Long before statehood, were sled dogs in the Artic.  Bred by an Eskimo tribe called “Mahlemuts” these small but powerful animals were the standard means of transportation for hundreds of years.

Alaskan Malamutes are power in compact packages — 23 to 25 inches at the withers and 75 to 85 pounds.  Their physical characteristics — deep chest; heavy boned shoulders and legs; muscled thighs; large and compact feet; thick pads — all speak to his or her purpose of hauling heavy freight over frozen terrain.  Although now used in sled racing, Alaskan Malamutes were built for endurance rather than speed.

These dogs are affectionate and friendly and make devoted companions.  Unlike their cousin, the Siberian Husky,  the Alaskan Malamutes are not blue-eyed.  In fact, “dark eyes” is the standard for the breed.

Malamutes have a thick “guard” (outer) coat that provides protection from weather and the harnessing used to pull sleds.  A dense, oily undercoat provides additional warmth.  Most often the coat is a combination of light gray to black, with white underbody, legs and feet.  The only AKC acceptable solid color is white.

Alaskan Malamutes make wonderful pets IF you live in a climate in keeping with their nature.  Additionally, these dogs need considerable space in which to exercise.

Accordingly to the AKC standard, the total dog — head, shoulders, chest, legs and feet, as well as the integrated movement of these parts — should determine size.  Malamutes are designed to be the working sled dog of the North, therefore it should be heavy-boned, powerfully built, compact, with sound legs, good feet, deep chest, powerful shoulders, steady balanced, tireless gait.  This dog is NOT a racing sled dog.  Any characteristic, including temperament which interfers with this purpose is considered the most serious of faults.

AKC Breed Description

Alaskan Malamute Club of America

Alaskan Malamute Club of Canada

Malamute Health

Alaskan Malamute Assistance League