The Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute History & Origins

Some 4,500 years ago, a variety of hearty and powerful dogs originating in Siberia began to populate the northernmost parts of North America. Several Nordic breeds emerged, including the Alaskan Malamute.

At first glance, there are obvious similarities to the Malamute’s Northern cohorts, the Siberian Husky, the Samoyed, and the Canadian Eskimo Dog. All were bred as working dogs, capable of withstanding harsh northern climates and terrain, pulling cargo by sled, and assisting with hunting—but there are key differences. The Alaskan Malamute’s gift is for strength—not speed. A racer he is not—unlike the Siberian Husky, for example. What the Malamute excels at is pulling extremely heavy loads over long distances at slow rates of speed. Tipping the scales at up to 85 pounds, the Malamute is substantially burlier than their smaller and lighter cousin, the Siberian Husky.

Among these Nordic breeds, the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest in existence. Malamutes served as a companion and working breed for the Mahlemuts, an indigenous tribe that crossed the Bering Strait thousands of years ago, bringing their dogs with them, and settled in Kotzebue Sound.

Photo tatyana kuznetsova/shutterstock

The Malmute’s Early Working History

For thousands of years, the Mahlemut people lived in a remote part of Alaska known for harsh terrain and extreme weather. For at least nine months of the year, it’s a region covered with snow and ice. The Mahlemut people’s survival was inextricably linked with their dogs and virtually all early writing on this tribe references their dogs. From scaring off polar bears to hunting seals or pulling heavy loads by sled, their dogs were tireless workers. These dogs weren’t just prized for their hard work, they were loved and treated as loyal family companions.

Very little was known about life in Alaska before the 19th century when tales from explorers and sea merchants started to shed light on this remote region. All of that changed in 1896 when gold was discovered in Alaska. Word spread, and a steady flow of fortune-seekers arrived. Many brought their own dogs—including plenty of tough, working breeds—but the environment proved too much for virtually all “outside” breeds.

The demand for sled dogs—and most notably purebred Malamutes—was so high during the gold rush that the breed nearly became extinct. Sellers mixed purebreds with other sled dogs and Nordic breeds, in their efforts to produce enough dogs to meet the demand. This led to a steep decline in purebred Alaskan Malamutes. The breed’s future was uncertain, but dedicated breeders took steps to revitalize the breed. Because of their isolated existence, dogs of the Mahlemut people were used for breeding and their namesake breed remained alive.

Another challenge to the breed’s survival was the dawn of sled racing as a sport. Because they were not fast runners, fanciers of this sport interbred Malamutes with a variety of fast breeds in their efforts to get an edge in their sport. Once again, purebred numbers declined sharply, but fanciers paired purebred Malamutes from various remote regions to ensure the breed’s survival.

A Standard Evolves

The breed didn’t remain solely in Alaska, of course. Those who became enchanted with the breed took purebred Malamutes to their homes and kennels in various parts of North America. The breed proved resilient and was able to adapt to different climates and lifestyles. The Alaskan Malamute was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935.

At that time, the Malamute was still being bred as a working and sledding dog, and the Mal became a staple in polar expeditions and races. History was repeating itself again, with a supply-and-demand issue that was a threat to the breed’s survival. During World War II, military outposts in polar regions used Malamutes for transportation. None of these dogs ever returned from the War. In fact, so few Alaskan Malamutes were left at the end of the war that the AKC was forced to re-open its pedigree book for new subscriptions. One last time, the breed was brought back from the brink of extinction.

Malamute Size & Appearance

Today’s Malamute stands 23 to 25 inches at the shoulders and weighs from 75 to 85 pounds, for females and males, respectively. The AKC standard strongly emphasizes proportion. A range of coat colours is accepted, including light grey, sable, and others. The only solid colour permissible is white. In all cases, white is the predominant colour on the belly, legs, feet, and facial markings. The Malamute’s expression should be alert but soft, and the almond-shaped eyes are brown, with dark brown preferred.

What’s It Like to Live With a Malamute?

What’s it like to share your life with a Malamute? Well, this is certainly not the breed for everyone. The Malamute is large and powerful and known for being a bit stubborn, making the Mal a good choice for someone with previous dog experience.

Those in search of a sizable dog for guarding or protection will need to search elsewhere. The Malamute was always a working dog who doubled as a family member. This is an affectionate breed that bonds closely with its family.

Bred to work and possessing a strong prey drive, the Alaskan Malamute must be well-socialized and trained from an early age to ensure they mature nicely.

The breed is good-natured and playful—especially in the puppy years.

Is the Malamute Good With Kids and Other Dogs?

The Malamute is good-natured and playful—especially in the puppy years. For both reasons, the Malamute has earned a deserved reputation for being excellent with kids. (Of course, with all breeds, caution and supervision around small children is advised.)

How is he with other pets? That’s a mixed bag. First, the Malamute is hard-wired with a strong pack mentality, so being in a multi-dog household can be a great fit for him. Some believe strongly that a male and female Malamute together is the perfect combination. That said, Malamutes in a pack, may have a stronger aversion to new/strange dogs. Extensive, early socialization with other dogs is important for this reason.

Caution is also advised with the Malamute and small dog breeds or cats. Can they get along? Absolutely. But prey-drive is strong, and smaller animals can trigger that instinct with potentially sad results.

Built for snow. Photo Sukhareva aleksandra/shutterstock

Malamute Exercise Requirements

The Alaskan Malamute is a working breed that requires exercise—and a job. A bored and unexercised Malamute won’t thrive and may become destructive. Sledding is his favourite activity, but this versatile breed will enjoy canine sports from agility to skijoring. Malamutes also like to swim! Heading out for a walk or a hike? Place a backpack on your Mal—they love having some work to perform. At home, a fenced-in yard is strongly advised.

Malamute Care & Grooming

That glorious double coat is beautiful but requires effort to look its best. Brushing the coat out daily is important, and it doubles as a nice way to relax and bond with your dog. Twice a year, Malamutes shed their coat and require extra brushing.

Malamute Health Concerns

This is a hearty breed, but as with all purebreds, the Alaskan Malamute is prone to some genetic diseases. It’s important to work with a dedicated and reputable breeder who can provide you with health clearances for puppies.

Is the Malamute For Me?

This is a special dog. The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient breed that has endured through centuries in remote, harsh weather, and has been pulled from the brink of extinction more than once. For the experienced dog lover who can provide the time and energy required, the rewards are as large as the Mal itself.

If you like the Alaskan Malamute, you might also consider the Siberian Husky, the Samoyed, or the Canadian Eskimo Dog.

    Siberian Husky                           Samoyed                 Canadian Esquimo Dog

Photos from left to right:  Thomas Pitera © AKC, Thomas Pitera © AKC, karen appleby/shutterstock

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!