Judges' Education Seminar
Commentary on Some Points of the Standard of the Alaskan Malamute

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

The Alaskan Malamute, a powerful and substantially built dog, is intended as the freighting dog of the North. It is important to remember that he is a dog developed to carry heavy loads over a long distance at a moderate speed, unlike the Siberian Husky, which was developed to carry a light load over a long distance. Often people think of freighting dogs as being "giant" and "massive". This is not accurate. The Malamute should be a heavier and more powerful dog than are the other Northern breeds, but he is not a ponderous dog.

Attitude is very important in this breed. Our standard says that he "stands well over the pads. This stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage." His head is erect, and his eyes alert. One can see interest, intelligence, and curiosity. A Malamute should be happy and confident. The tail is a waving plume, and it is not uncommon to see a row of Malamutes set up for examination, most with their tails waving.

SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE:

The desirable freighting sizes are: males, 25 inches (63 cm) at the shoulder, 85 pounds (39 kg); females, 23 inches (58 cm) at the shoulder, 75 pounds (34 kg). The standard states, "Size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement, and other functional attributes." This absolutely true. However one must remember that there is a reason for a desirable freighting size, and one must try to stay as close to that size as possible. Also, a 24 inch (61 cm) dog and a 22 inch (56 cm) bitch could certainly be as deserving of wins as a 26 inch (66 cm) dog and a 24 inch (61 cm) bitch. Bigger is not necessarily better. The standard states, "the length of body from point of shoulder to the rear point of pelvis is longer than the height of body." Since the Alaskan Malamute is an endurance animal, it is extremely important that the length of body be slightly longer than the height of the body. Also keep in mind that a long loin which weakens the back is a fault and a short back which impedes movement is also to be penalized.

The dog should be shown in excellent physical condition, and should carry no excess weight. Although the standard states that "heavy bone" is necessary, it is important that bone be in proportion to size. The dog must look balanced. A dog judge should be able to look at any animal and see proper balance.

HEAD

A broad head with a large, bulky muzzle is very important in this breed. Pigment should be black. Brown pigment is acceptable in a red dog. The soft expression, which is a hallmark of the beed, comes from the dark, almond shaped eyes set obliquely in the skull. An important point is that although the ears are medium size, they are small in proportion to the head. The ears have the appearance when erect of standing off from the skull. "High set ears are a fault." This is important because this is one factor which differentiates the Malamute from the Siberian.

NECK, TOPLINE, BODY

When people discuss "proper type", they often discuss only the head. Proper body type is important as well. The strong moderately arched neck and firm back gently sloping to the hips are extremely important. There should not be anything soft or flabby about the Malamute's body. He should look like an athlete -- well muscled and sound in both body and mind. The well furred tail should have the appearance of a plume waving. A snap or tightly curled tail is a fault. A fox brush tail like a Siberian Husky is also a fault.

FOREQUARTERS

The Standard states, "Pasterns are short and strong and slightly sloping when viewed from the side." It is important to realize that in order to maintain the true tight, deep and compact snowshoe foot, the slope of the pastern must be very slight.

COAT

A proper Malamute coat is thick and harsh. A judge must be very astute in determining correct coat texture. A soft coat is incorrect. One can also tell if the dog has been scissored which, of course, is not allowed.

COLOR

Malamutes range in color from light gray to black, sable, and red. The only solid color allowable is the all white. All of these colors are equally acceptable. Dogs should never be penalized for their facial markings. Broken colors extended over the body, and uneven splashings are undesirable.

SUMMARY

It is important to remember that the Malamute must be sound. He must be a strong, powerful dog who would be capable of pulling heavy loads over great distances. He must also have an attitude that would denote willingness to work with his master. In old records of the Mahlemut (the original spelling) tribe, one marvels at the strength, endurance, friendliness, and beauty of their dogs. It is these attributes that we wish to preserve in the present day Malamute. We ask the dog show judges to help us in this task by rewarding those dogs that exhibit the positive qualities stated in the Standard.

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Copyright © 1999 Linda Dowdy, last revision 990329