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Alaskan Malamutes
Loyal, playful, affectionate!
About the breed
The American Kennel Club describes the Alaskan Malamute as an immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type, the Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, loyal, and playful but dignified dog recognizable by his well-furred plumed tail carried over the back, erect ears, and substantial bone. The Alaskan Malamute stands 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 75 to 85 pounds. Everything about Mals suggests their origin as an arctic sled dog: The heavy bone, deep chest, powerful shoulders, and dense, weatherproof coat all scream, 'I work hard for a living!' But their almond-shaped brown eyes have an affectionate sparkle, suggesting Mals enjoy snuggling with their humans when the workday is done. Mals are pack animals. And in your family 'pack,' the leader must be you. If a Mal doesn't respect you, he will wind up owning you instead of the other way around. Firm but loving training should begin in early puppyhood. That said, a well-behaved Mal is a joy to be with, playful, gentle, friendly, and great with kids.
Breed History
The Alaskan Malamute we recognize today has its roots in an ancient arctic dog with a rich history of serving humans. To truly appreciate the Malamute, it's essential to grasp the harsh arctic conditions that shaped their roles and their contributions to the survival of their caretakers. Early explorers in Alaska encountered incredibly resilient dogs capable of enduring the extreme climate, often while facing starvation. These dogs were multifaceted, used for hauling heavy sleds and packing, yet they also became cherished members of Eskimo families, playing with children and providing warmth during cold nights. However, during the Gold Rush, the influx of external breeds led to crossbreeding with native dogs, nearly resulting in the breed's extinction. However, the Mahlemut people, from whom the breed takes its name, lived a remote, isolated life. Because of this, their dogs remained largely pure.​​
In the early 1920s and 30s, some people in the US started working with sled dogs. Dogs imported from Alaska were believed to be Malamutes, but without pedigrees or a kennel club for verification, uncertainty remained. There were notable differences among these dogs. The Kotzebue strain was recognized for its consistent type and size and was later registered by Milton and Eva Seeley. In contrast, the M’Loot strain, created by Paul Voelker, was larger with less angulation and more variety in coat and color, and since Mr. Voelker wasn't focused on showing, these dogs were initially unregistered. The Hinman/Irwin dogs did not form a distinct strain but were a mix of individual dogs, neither Kotzebue nor M’Loot, yet they possessed unique qualities that others did now. Breed recognition was achieved in 1935, largely thanks to Mrs. Seeley’s efforts. At that time, many dogs had unknown ancestry; those appeared purebred were used for breeding while others were excluded. After a few years, the registry was closed. The impact of World War II nearly wiped out the breed. By 1947, only around 30 registered dogs were estimated to remain, prompting the reopening of the stud book. It was during this time that Robert Zoller got involved with breed, seizing the chance to blend M’Loot and Hinman/Irwin dogs with chosen Kotzebues, to the creation of the Husky Pak line. As a result, all modern Malamutes trace their back to these strains, which accounts for the natural variations we observe today.
