The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest, most powerful arctic sled dogs. They were first bred by a tribe of Inuits in the late 1880s and are native to the northern regions of the western hemisphere. Their main use was to haul heavy sleds across long distances in harsh winter weather. The Malamute gets its name from a group of Eskimos known as Mahlamuits or Mahlemuts. The tribe first settled along the shores of the Kotzebue Sound, located in the upper western region of Alaska. The dogs were essential for survival of the Eskimos and were used to haul food, supplies and other necessary possessions.The sled was developed as a tool for moving meat from a hunt back to the Inuit home base. The Inuit people often had to travel great distances to find food and supplies essential for survival, due to the severe weather conditions of the Arctic.
The arctic was one of the most difficult places to live in the world, due to its subfreezing temperatures, unrelenting snow and lack of resources. The Alaskan Malamute breed became essential to survival. Its strength, endurance, obedient nature and sled-dog qualities made it a powerful companion for the Eskimo people.
In addition to being able to transport heavy loads across long distances, the dogs were also valued for their excellent hunting ability. They would hunt polar bear, moose, wolves, walrus and any other large predators which threatened the Eskimos, and also provided food on the journey. Because the dogs could work as a team to kill a large predator, and because of its appearance the nickname wolf-dog was often used. The dogs could also help locate blow-holes for the Inuits to find air-seeking seals.
Many dog historians are confident that the Malamute is related to some of its arctic cousins, such as the Siberian Husky, Samoyed and other similar Eskimo dogs of Greenland and Labrador. Many of the arctic dogs have similar characteristics with sledding abilities and the ability to survive under harsh weather conditions on minimal amounts of food.
Early examples of the breed varied in type and conformation depending on the conditions in which they were raised and exposed to. Types of terrain, amounts of snow, how the dogs were used and treated profoundly affected they way they looked and performed. Variations are different length and texture of coats, length of head, muzzle and legs.
Alaskan Gold Rush
The breed became extremely popular during the Alaskan Gold Rush of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Working teams were created from all of Alaska and the Yukon. A number of the other arctic breeds were also represented, although the Malamute became the most popular. The thick coat, durability, intelligence and ability to work well in difficult conditions was recognized.
Sled dog racing became a favorite pastime of the mushers when they weren't out looking for gold. It quickly became the premier sport, and gambling on these events started in the town bars. In 1908 the Nome Kennel Club was formed and organized a 408 mile All Alaska sled dog race. The winners of these events obtained huge recognition and prize money, and became celebrities throughout the region.The sled dog stars of this period became well known in Alaska and the United States. Scotty Allen, John Johnson and Leonhard Seppala were just a few of the finest sled dog drivers and trainers during this time. Scotty Allen was particularly important to the sport, being instrumental in organizing the first official sled dog race, which was the All Alaska Sweepstakes.
Byrd Expedition
Richard E. Byrd headed the Byrd Expedition, the greatest geological sled dog event of the early 1900s. He was a naval aviation officer who wanted to be the first person to fly over the South Pole. He needed a number 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 brought together. The dogs carried food, coal and other important supplies. Byrd's complete trip totaled 1,600 miles, and he returned home to a warm welcome. This expedition helped the breed's recognition and was the first of many.
Later Admiral Richard Byrd conducted a second Antarctic expedition. Again he funded most of the trip himself. The purpose was to focus on scientific research and the study of Antarctic weather patterns. Captain Michael Innes-Taylor was assigned chief dog-driver for this event.
The breed's fine qualities and increasing recognition caused Alaskan Malamutes to be in high demand, and led to their expansion outside the arctic region. During the first World War, the French Government needed support for their military troops who were fighting against Germany. The troops had become cut off from supplies by poor weather conditions, and desperately needed food, ammunition and medical supplies. The French Government asked the Nome Kennel for help, and 450 Alaskan Malamutes (and their sleds) were sent to the rescue.
Plans began at the same time for an International Dog Sled race in the United States. It took place in 1922 in New Hampshire. Many believed the race was influential in establishing the foundation purebred stock of both the Malamute and the Siberian Husky. The winner of the race was Arthur Walden, who later become the 1st President of the New England Sled Dog Club.In 1925 the Malamutes were needed again for a rescue operation in Alaska. Serum needed to be delivered to diphtheria patients in Nome. This was a huge operation, a 600 plus mile trip from Nenana to Nome, and was headed by Leonhard Seppala and his Siberian Huskies. Seppala and his lead dog Togo were responsible for much of the work on the long challenging trip. However much of the credit was given to Gunnar Kassen and his Alaskan Malamute lead dog Balto. There is still a statue in Central Park honoring Balto, the handler team and their work.
Breed Recognition in America
In 1935 the Alaskan Malamute was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club. In the same year the Alaskan Malamute Club was set up with Milton Seeley as the first president. Seeley and his wife had been introduced to the breed by the famous Arthur Walden. In 1931 they obtained Chinook Kennels from the Walden's and started a lifetime of work with Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. Both these couples were instrumental to the breed?s development and popularity.The Seeleys became the breeders and owners of the first Champion. This was also the first dog to be registered with the American Kennel Club. His name was Ch Gripp of Yukon. Two other dogs registered at the time were Rowdy of Nome and Taku of Kotzebue. At first, dogs of unknown descent were admitted for registration provided they would win 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 Hodgens, was the second dog to championship in 1944.
During the 1950s the Seeleys and their kennel name Kotzebue had become a major influence on the breed. Their dogs were used on Byrd's expeditions and during both Worlds Wars. After World War II several important breeders emerged. Paul Voelker and the M'loot Kennel was one of the most influential. His most famous dog, Gentleman Jim, served in the war and is acknowledged in the Hall of Working Fame. Voelker's dogs became known world-wide as excellent sled dogs, and many other kennels formed around these M'loot bloodlines. Other important and influential dogs came from the Husky-Pak, Red Horse and Hinman-Irwin lines. Toro of Bras Coupe become the breed's greatest sire.