GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 58.5-63.5cm (23”-25”).
Colour: Distinguishing lighter face with darker cap. Basic colour to be light grey through to black with designated white markings. Solid white acceptable.
Coat: Coarse outercoat stands out. Oily undercoat is dense.
Gait: Powerful and tireless with a proud carriage.
The tallest member of the North American spitz family, Malamutes must be heavy boned and strong enough to haul heavy sleds. Their wolf like expressions are enhanced by erect ears and the obliquely set eyes are brown - never blue. The wedge shaped head is strong as is the body and loin. The legs are powerful and finish with large compact feet with protective hair between the pads. The furry tail is carried over the back like a waving plume.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Malamutes are not a one-man dog and are friendly to all and sundry. Their endurance is amazing and their adaptable nature means they can be trained for a great many jobs including that of a guide dog. The oily water repellent coat makes them an excellent proposition for work in cold, wet conditions.
HISTORY
Taking their name from a native tribe in the Arctic called the Mahlemuts, these dogs were often known as wolf spitz. Their origin is rather obscure but generally, it is believed they have been with the Eskimos for two to three thousand years. The Alaskan Indians found them invaluable as their duties include droving, herding, hunting and as draught animals needed to haul heavy sleds. When polar expeditions were instigated by white men, it was the Malamute they favoured and chose to accompany them in their explorations.