Origin: U.S.A.

Description: The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest  Arctic sledge dogs, is a powerful and substantially built dog with deep chest and strong, well-muscled body.  The Malamute stands well over the pads, and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity.  The head is broad.  Ears are triangular and erect when alerted.  The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose.  The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby.  The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat.  Malamutes are of various colors.  Face markings are a distinguishing feature.  These consist of a cap over the head, the face either all white or marked with a bar and/or a mask.  The tail is well furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waving plume.  The Malamute must be a heavy boned dog with sound legs, good feet, deep chest and powerful shoulders, and have all of the other physical attributes necessary for the efficient performance of his job.  The gait must be steady, balanced, tireless and totally efficient.  He is not intended as a racing sledge dog designed to compete in speed trials.  The Malamute is structured for strength and endurance, and any characteristic of the individual specimen, including temperament, which interferes with the accomplishment of this purpose, is to be considered the most serious of faults.

The Alaskan Malamute is a Nordic dog, descended from the Arctic wolf. Its name comes from Mahlemuts, an Alaskan tribe that raised and cared for these beautiful snow dogs. Originally used 2000 to 3000 years ago by these Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska, the dogs were their only form of transportation and were highly valued. They pulled light traveling sleds, and hauled heavy loads (including food and supplies). Later, the Malamute went with Admiral Byrd's expeditions to the pole. This breed has amazing strength, endurance and heart. The Malamute is a sled dog. Packs of Malamutes have participated in many polar expeditions, for which they are particularly well adapted due to their tenacity, sense of direction, and excellent sense of smell. They have appeared as unforgettable characters in the stories of Jack London and Rudyard Kipling. In the last decades, they have proved themselves to be civilized and good-natured in this role. Some of the Alaskan Malamute's talents are sledding, carting, search & rescue, weight pulling and racing

The Alaskan Malamute is a large, strong Arctic dog with a thick, coarse double coat and a plumed tail held over the back. It is a ponderous dog, well built, with a solid body, wide head, and a proud expression. The feet are furry and have tough pads. It has erect ears and small, dark, almond shaped eyes. The eyes are obliquely placed in the skull. Eyes are brown, almond shaped and of medium size and look like those of a wolf, but with a sweet expression. Dark eyes are preferred. Blue Eyes are a Disqualifying Fault. The coat averages one to three inches in length and comes in white, black & white, wolf gray, wolf sable (red undercoat with dark gray outer coat), or red, often with darker highlights and sometimes with a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are almost always white. In some areas, dogs may be either smaller or larger than the official standard.

The Alaskan Malamute is a fine example of evolution of a breed developed for a particular purpose; and, as such, must be capable of performing the job for which the breed was originally used. Arctic explorers were in need of an animal that would be capable of pulling heavy sledges loaded with supplies for weeks on end without negative effects of the daily strain. They needed an animal for a specific job, and the Alaskan Malamute capably fulfilled the requirements.
These characteristics have been preserved by conscientious breeding programs so that, theoretically, today's Malamutes are able to do the same job as that of their forefathers.
The Alaskan Malamute evolved from the ancient dogs that accompanied prehistoric man in his migrations from Asia, across the Arctic to Greenland and back. The migrations, covering thousands of years also produced a natural evolution of species that varied from the long coated varieties found in Greenland to the lesser coated, longed legged varieties found in the forest and lake areas of northern Canada.
Early Russian and English explorers often reported a superior and better kept type of work dog kept by the “Mahlemut” (Malemiut, Mahlmuit, Malemuit) tribes around the Norton Sound area of Alaska. They were less “wild”, more tractable and capable of an enormous amount of work.

It must be kept in mind that these were work animals. They were used in hunting seals, were set loose in packs to course the polar bear, and to haul heavy sledges or pack in supplies. Although treated with fondness and exceptional care, there was no room for “pets” on the cruel ice packs and tundra.
Alaskan Malamutes require brushing once or twice a week, generally, though their undercoats shed profusely a couple of times a year necessitating daily brushings. Daily physical and mental activity will help ensure this breed does not become destructive indoors and out.

These dogs were bred to work, so hiking and backpacking (with the dog carrying their own pack) are perfect daily exercise options for them. Because the breed is meant to handle Arctic temperatures, summer activities should be limited to early morning or late evening when things are cooler.

Utilization: Sledge dog.

Behavior/Temperament: The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, friendly dog, not a « one-man » dog.  He is a loyal, devoted companion, playful in invitation, but generally impressive by his dignity after maturity.

The Alaskan Malamute is like a rambunctious puppy. Extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward it's master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally they mature into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dogs. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human "pack" lives. Without attention, these dogs may become destructive nuisances. In one case, a single dog ruined an entire living room of furniture valued at $15,000 in just three hours! Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant. Some dogs may be difficult to housebreak. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig. This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong pry instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals. Some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed. Firm handling and training are necessary. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended.

Malamutes are not from the same mold as the typical dog in both some positive and some negative respects.
Malamutes are lively and alert to their surroundings. They are intelligent but often independent by nature. Because of this, it is recommended that the new owner enlist his dog in formal obedience classes to develop discipline and proper social behavior. Training may be the difference between a problem dog and an enjoyable companion.

While resembling wolves, they are not closely related. Malamutes are generally friendly and desirous of human affection and attention. Malamutes usually are too friendly to be good watch dogs, although their appearance often is intimidating to strangers. Malamutes definitely are not one-man or one-family oriented. They generally should get along as well as any breed with children; but, of course, the children should not be allowed to abuse the dog.

Coat: The Malamute has a thick, coarse guard coat, never long and soft.  The undercoat is dense, from one to two inches in depth, oily and woolly.  The coarse guard coat varies in length as does the undercoat.  The coat is relatively short to medium along the sides of the body, with the length of the coat increasing around the shoulders and neck, down the back, over the croup and in the breeching and plume.  Malamutes usually have a shorter and less dense coat during the summer months.  The Malamute is shown naturally.  Trimming is not acceptable except to provide a clean cut appearance of feet.

The Alaskan Malamute's coat is an example of the breed's specific development. It is a double coat, having a dense, woolly undercoat as well as a thick, coarse guard coat. The undercoat provides adequate protection from even the harshest weather conditions. Since it is thick and woolly (as defined in the Standard of the Breed), it is able to trap air warmed by the dog's body in much the same way as “insulated underwear” keeps us warm on the chilliest of days. It is this dense undercoat that supports the guard coat in such a way as to give it a full standoffish appearance, which is a breed characteristic.

Colour: The usual colors range from light gray through intermediate shadings to black, sable, and shading of sable to red.  Color combinations are acceptable in undercoats, points and trimmings.  The only solid color allowable is all-white.  White is always the predominant color on underbody, parts of legs, feet, and part of face markings.  A white blaze on the forehead and/or collar or a spot on the nape is attractive and acceptable.  The Malamute is mantled, and broken colors extending over the body or uneven splashing are undesirable

The color of the coat is not nearly as important as the texture and density. Malamutes have quite a color range, as is evident by the “Descriptive Color and Marking Code” that is approved by the AMCA. Though it is most common to see dogs of the grey and white type or the black and white type, this does not mean that the reds or whites are “rare” or “undesirable”. White is the only solid color allowed in the breed. All other colors must have white undersides, and must be accented by white markings on the face, chest. and legs.

Height: There is a natural range in size in the breed. Dogs 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-61 cm.) However, size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and other functional attributes.  When dogs are judged equal in type, proportion, movement, the dog nearest the desirable freighting size is to be preferred.

Weight: Dogs 80-95 pounds (36-43 kg.) Bitches 70-85 pounds (32-38 kg.)

Health: The Alaskan Malamute is generally a very hardy breed. Be careful that you are not buying your Alaskan Malamute from a puppy mill, as some dogs have been having health and temperament problems. They are prone to hip dysplasia, but no more than any other large breed and less then many others. Some are prone to chondrodysplasia, which is dwarfism. Some clubs require OFA, CERF, and CHD (dwarfism test) certification of both parents. Prone to bloat.

Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years.

Grooming: The Alaskan Malamute has a dense coat and should be brushed twice a week. This breed is a massively heavy shedder. The undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. Bathing is most unnecessary, as the coat sheds dirt readily. Dry shampoo occasionally. This dog is clean and odorless.