Alaskan Malamute: Hefty Dog of the North

The Alaskan Malamute is an AKC-recognized breed of dog from the North sometimes mistaken for the Siberian Husky. It is a descendant of dogs from the Alaskan Mahlemut tribe and has had a long and helpful history, accompanying Admiral Byrd to the North Pole and the Alaskan miners in 1896. It was never really used as for sled racing, instead used for pulling and freighting, bringing supplies to remote camps.

Today, most Malamutes are kept as pets or used as show dogs. It is too amiable to be a guard do and tends to be too defiant a breed for strict obedience. Malamutes are extremely gentle and loyal to their people but often have trouble adjusting to smaller animals in the family due to their bred-in instincts to hunt. They are quiet dogs who do not bark but vocalize uniquely (similar to the Basenji in style but not actual tone). They 'woo' and mutter and occasionally howl, in a very wolf-like pitch.

As far as standards are concerned, the AKC (American Kennel Club) calls for a desired general weight of anywhere from 75-85 pounds, but some breeders have begun to market a 'giant' sized Malamute that tops the scales at upward of 140. This has everything to do with personal preference for a companion and nothing to do with the actual breed standard. The dogs' coats are double thick and somewhat coarse, and are found usually in differing intensities of red and white, black and white, gray and white, brown and white, and pure white. Eyes are strictly brown, as blue hints at corrupted lineage and are not AKC-accepted.

Malamutes are typically confused with Siberian Huskies, but Huskies are smaller, often with blue eyes, and their tails rest low by their hind legs when at rest. Malamutes, on the other hand, are designed to pull rather than race and are thus broader in structure. They also have the signature corkscrew tail, which folds rakishly over their backs, to one side, even in a natural pose. This was developed over the years so that Malamutes, while on the job, could protect their noses by curling up and tucking their faces under the fluff of their tails.

Generally, Malamutes have an eight to ten year lifespan, as is typical for a breed that size. They are prone to hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal afflictions in addiction to dermatological problems. As Malamutes get up there in age, it is highly common for them to lose some of their skin pigmentation, most noticeable on the nose.