Judges' Education Seminar
Judging the Alaskan Malamute

Thank you for your interest in our breed. The Alaskan Malamute Club of America is committed to continuing education, and although our judges' education effort is fairly new, it has laid the groundwork for a comprehensive and cohesive judges' education process. We are in the process of establishing a well structured and consistent mentor system which will be expanded further.

The Alaskan Malamute is best judged on a loose lead at a moderate speed. He should be under control at all times. His stride should be easy and tireless but powerful. There should be good reach in front and a strong drive from the rear. The Malamute should stand with confidence for examination.

The temperament of the adult is friendly. They are not one-man dogs and normally not territorial or protective of persons. They are, however, very exuberant. Please do not bend down in front or behind a Malamute. He could take it as an invitation to play, and you could find yourself on your back, which could be quite embarassing.

Puppies are very curious. Dangling jewelry, scarves, or corsages may be "over-examined" by a puppy.

If there is bait in the ring, please have it cleaned up prior to the Malamute judging. Food is the number one priority for the Alaskan Malamute, and he will do almost anything to get that piece of liver for himself and keep it away vrom all other competitors. This attitude could easily cause chaos in your ring.

Malamutes can be very vocal. However it is extremely important to distinguish between the "woo" that we often hear and a growl. If you think a dog is growling at you, he probably is. Please excuse him. Remember, however, occasionally you could witness a slight disagreement between two dogs. This should not be more that a syllable. Anything more than this should not be allowed.

Vicky Jones, AKC Gazette Columnist, states in her July 1985 article:

"In the last 20 years temperaments have improved, because of better control and management... Agression toward people is another story; one that is being told more often across the country. Malamutes have bitten their owners, attacked their handlers, and growled at judges while being examined. Shame on judges who let them stay in the ring, or worse, award them points."

The Alaskan Malamute is a sweet, funloving dog. Please help us to preserve his wonderful temperament. Do not ignore or reward the very few dogs that bring shame to our breed.

If specific attention is paid to their necessary type features and soundness, including temperament, the judging of these dogs will provide a positive and continuing contribution to the improvement of the Alaskan Malamute. In so doing it will ensure the perpetuation of dogs that can function as sledge dogs in the Arctic.

Back to Judges' Education Seminar Index or Minnesota Malamute Club Home Page

Copyright © 1999 Linda Dowdy, last revision 990403