Alaskan Malamute
Also called mal.
A freight dog rather than a racing dog, and built accordingly. Brown eyes always — blue eyes are a disqualification in the standard, which is the fastest check against a Husky.
- Group
- Working
- Weight
- 34–45 kg
- Coat
- double
- Ears
- erect
- Muzzle
- medium
- Build
- Heavy
- Origin
- United States
What it looks like
Powerfully built and substantially larger than a Husky, with a thick coarse double coat, a broad head, smaller ears set wide, brown eyes, and a plumed tail waving over the back.
The characters that confirm it
- Substantially heavier and larger than a Husky, with heavy bone.
- A plumed tail waving over the back, often resting on it.
- Brown eyes. Never blue.
- Smaller ears set wider apart on a broader skull.
Temperament
Independent, strong, dog-assertive in many individuals, and a determined digger. Not a beginner's dog.
Health
Hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia and polyneuropathy, the last two with genetic tests. Prone to heat intolerance given the coat.
Confused with
Smaller and lighter, sickle tail rather than plumed over the back, and blue eyes are common.
Entirely white, smaller, with a distinctly upturned mouth line.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Alaskan Malamute?
Substantially heavier and larger than a Husky, with heavy bone. A plumed tail waving over the back, often resting on it.
What is a Alaskan Malamute like to live with?
Independent, strong, dog-assertive in many individuals, and a determined digger. Not a beginner's dog.
What health problems do Alaskan Malamutes have?
Hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia and polyneuropathy, the last two with genetic tests. Prone to heat intolerance given the coat.