A Judge's Guide To The Alaskan Malamute

Contents:

Introduction & Priorities
Correct Examination Procedure
Important Points to Remember
Drawings (under construction)

Introduction and Priorities

Thank you for your interest in our breed. The Alaskan Malamute is a noble dog with a unique history. Malamutes served in the Byrd Expeditions and also in several expeditions after World War II. After surviving near extinction, the breed has come back to take its place on the trail, in the home, and in the show ring.

The Malamute is a true working dog, and we would like you as judges to reward him for those attributes which make him a true sled dog. The following attributes are the priorities that the parent club would like addressed:

1. Soundness — A working dog must be sound. Soundness of feet and legs is our top priority. We want a dog which is clean coming and going and with good reach in the front and drive in the rear. Do not reward an unsound dog just because it is pretty. We do feel that the Malamute should be a beautiful dog. Records of the first white men who saw the dogs of the Malamuet tribe state that they marveled at the beauty of these dogs. However, soundness is always your top priority.

2. Coat — A sled dog cannot exist in a primitive environment without a proper coat. A harsh double coat is absolutely necessary. The length may vary somewhat. Do not reward a dog with a soft silky coat and no undercoat. Such a dog would find it difficult to survive in an Arctic climate.

3. Feet — Feet are extremely important in this breed. The Malamute foot should be fairly large and tight. There should be very little bend of pastern. A small dainty foot or one down at the pastern are not functional.

4. Temperament — The Alaskan Malamute is supposed to be a friendly, outgoing dog. He is not a one man dog. A Malamute should never growl at the judge. If the dog growls at your or his owner, excuse him from the ring. This is not the behavior that we want portrayed as proper Malamute temperament. Occasionally you may see two dogs who grumble at each other. This should be quickly controlled by the handler and not allowed to continue. The Alaskan Malamute should be an outgoing dog. A shy dog is not typical of this breed.

5. Condition — The Alaskan Malamute is a working sledge dog. He should be shown in top physical condition with no excess weight. You should not be able to grab handfuls of fat anywhere on the dog's body. The dog is an athlete and should look and act like one. In the summertime you will see many dogs out of coat. This does not reflect poor condition.

Correct Examination Procedure

The Malamute is a fun loving dog and can be quite a clown, often at the expense of a human. Large dangling jewelry, hats and scarves could possibly become the objects of a game that you do not want to be a part of.

After looking at the dog's head, do your examination from the side. Feel the ears for thickness of leather, check shoulders and chest for depth and width. You will need to check the topline because sometimes the coat will be brushed up just before the croup and the appearance will be deceiving. The dog should be in top physical condition, and you should not feel any extra fat. It is not necessary to over examine the dog; most of what you need to see, you will see when he is moving. Do not bend down in front of or behind a Malamute. He could interpret it as an invitation to play, and you could find yourself on your back, which could be quite embarrassing.

The Alaskan Malamute should stand for examination with confidence. He should not shy away from a judge. The breed can be quite vocal; the talking, however, should be limited to a low "woo woo". A dog which shows any aggression should be excused from the ring.

The Alaskan Malamute is best judged on a loose lead at a moderate speed. He should be under control at all times. The stride should be easy and tireless, but powerful. He is relatively light on his feet for such a large and powerful dog.

If there is bait in the ring, please have it cleaned up prior to the Malamute judging. Food is the number one priority for the Alaskan Malamute, and he will do almost anything to get that piece of liver for himself and keep it away from all competitors. This attitude could easily cause chaos in your ring.

Important Points to Remember

An Alaskan Malamute

• Must be sound of body and of temperament.

• Must have a double coat. The guard coat must be thick and coarse. The dog will have less coat in the summer.

• Must NEVER have a long, soft coat.

• Is a natural breed. Scissoring is acceptable ONLY on the feet.

• Is a large, not a giant breed.

• Must be able to exist in a primitive environment. This includes having a thick ear small for the size of the head.

• Must have a tight, deep snowshoe foot with well-cushioned pads.

• Should have a broad head with a bulky muzzle.

• Should be moderately angulated.

• Should have an alert, interested, and intelligent expression.

• Should have a well furred tail with the appearance of a waving plume.

• May be one of several different color combinations and markings. None is given preference over the others.

• Should have a dark eye.

• Should have a scissors bite.

• Should not move in a stilted gait or in any gait that is not completely efficient and tireless.

• Should not have broken colors extending over the body.

Survival characteristics should never be sacrificed in favor of cosmetic ones.