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The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest and most admired Arctic sled dogs. These powerful working dogs are native to the northern regions of North America and were first bred by a tribe of Inuits in the late 1800s. The dogs were primarily used to haul heavy sleds across long distances in extremely harsh winter weather. The breed gets its name from a distinguished group of Eskimos that were known as the “Mahlamuits” or “Mahlemuts.” This native Inuit tribe was believed to have first settled along the shorelines of the Kotzebue Sound, located in the upper western section of Alaska. The Eskimo people of this region greatly depended on the dogs for survival. The dogs were used to haul food, supplies and other necessary provisions.

The development of the sled that was headed by a working team of Alaskan Malamutes was essential for moving meat from the original hunt location back to the Inuit home base. The unfavorable weather conditions of the Arctic often forced the Inuit people to travel great distances to find the food and supplies essential for their survival. During this time, the Arctic was one of the most difficult areas in which to reside. The subfreezing temperatures, unrelenting snow and lack of resources in the area made the Alaskan Malamute extremely valuable. The breed’s strength, endurance, obedient nature and sled-dog qualities made it a vital component of the Eskimo people’s survival.

Besides their ability to transport heavy loads of freight across long trails of snow and ice, Alaskan Malamutes were also valued for their superb hunting ability. It was not uncommon for them to hunt polar bears, moose, wolves, walruses and any other large, fierce predators that attempted to interfere with their long journeys or were needed for food. The combination of the breed’s wolf-like appearance and its ability to work as a team in the killing of large predators is the likely origin of its “wolf-dog” nickname. Even more probable, the name “wolf-dog” was common because some believed the breed had been crossed with wolves. Some reports even indicate that Alaskan Malamutes assisted the Inuit Eskimos by locating blow-holes where air-seeking seals were situated.

PART OF THE PACK

The Alaskan Malamute’s admiration of and fondness for family companionship and the breed’s love of children were apparent from the very beginning. During extremely cold nights, the dogs were often used as an excellent means of warmth and comfort. It wasn’t uncommon to see a pack of Alaskan Malamutes snuggling and sleeping with small Eskimo children.

Other Arctic breeds included the pure-white Samoyed, also revered for its people-loving temperament. This abundantly coated breed is also a popular pet due to its outgoing, happy nature.

Many dog historians are confident that the Alaskan Malamute is related to some of the other Arctic breeds, such as the Siberian Husky, Samoyed and other similar Eskimo dogs of Greenland and Labrador. Like these relatives, the Malamute was valued for its ability to survive under harsh weather conditions and on minimal amounts of food.

Early specimens of the breed varied in type and conformation depending on conditions to which they were exposed. The type of terrain, amounts of snow and how the dogs were used and treated profoundly affected how they looked and performed. The dogs’ coats differed in length and texture, and the length of head, muzzle, legs and other distinctive features also varied from dog to dog.

PHOTO BY KENT AND DONNA DANNEN.

Dog sledding is a popular sport derived from the Eskimos’ practice of using dogs for over-the-snow transportation of people and goods.

THE POPULARITY OF DOG SLEDDING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE BREED

Dog sledding has been very popular for quite some time. The Alaskan Gold Rush of the late 1800s and early 1900s attracted working teams from all of Alaska and the Yukon. Although there were other Arctic breeds represented in the working sled-dog groups, the Alaskan Malamute was quickly recognized for its many fine characteristics. The breed’s thick coat, durability, intelligence and ability to work soundly under adverse conditions made it far superior to its Arctic canine relatives as team leaders. During this time, people flocked from all over the United States to the Alaskan region in search of gold, which was first discovered in 1896 in Bonanza Creek in the Klondike. The demand for the breed became overwhelming and the stock was quickly exhausted.

When the mushers (sled-dog drivers) of the “gold rush” era weren’t out looking for riches, they participated in sled-dog racing as their favorite pastime. Sled-dog racing quickly became the premier sport, and gambling on these events was very popular in the local bars. So popular, in fact, that in 1908 the Nome Kennel Club was formed, and this organization was responsible for hosting a 408-mile All-Alaska sled dog race. Individuals from all over Alaska and the vicinity gathered together their sleds and the swiftest dogs they could find to take part in the sweepstakes. The winners of these events obtained tremendous recognition and prize money and became instant celebrities both within and outside the region.

IDITAROD

The Iditarod, also called the “Last Great Race,” is run each year in February from Anchorage to Nome. The dogs travel a distance of over 1,000 miles.

Very much like today’s recognized sports heroes and celebrities, the sled-dog stars of this period became well-known in both the United States and Alaska (before its statehood). Scotty Allen, John Johnson and Leonhard Seppala were just a few of the finest sled-dog drivers and trainers of this time. Scotty Allen was particularly important to the sport. He was instrumental in organizing the first official sled-dog race, which was the All-Alaska Sweepstakes.

EXPANSION AND BREED RECOGNITION

The Byrd Expedition, headed by Richard E. Byrd, was one of the greatest geological sled-dog expeditions of the early 1900s. Byrd was a naval aviation officer and was interested in becoming the first person to fly over the South Pole. During his expedition, he would need a group of sled-dog teams to transfer equipment across nine miles of icy terrain. Arthur Walden was the head dog-driver of Byrd’s team, and many top dogs from different locations were gathered for the event. The dogs carried food, coal and other important supplies for geologists and other expedition participants. Byrd’s complete trip totaled 1,600 miles, and he returned home to a warm welcome. This geological expedition would go on to help the breed’s recognition even further, and was the first of many expeditions to follow.

TOOTH TACTICS

The teeth of the Alaskan Malamute were often pulled entirely or filed down. Frequently the dogs would chew through their harnesses in an attempt to set themselves free. The filing or removing of teeth not only prevented them from chewing but also lessened the chance of injury if a fight were to break out among the pack.

Some years later, Admiral Richard Byrd would conduct a second Antarctic expedition. Once again Byrd would fund most of the trip himself; its purpose was similar to the first voyage, focusing on scientific research and the study of Antarctic weather patterns. Captain Michael Innes-Taylor was designated chief dog-driver for this event.

It was not long before the Alaskan Malamute’s fine qualities and increasing recognition caused the breed to be in high demand, eventually leading to the breed’s expansion outside the Arctic region. During World War I, the French government was in desperate need of support for their military troops who were fighting against Germany. The troops had become cut off from supplies by poor weather conditions and were unable to receive the resources they so badly needed. In serious trouble, the French asked the Nome Kennel Club for assistance. The Nome Kennel Club sent 450 Alaskan Malamutes, their sleds and the rest of their equipment to the rescue.

While the Eskimos developed the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberians developed a similar breed known as the Siberian Husky. The well-known Husky, shown here, is considerably smaller and finer boned than the Malamute.

At around the same time, plans were underway back in the United States for the first international dog-sled race. The race took place in 1922 in the state of New Hampshire and attracted worldwide recognition. The race was so popular that many believe it was influential in establishing the foundation pure-bred stock of both the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky. The race was won by Arthur Walden, who later became the first president of the New England Sled Dog Club.

In 1925, the services of the Alaskan Malamute were called upon once again to aid the small town of Nome, Alaska. The dogs were needed for the transfer of serum to this region to help treat diphtheria patients. The over 600-mile-long trip from the town of Nenana to Nome was headed by Leonhard Seppala and his Siberian Huskies. Seppala and his lead dog Togo were responsible for most of the work on the long, challenging journey. However, a gentleman named Gunnar Kassen and his Alaskan Malamute lead dog named Balto received much of the credit for the trip. In fact, a statue of Balto still stands in the United States in New York City’s Central Park honoring the dog and handler team for their great work during the serum run.

ESTABLISHING A FOOTHOLD

The Alaskan Malamute was first accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1935. On April 17, 1935, the Alaskan Malamute Club was organized with Milton Seeley as the club’s first president. Milton and his wife Eva had been introduced to the breed by the famous sled-dog driver Arthur Walden, and their admiration for the breed quickly escalated. In 1931, they obtained Chinook Kennels from Kate and Arthur Walden and began their lifetime involvement with both the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. The Waldens and Seeleys would become close friends and extremely crucial to the breed’s development and popularity as we know it today.

The Seeleys would become the breeders and owners of the first Alaskan Malamute champion. This dog was also the first Malamute registered by the American Kennel Club. The dog’s name was Ch. Gripp of Yukon. Two other dogs registered at the time were Rowdy of Nome and Taku of Kotzebue. In the beginning, dogs of unknown descent were admitted for registration provided they could accumulate some points at dog shows. The rule was later changed to allow breeding of non-registered dogs that could complete a championship. Ch. Kim of Kotzebue, owned by Art and Natalie Hogdens, was the second dog to earn a championship, in 1944.

By the 1950s the Seeleys and their recognized kennel name, Kotzebue, had become a major influence for the foundation and look of the Alaskan Malamute breed. Their dogs had been a large part of Admiral Byrd’s expeditions and were used in both World Wars to carry military supplies and as search-and-rescue dogs. Clearly, the breed had earned its worth.

After World War II, several breeders emerged with their own foundation stock and played a part in the breed’s development. Paul Voelker, with his M’loot Kennel, was one of these influential breeders. One of the most famous M’loot dogs was Gentleman Jim, who served in World War II and is acknowledged in the Working Dog Hall of Fame. Gentleman Jim was very influential in early Alaskan Malamute pedigrees. Voelker’s stock became known world-wide as worthy sled dogs, and many other kennels formed around the M’loot bloodlines.

The breed’s popularity spans the globe, aptly shown by this friendly Alaskan Malamute from Germany.

Other influential dogs derived from the Husky-Pak, Red Horse and Hinman-Irwin lines and became important parts of the breed’s foundation. Toro of Bras Coupe became the breed’s greatest sire.

Today the Alaskan Malamute remains a well-known and well-loved breed in the US. Still used for sled-pulling and prized by sled-racing enthusiasts, he is seen frequently in the conformation ring and most often as a family companion.

The Alaskan Malamute’s popularity has extended to many regions of the world. Countries such as Canada, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Italy respect the breed’s sledding abilities and its value as a working dog. In some countries, sled races are conducted every weekend, and they are valued as a popular and important pastime.