The Alaskan Malamute is a member of the Spitz family and evolved in the Arctic regions. They were first discovered, during the 1700's, living with a tribe of Inuit people known as "Mahlemuts". They were used for hunting seals and polar bears and then fastened to a sled to haul the game home through the thick snow and ice.
By necessity, these dogs evolved into big, strong animals. The original dogs weren't very fast; but, with the Alaskan Gold Rush came outsiders that raced the dogs for entertainment. When they started cross-breeding the dogs, some Malamute lovers bought up some quality specimens to protect the line. These are the forebears of today's Malamute.
The AKC breed standard calls for a large, powerful dog with very light gray to black fur and brown, almond-shaped eyes. The males may weigh as much as 85 lbs and stand 25" at the shoulder. They have dense, thick bones. The thick, double coat has a dense, oily undercoat and a coarse outercoat that will keep them warm during cold weather. The coat needs frequent brushing.
This large dog needs plenty of exercise to prevent frustration and bad manners. It's usually affectionate toward it's family, but can be stubborn and independent. Some owners have reported problems when their Malamute mixes with smaller dogs. They love to play in the snow and to pull sleds and can readily be taught to pull the family children. They have tremendous strength when pulling.
Most Malamutes are quiet dogs and seldom vocalize, other than "woooing" to talk. When frustrated, they may howl and sound quite similar to a wolf or coyote.
