Alaskan Malamute
The draft or combination draft/hunting dogs of the North have been an essential part of the northern people's culture since the Stone Age. Because most northern tribes were nomadic, they could not have existed without their dogs to move their belongings from place to place. In the harsh and bitter cold, dogs were the only domestic animals that could survive.
Historians argue whether the ancestors of the northern Eskimo tribes came over a land bridge from Asia or across the North Pole from Scandinavia. But the fact that Nordic-type dogs accompanied these people is without argument. Each tribe or area developed its own type of dog, so perfected that many remain distinct today. The Mahlemuts (later spelled Malamute) were an industrious and skilled Inuit people of upperwest-ern Alaska (across from Siberia). Since they were nomadic, they moved their families to the site of each new kill, relocating when the need for another food source arose
The Alaskan Malamute was strong enough to haul all of the tribe's possessions and to transport goods to and from the trading post. Speed was not vital, however, and a leisurely pace was quite acceptable. The Mahlemut tribe was never mentioned without a reference to their sledge dogs. Early European explorers and Russian whalers of the last century told that the Mahlemuts had dogs of "beauty and endurance," and that they were "fond of their dogs. The dogs work hard and have great endurance."
During the settling of Alaska by white people, from 1750 to 1900, dogs were used for hauling and transportation in large numbers. These newcomers did not pay much attention to type, as long as the dogs (named after the tribe) could work. In addition the upsurge of dog-sled racing did the Malamute dog no good. In an attempt to create a faster animal, racing drivers crossed them with established speedsters, and the breed was nearly lost.
At that time, however, some Eskimos kept their dogs pure to type. Fortunately, interest in the promotion of the pure Malamute rose among American dog fanciers, and the breed has been maintained. Eva "Short" Seely became interested in sled dogs, obtaining good Malamutes (and Siberians) and breeding them, even sending her stock with Admiral Byrd to Antarctica. World War I had an effect on these northern dogs as well as on European breeds, but in a different manner. Alaskan Malamute numbers were depleted by search-and-rescue, the Byrd expeditions and supply-packing work during the War. The stud book was reopened after the War and additional foundation stock was added to those already registered. Once again, the Alaskan Malamute dogs thrived.
The Malamute is as distinct from the Siberian Husky as the draft horse is from the horse of the desert. The Alaskan Malamute is a dog that denotes power rather than quickness. Never so large as to appear clumsy, he must personify substance and strength. The body is slightly longer than its height, moving the center of gravity back, which allows powerful leaning into heavy loads. A clean, quiet, affectionate companion, the Mai needs firm, early handling to understand who is boss.
Raised and exhibited in much of North America and Europe, the Alaskan Malamute dog is a popular for home sledding. Many owners and their Alaskan Malamutes compete in weight-pulling contests. The dogs take to it quite naturally in fact, enthusiastically with many capable of shifting one-ton loads over a short distance.
The Alaskan Malamutes prefer outdoor living, with sufficient entertainment provided by their people, and are ready to join in almost any athletic activity. If bored, a Malamute will express his displeasure by howling and digging to the South Pole!
COUNTRY: USA
WEIGHT: 75-85 pounds
HEIGHT: 23-25 inches
COAT: Short, stand-off
COLOR: Black or various shades of gray, with lighter mask and underside common
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Northern Working Dog
WEIGHT: 75-85 pounds
HEIGHT: 23-25 inches
COAT: Short, stand-off
COLOR: Black or various shades of gray, with lighter mask and underside common
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Northern Working Dog