From
time out of mind, native people have depended on dogs as draft power
in their struggle for survival. In southern territories, these dogs
were replaced by hoofed stock; in the north, where climates are severe
and life a constant battle against the elements, these dogs remained
an important companion to man far into the 20th Century. Chief among
these breeds are the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky, both developed
among indigenous people on the Siberian plateaus, and the Alaskan
Malamute, born among the Mahlemuit Inuit in Alyeska long before Russia
sold this magnificent, brutal land to the US government.
The
Malamute was a freight dog, sturdy, intelligent, and of great endurance.
The Mahlemuit people were kind and gentle to their dogs, so the
Mals had to contend only with the harsh climates and not the cruel
practices of some other Arctic natives.
Females
in heat were sometimes staked out for wolves to breed, and the toughness
and adaptability of the Malamute stock was replenished. The success
of the hunt determined the amount of food necessary for both humans
and dogs; in times of scarcity, the dogs often battled each other
for the meager scraps that were available.
The
Gold Rush at the turn of the century increased the use of sled dogs,
and races were held to emphasize their value. The need for speed
jeopardized the Malamute, for this was a heavy draft dog, capable
of pulling great weights but not built for swiftness. So the Mal
was crossbred with a variety of lighter, faster dogs, and purebreds
were almost lost.
Enter
Eva B. "Short" Seeley and her husband Milton, New
Englanders with an uncommon interest in sled dogs, and Arthur
Treadwell Walden, owner of Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire.
Through their combined efforts, the Malamute and the Siberian
Husky were protected. Dogs and drivers were trained at Chinook
for Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expedition, and the Seeley's
remained prime forces in the Malamute breed and in the establishment
of sled dog clubs and races in the US.
The
Alaskan Malamute gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1935,
and today is ranked about 40th in popularity among AKC's breeds.
Conformation
The
most obvious physical traits of the breed are its size, heavy, double
coat, plumed tail, and wolfish appearance. The Mal is the largest
of the sled dogs. Males are 25 inches at the withers and weigh about
85 pounds; females are 23 inches tall and weigh about 75 pounds. However,
the breed standard allows for larger dogs as long as type, proportion,
and movement are correct.
The
Mal standard is one of the few that stresses the purpose of the breed
as a critical measure of the dog's appearance, and it exhorts
judges to bear in mind that "In judging Malamutes, their function as
a sledge dog for heavy freighting must be given consideration above
all else," reminding judges that heavy bone, powerful build,
and steady, tireless gait are to be rewarded and that individual
traits that detract from this purpose are to be penalized.
The
dog has the typical thick undercoat and longer, coarser guard coat
of the northern breeds. He sheds this massive coat twice a year, and
the amount of hair that wafts about the house and scurries under furniture
during these times can be overwhelming. Although the coat does not
need clipping and trimming, it does need at least weekly brushing
during non-shedding periods and at least every-other-day brushing
while shedding.
The
Mal coat also comes in a woolly form that is not acceptable in the
show ring. A woolly Mal needs more frequent brushing to prevent the
hair from matting. It is in color that the Mal most resembles the
wolf. His overcoat can be any color from white to black or red; his
undercoat can be any of these colors and need not be the same color
as the topcoat. The undersides of his body are white, and color shadings
can be found in those areas of the body bordering the white areas.
He may or may not have a mask face.
The
full, bushy tail can be carried over the back or waved like a plume.
A young Mal might be confused with a Siberian Husky, but no one can
mistake the adult Mal for its smaller cousin. This is a massive dog,
built for heavy work; the Siberian is smaller and lighter, built for
speed. Mals always have brown eyes; Siberians can have a blue eye
or two.
Temperament
and Behavior
Because
of its heritage, the Malamute is not a dog for the faint of heart
or weak of purpose. Although friendly and affectionate, he is also
dominant and can be quite a handful if not properly socialized and
trained. An untrained 85-pound Mal can be a terror to behold.
Generally
a happy breed willing to please its owner, the Malamute greets most
people with gay abandon but may not be so accommodating with other
dogs, particularly dogs of the same sex. When confronted by a canine
challenge, the response may be fast and furious. The modern Mal also
harkens back to ancestral days of foraging in the wild - he will raid
trash and steal food if possible; is an able hunter and executioner
of small game, including cats; and, if allowed to run loose, can be
deadly to livestock. An owner must be prepared to deal with this wild
streak if he plans to bring a Mal into his home.
Linda
Smith, a Malamute owner and rescue coordinator in Mt. Gilead, Ohio,
stressed the breed's intelligence and strong will as major traits
and emphasized the need for firm obedience training using positive
reinforcement rather than punishment.
"Malamutes
need gentle, firm training," she said. "No pinch collars,
no hanging, no beating, no choking the dog until it turns blue. Positive
reinforcement is so much better." Because of its northern heritage,
the Malamute adapts readily to life outdoors, but should never be
allowed to run loose or be tied on a chain, tie-out, or trolley.
The indoor Malamute needs daily exercise on a leash or in an enclosed
area; the outdoor dog needs daily doses of companionship and affection.
Malamutes
are exceptionally quiet dogs that seldom bark, but they may utter
a surprising repertoire of yips, growls, rumbles, howls, and woo-woo-woos.
Some Mals harmonize mournfully in concert with every passing siren,
and others seldom or never howl.
Finding
a breeder
Because
of the breed's intelligence, propensity for dominance, need for early
socialization, and strong prey drive, selection of a responsible breeder
is critical to the success of the relationship between the Mal and
its new family. Not only must the breeder ethically select breeding
stock, practice good management, and socialize puppies, he must also
be available to assist the new owners in adjusting to and training
the new member of their household and to take the dog back in case
the relationship doesn't work out.
Don't look seriously
at puppies until you have narrowed your selection of breeders. Most
of all, don't buy a puppy because you like the noble, handsome appearance
of the adults. Make sure this is the breed to share your life for
the next dozen or more years.
Medical
Problems
Like
all large breeds, Mals are subject to hip dysplasia, and they can
have zinc-deficiency skin disorders and thyroid problems. The breed
is also affected by congenital dwarfism; puppies should be purchased
only from breeders who test their breeding stock for this genetic
abnormality. Mals can also be victims of Factor VII deficiency, a
mild condition of the blood causing delayed coagulation, and day blindness,
a decreased ability to see in bright light.
Obviously, although
it is basically a healthy breed, the Mal is not the dog for everyone,
not even everyone who likes big dogs. Although its wolfish appearance
inspires awe and admiration, its independence, penchant for dominance,
and need for exercise must be taken into consideration before buying
a puppy. On the other hand, once you get past the caveats about the
breed, the Mal can make a loyal companion, a jogging or hiking partner,
or a beloved pet for just the right family or individual.
