Malanees

Although it may seem like a combination between the Alaskan Malamute and the Great Pyrenees should have been around for a while, the Malanees is actually a relatively new breed. Because of this, the breed does not have a very in-depth origin story. Origins are very important because they provide a background as to why the breed may have been created, and what traits were deemed most important for that breed. Thankfully, although the Malanees does not have a rich backstory yet, both of his parent breeds do; so we can learn a lot of really useful information about the Malanees from his parents. The Great Pyrenees, for starters, is a gorgeous giant who was first created to be a flock-guarding dog  in the French Pyrenees Mountains. Watching over the flocks faithfully, the Pyrenees needed to be large in order to protect the animals from hunters such as wolves and bears. You would think that with such an important dog, the Great Pyrenees would be aggressive and aloof; however, that is not the case. This breed is much loved for his calm, patient, and affectionate attitude. His trademark white coat was a must have with his job, as it allowed the breed to blend in with the sheep that they were protecting. This gave them an element of surprise against their bigger attackers. The Great Pyrenees was so famous due to their bravery that they were eventually chosen to be protectors of important people as well, such as King Louise XIV, who made the breed part of his household guard. It took a long time for these beautiful dogs to make their way to America, but once they did the Great Pyrenees was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the year 1933. They are now primarily used today as companion animals and guardians of the home. The Alaskan Malamute is famous for their love of pulling and ability to shed enough fur to make a whole new dog. These amazing dogs were created many years ago in Alaska by the Inuit people. This nation of people were known as nomads, and relied on strong dogs to help carry their main means of transportation; sleds. The Alaskan Malamute lived for such a job, and this desire to pull still flows through their veins today! However, the breed had other jobs besides just pulling sleds. They were also hunters, aiding their humans in seeking out polar bears and other animals for food. They have a fearless, independent nature that causes them to be wanderers with big and loving hearts. The people relied on the dogs for a lot, from transportation to warmth. The dogs were very close to their people and viewed them as part of their pack; this is why the Malamute is such a lover of people today and does not do well on his own. This breed became incredibly important during the 1896 gold rush, when miners paid high dollar for dependable dogs and fast sleds. Although this may have seemed good for the Alaskan Malamute, it was actually a very dangerous time for the breed. People wanted more of them quickly, so overbreeding and mixing of the breed with other dogs took place. Thankfully, the Malamute genes were strong and the breed didn't change much. In 1935 the American Kennel Club recognized the Alaskan Malamute as a breed and they have been popular since as working dogs and faithful companions.