The Alaskan Malamute

Origins

The origins of the Alaskan Malamute lie far back in history with the northern Inuit people and as an aid in these harsh climates to the working nomadic tribes. The breed’s gets its name from the Mahlamuits (Mahlemuts) Inuit’s that inhabited the area around Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. The people bred a dog of considerable substance and endurance, capable of pulling heavy loads over huge distances. Although a large breed their ability to withstand harsh climates means that they do not necessarily require the same level of food as similar large breeds being able to efficiently utilise available food was essential to the dog and the hunting people. The thick double coat of the breed protects it against the cold and its friendly demeanour allowed for close living with the tribe and its children.

The Malamute has proudly been part of the teams of dogs used for transport in the times of the Alaskan Gold Rush, World War 1 supply trains, exploration, Introduction of Sled Dog racing and the famous Alaskan Serum run that lead to the great Iditarod race.

The Malamute is not a ‘one man dog’ and lacks a territorial or guarding instinct. They have a far more advanced sense of hierarchy than most breeds and this can lead to a dominant and testing nature if not channelled and trained correctly.

Health

Unfortunately like most breeds the Malamute is susceptible to a few conditions and these should be researched before getting your puppy and parental heath tests should be seen where applicable (particularly Hip Dysplasia and Genetic Cataracts).

Some of these are Gastric Dilation – Volvulus (Bloat / Torsion), Hip Dysplasia (HD), Posterior Sub Capsular Cataracts, Coat Funk, Chondrodysplasia (Dwarfism), Hypothyroidism and Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke)

Breed Standard

The Malamute is one of 5 types of sled dog recognised by the Kennel Club.

ALASKAN MALAMUTE (INTERIM)
General Appearance - Heavily boned, powerfully built, not too compact and never appearing short on the leg.
Characteristics - Sled dog capable of surviving in Arctic temperatures and of pulling heavy loads at steady speeds.
Temperament - Affectionate, friendly, loyal, devoted companion but not a ‘one man’ dog, playful on invitation, generally impressive by his dignity after maturity but tends to show dominance to other dogs.
Head & Skull - Head broad, powerful, not coarse, in proportion to size of dog. Skull broad between ears, gradually narrowing towards eyes, rounding off to moderately flat cheeks. Very slight but perceptible stop. Muzzle large in proportion to size of skull, scarcely diminishing in width or depth from stop. Nose black except in red and white dogs when it is brown. Pink streaked ’snow nose’ acceptable.
Eyes - Almond shaped, moderately large, set obliquely. Dark eyes preferred, except in red and white dogs where light eyes are permissible. Blue eyes highly undesirable.
Ears - Small in proportion to head. Triangular in shape, slightly rounded at tips, set wide apart, at back of skull. Ears forward when erect. When dog is working sometimes folded against skull.
Mouth - Upper and lower jaws broad with large teeth, with a perfect regular and complete scissor bite i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck - Strong and moderately arched
Forequarters - Shoulders moderately sloping; forelegs heavily boned and well muscled, straight as far as pasterns which are short, strong and almost vertical viewed from the side.
Body - Strong and powerfully built, chest strong and deep; forelegs heavily boned and well muscled, straight as far as pasterns, but not level, sloping slightly downwards from shoulder to croup. Loins well muscled, never so short as to interfere with movement. No excess weight.
Hindquarters - Hindlegs broad and powerfully muscled through thighs; stifles moderately bent, hock joints broad and strong, moderately bent and well let down. Viewed from behind, hindlegs vertical, standing and moving true in line with movement of font legs. Legs indicate tremendous propelling power.
Feet - Large and compact. Toes close, well arched, pads thick and tough. Toenails short and strong. Protective growth of hair between toes.
Tail - Moderately high set following line of spine at start then curving gently upwards. At rest may hang straight down. Well furred and carried over back when dog is working, not tightly curled to rest on back, nor short furred and carried like a fox brush, but giving the appearance of a waving plume.
Gait/Movement - Single tracking at trot is normal but movement not too wide or too close at any gait. Easy, tireless, rhythmic movement, produced by powerful drive from hindquarters
Coat - Thick course guard coat, not long and soft. Dense undercoat, from 2.5-5cms (1-2ins) in depth, oily and woolly. Course guard coat stands out, with thick fur around neck. Guard coat varies in length as does overcoat, but in general coat of medium length along sides of body, increasing somewhat around shoulders and neck, down back and over croup, as well as in breeching and plume
Colour - Range is from light grey through intermediate shadings to black, or from gold through shades of red to liver, always with white in under body , parts of legs, feet and part of mask markings. Markings either caplike or masklike on face. Combination of cap and mask not unusual. White blaze in forehead, white collar, or spot on nape permissible. Heavy mantling of unbroken colour acceptable, broken colour extending over body in spots or uneven splashing undesirable. Only solid colour permissible is all white.
Size Range - Height Dogs 64-71cms (25-28ins); bitches 58-66cms (23-26 ins) Weight between 38-56kgs (85-125lbs). Size consideration not to outweigh type
Faults - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion in its degree
Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum