Alaskan Malamute

The principal and oldest of the Arctic sled canines, the Alaskan Malamute possesses enormous strength and fortitude. He is not intended to race, but rather to carry large loads over extended distances. Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are very sporty and still capable of enjoying sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging and swimming with their owners. The Malamute coat is thick and coarse, with a plumed tail carried over the back. The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red. Face markings, including a cap on the head and a bar/mask on the face are often distinguishing features.

An American breed, the Alaskan Malamute was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who developed in Alaska. They have forever been used as sled dogs for serious freighting in the Arctic. The breed is cousin to the other Arctic breeds: the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky and the American Eskimo dog.