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The Alaskan Malamute evolved from the ancient dogs that accompanied prehistoric man in his migrations from Asia, across the Arctic to Greenland and back. The migrations, covering thousands of years also produced a natural evolution of species that varied from the long coated varieties found in Greenland to the lesser coated, longed legged varieties found in the forest and lake areas of northern Canada. Early Russian and English explorers often reported a superior and better kept type of work dog kept by the “Mahlemut” (Malemiut, Mahlmuit, Malemuit) tribes around the Norton Sound area of Alaska They were less “wild”, more tractable and capable of an enormous amount of work. It must be kept in mind that these were work animals. They were used in hunting seals, were set loose in packs to course the polar bear, and to haul heavy sledges or pack in supplies. Although treated with fondness and exceptional care, there was no room for “pets” on the cruel ice packs and tundra
With the Gold Rush, the demand for pack and sled dogs brought into Alaska all types of breeds that could survive the weather. Soon, especially near the populated areas, the dogs were quite a mixture of breeds and quality. One had to travel many days inland, out of the gold country to find any semblance of the original Alaskan sled dogs. Due to their relative isolation, the dogs of the “Mahlemuts” remained fairly “pure”, but they too suffered from the inroads of civilization. In the twentieth century the Malamutes came of age:
1909 brought about the Commander Robert Peary -Dr. Frederick Cook controversy on who reached the North Pole first. This remarkable exploration was made possible by the sled dogs, and nobody argues this point. Regardless of which man got to the North Pole first, history bears out the fact that the sled dogs were truly the first ones there. The great serum run in 1925 when a group of drivers and their stalwart dogs fought their way through fifty below zero weather and an 80 mile an hour blizzard to get serum to the inhabitants of Nome to halt the march of diphtheria. Later brought the two Admiral Richard Byrd expeditions on the Antarctic continent. To this day there stands a plaque in Little America, Antarctic dedicated to all the dogs whose lives were lost during these two expeditions to Little America, 1928-1930 & 1933-1935 Today
Malamutes are tremendous companions used not only at sledding, pulling contests, where it can normally pull 20 times its weight, it can be seen going jogging with his owner, hiking, pulling an in-line skater down the road (watch for the wolfy grin), accompanying bicyclists, going on cross country ski trips (he loves the snow), skijoring (a skier being pulled by the harnessed dog) and demonstrating his talents in conformation shows, They also perform in the obedience rings, agility. and provide care to elderly folks as service dogs and on occasion they have been known to sit on your lap. The Malamute loves adventure and will not let his owner rest on his laurels, Malamutes are very smart, loving, devious and still the most powerful working dog in the world. All they ask for in return is love, a safe environment, and maybe, a pat on the head. Where
can I learn more? The Alaskan Malamute Club of Canada Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard Here
are some books that you will find useful |
