~Possible medical problem's~
Hip Dysplasia :This is another genetic disorder that affects Malamutes. Simply put, hip dysplasia is a deformation in the hip joint. That is, the head of the femur does not sit solidly in the acetabulum. The joint lacks tightness, and the condition results in a painful and often debilitating life for the dog. Hip dysplasia is considered to be a moderately inheritable condition. Breeders will usually have breeding pairs OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified prior to breeding. OFA certification can be given only after a dog is over 24 months old. The hip x-ray is then scored.
OFA hip scores are as follow:
* Excellent - Score 0-4
*Good - Score 5-10
*Fair - Score 11-18
*Borderline - Score 19-25
*Mild Dysplasia - Score 26-35
*Moderate - Score 36-50
*Severe - Score 51-106
*Chrondrodysplasia (CHD) :This is a genetic disorder in the M'Loot Malamute line. It is also known as dwarfism, although this term is not very descriptive or even entirely correct.
The condition results in delayed endochondral bone formation. In 1970, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America officially recognized CHD and began efforts to combat the disease. By the end of that year, it was proven that the gene for CHD was an autosome recessive (through repetitive matings of CHD dogs) and mathematical models one which pedigrees could be tested were established. A Malamute with less than a 6.25% CHD probability factor is considered to be breedable. 6.25% corresponds to one carrier as a great-great-great grandfather . Obviously this is not foolproof, but the chances of a dog not carrying CHD are improved considerably the lower the number. CHD probability is computed through the average of the two parents. There are various ways to test for CHD including blood tests and x-rays. This recessive gene seems to affect blood as well, producing a type of anemia. X-rays are generally made between the ages of 3 to 12 weeks, if one is overly concerned about CHD detection. Most Malamute breeders are satisfied with the CHD rating and no outward signs.
OFA hip scores are as follow:
* Excellent - Score 0-4
*Good - Score 5-10
*Fair - Score 11-18
*Borderline - Score 19-25
*Mild Dysplasia - Score 26-35
*Moderate - Score 36-50
*Severe - Score 51-106
*Chrondrodysplasia (CHD) :This is a genetic disorder in the M'Loot Malamute line. It is also known as dwarfism, although this term is not very descriptive or even entirely correct.
The condition results in delayed endochondral bone formation. In 1970, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America officially recognized CHD and began efforts to combat the disease. By the end of that year, it was proven that the gene for CHD was an autosome recessive (through repetitive matings of CHD dogs) and mathematical models one which pedigrees could be tested were established. A Malamute with less than a 6.25% CHD probability factor is considered to be breedable. 6.25% corresponds to one carrier as a great-great-great grandfather . Obviously this is not foolproof, but the chances of a dog not carrying CHD are improved considerably the lower the number. CHD probability is computed through the average of the two parents. There are various ways to test for CHD including blood tests and x-rays. This recessive gene seems to affect blood as well, producing a type of anemia. X-rays are generally made between the ages of 3 to 12 weeks, if one is overly concerned about CHD detection. Most Malamute breeders are satisfied with the CHD rating and no outward signs.
Life expectancey - 12-15 years. Malamutes need a reasonable amount of exercise with includes long daily walks. But be careful not to overdue it in warm weather.
Floppy Ears - Is a genetic disorder that will be passed down to offsprings. A good breeder will not breed a dog with floppy ears.
Floppy Ears - Is a genetic disorder that will be passed down to offsprings. A good breeder will not breed a dog with floppy ears.
