“The way to a Malamute brain IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH.”
down and back the legs will tend toward the centerline but we do not specifically ask for single tracking. There should be no crabbing, padding, or any other movement fault that would interfere with his ability to negotiate the extreme terrain in his native Alaska. From the side you will see all the parts working together. Th e powerful drive in the rear, the firm topline, the head carried forward and slightly above the withers and the front legs reaching in a straight line from the shoulder to touch the ground just under the chin. Th ere is no roaching, dip- ping, rolling or other tiring action in the topline. Th ere is no pounding at the shoul- der, the pastern is flexible yet not weak and the overall motion is e ff ortless, bal- anced and tireless, all vital to endurance. Your impression is that of a dog covering the most ground with the fewest steps. He should never appear to be his own load! It is a complete package of a power- ful, athletic, beautiful dog capable of per- forming his duties in unforgiving weather and terrain. Th e essentials discussed above encompass breed type. Without these characteristics the dog is not a correct Alaskan Malamute. It is imperative for judges to get their hands into the coats to properly evaluate the structure of this breed. Coat can totally distort size, substance, topline, head shape and angles. If you think the topline looks dippy, check with your hands. It could be coat. If you think the head has too much stop, feel to be sure. Our exhibitors are good groomers - it’s up to judges to get beyond cosmetics.
When we consider color we are thinking more of a style characteristic than actual breed type. Th is breed comes in several colors and variations of those colors. Some judges have asked if gray is the preferred color. Absolutely NOT!! Th ere is no preferred color. Th ose mentioned in the standard are anywhere from light gray to black, sable, red and the only allowed solid color, white. All can have white, cream, gray or sable undercoat and shadings of these colors. Th e gray, black, sable, white dogs will have black pigment and brown eyes, the darker the better. Reds will have brown pigment and a light color eye. All are totally acceptable. A snow nose is not to be faulted in any color. Face markings are another example of style characteristics. An open face, one having no other color than white often makes the head seem broader and muzzle heavier. Heavy face markings such as a bar and mask of a dark color can give the impression of a narrow and/or longer muzzle. You may see very heavy markings covering most of the face. Th e expression is still inviting and beautiful. All colors will have varying shades of white on the under belly, tail, legs and some part of face markings. You may see a white color, half color or nap spot. Th ere could be a blaze on the top skull. You may also see dark colored streaks down the back of the hock. All are acceptable. What is not are body splashes or broken colors over the body. A word about temperament… He is confident, smart, alert and determined. In the Malamute world there is a leader and all others follow. However the breed
is great with both adults and children. He is not a guardian breed normally. He has a tendency to verbalize which is di ff erent than growling! Normally dogs in the show ring are very well trained and totally happy to be admired and have special attention. Often when approaching, you will see tails wagging and almost a smile on their face. But there can be times when males in particular get agitated with each other. Th ere may be a bitch in season or another dog may have grumbled even if you didn’t hear it. Should you be faced with this, give them room. Separate them as much as possible. If a bitch in season, allow as much space as reasonable possible between the girls and boys. Never bunch them all up in a corner. Split the class if need be to prevent an incident. Most handlers know their dog and know when to keep separation. Having said this, if a Malamute does growl or snap at you, immediately send it form your ring. Th ere is no excuse for it and never tolerate it, even if it’s a puppy! Th e way to a Malamute brain is through his stomach. Please allow the reasonable use of bait. Because food is a motivator, any leftover bait from other breeds needs to be cleaned up before the Malamutes enter the ring. Most of the time a ring with 50 or 60 dogs will present a picture of waving tails and happy expressions. Just a little aware- ness may help prevent an incident. Th e Alaskan Malamute is a majes- tic beautiful breed. His heritage is to be respected and his virtues rewarded. It is the job of breeders and judges to protect this heritage.
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