Where the Alaskan Malamute came from
The Alaskan Malamute comes from Alaska, where the Malimiut Inupiaq people are thought to have bred big, strong dogs. These dogs carried heavy loads in hard conditions. They were bred for strength and endurance, not speed.
During the Klondike gold rush of the late 1890s, sled dogs became very valuable and many were crossed with imported breeds. Breeders later worked to bring the original type back.
The AKC recognized the breed in 1935, largely through the work of Eva B. Seeley. In 2010 the Malamute was named the official state dog of Alaska.
- Before 1900 The Malimiut Inupiaq people breed freight dogs
- 1896 The Klondike gold rush makes sled dogs valuable and many are crossbred
- 1935 The AKC recognizes the Alaskan Malamute
- 2010 The Malamute is named Alaska's state dog
The job a Alaskan Malamute was bred for
The work was hauling heavy freight sleds long distances. The dog needed strength, stamina and a thick coat. At home you see a powerful, friendly dog who pulls, digs and thinks for themselves.
Sports that fit a Alaskan Malamute
- Weight pull. A strong dog who loves hauling.
- Carting. A good use of their strength.
- Canicross. Gentle running works well in cool weather.
- Scent work. A calm way to use their mind.
Training tips for a Alaskan Malamute
- Teach loose leash walking early, because grown Malamutes are very strong.
- Use rewards and keep it fun. They think for themselves, so make it worth their while.
- Give them a job, like hauling a cart or backpack.
- Teach calm greetings and use a harness.
Body and health
Malamutes are big and furry, so they overheat easily. Watch their hips and avoid high-impact jumping, especially while growing.
Fun fact. The Alaskan Malamute is the official state dog of Alaska.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Alaskan Malamute is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.