, you want to be aware of very common dog ailments such as hip dysplasia which can cause lameness in your dog.

Whatever illness your dog has, and you see he isn’t acting his usual self, get him to the vet for a check-up and then make sure that all treatment and medication prescribed is adhered to.

Feeding Alaskan Malamute

Feeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

Neutering and Spaying an Excellent Choice:

Your attractive Ariege Pointer will give birth to 2 – 8 puppies. If you don’t want puppies, then spaying or neutering is excellent and can actually have many health benefits for your pet.

Grooming:

This dog with its short coat requires very little maintenance, and a good brush twice a week will ensure the coat remains glossy and shiny, giving you the chance to also check for fleas and ticks.

Dental Care:

Don’t just assume every dog has bad breath. Bad breath can be indicative of dental disease, and dental problems can cause all kinds of other illnesses within the body. Make sure that while your pet’s teeth are healthy, that you brush them 2 or 3 times a week with special canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Good Exercise and Diet:

The Ariege Pointer requires regular exercise as it is a lively, energetic dog. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but ideally he needs a place with a large garden.

Wherever you keep him as a pet, make sure you take him for walks every day and that you play ball- or rope games with him. Ignoring his exercise needs will turn him into a bored, frustrated pet, and that isn’t fair towards him.

Make sure you choose good quality commercially manufactured foods for him. Adding in some home-made food to his kibble such as cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken will be wonderfully good for him.

Every dog will require some raw meat added into his diet from time to time. Many skin diseases can be treated by adding in raw meat. After all, before dogs were domesticated they lived on raw meat, and including this ingredient back into their diet guarantees to make a remarkable difference in terms of good health.