Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Summary
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest northern sled dog breeds, developed by the Inuit tribe known as the Mahlemuts, who lived along the Alaskan coast. These dogs were used to transport heavy loads over long distances, accompany hunters, and survive in harsh Arctic conditions. Natural selection preserved their strength, endurance, dense coat, and stable temperament. In the early 20th century, interest in the breed increased significantly due to the exploration of northern territories and the gold rush. The Malamute became a symbol of a reliable working dog capable of functioning in extreme environments. Today, the breed is valued for its power, steady character, and historical authenticity.
General Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful, harmoniously built sled dog with a strong bone structure, well-developed musculature, and a stable body. The outline is slightly elongated, with smooth lines that express strength without heaviness. The chest is deep and broad, the back strong, and the loin muscular. The head is large but proportional, with a friendly and confident expression. Limbs are strong and straight, with compact feet adapted for snow work. The tail is bushy and carried in a sweeping arch over the back. The Malamute gives the impression of a dog created for heavy sled work, demonstrating power, endurance, and natural steadiness of movement.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Malamute emphasize functional strength. Height at the withers is slightly less than body length, creating a somewhat elongated format that provides stability and pulling ability. Chest depth reaches the elbows, with moderate but sufficient width for effective lung capacity. Head length is in balance with neck and body length. The distance from nose to stop is slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. The limbs are proportional to the body: strong fore- and hindquarters ensure powerful thrust and continuous movement in harness. All proportions must reflect strength, stability, and the functional purpose of a northern working dog.
Behaviour and Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is known for a balanced, confident, and friendly temperament. It has a strong pack instinct, is human-oriented, and requires social interaction. Aggression is not typical, but the breed’s independent nature reflects its working origins. The Malamute is persistent, energetic, highly motivated to work, and capable of sustained effort. It enjoys movement and requires consistent training. Confidence, calmness, and goodwill are defining traits. With family, it shows affection, tolerance, and playfulness, though dominance may appear without proper guidance. Overall, it is a reliable, strong, and emotionally stable breed.
Head
The head of the Malamute is large, broad, and powerful yet proportional to the body. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, with a moderately defined stop. The forehead is wide; the muzzle is full but not pointed and slightly shorter than the skull. Skull and muzzle lines are parallel, creating an expression of strength and calmness. Cheeks are well-developed but not coarse. Lips are tight, not pendulous. The bite is scissor, and the jaws are strong, reflecting the breed’s working function. The head must combine power, friendliness, and confidence without harshness. Expression is open, intelligent, slightly independent, yet soft.
Foreface
The foreface includes a strong, full muzzle that harmonizes with the broad skull. The muzzle is wide at the base and tapers gradually while remaining firm and substantial. The nasal bridge is straight. The nose has strong pigmentation, usually black; lighter pigmentation is permissible in red-colored dogs. Lips are tight, clean, and dry, forming a precise mouth line. Jaws are powerful and capable of an assured grip typical of a working breed. The muzzle must not be sharp or elongated—its balance reflects the Malamute’s strength and functionality. The foreface should convey solidity, stability, and confidence consistent with a northern sled dog.
Eyes
The eyes of the Alaskan Malamute are oval, slightly slanted, medium-sized, and set moderately deep, creating an expressive, attentive, and friendly look. Eye color is predominantly dark brown; lighter shades are permissible but less desirable as they diminish the typical warmth and softness of expression. Eyelids are tight and well pigmented. The gaze is lively, intelligent, and calm. Round, overly large, protruding, or very light eyes are faults. The expression must combine confidence, friendliness, and slight independence. The eyes are a key breed feature, reflecting the Malamute’s stable and balanced temperament.
Ears
The Malamute’s ears are medium-sized, triangular, with slightly rounded tips, set high yet wide apart due to the broad skull. At rest, they stand erect; when alert, they pivot slightly forward. They must appear strong but not coarse, and their placement should emphasize the broad head. Oversized, long, low-set, or outward-splayed ears are undesirable. The skin is thick, covered with short hair. Ears should create a balanced head silhouette, maintaining an expression of friendliness and strength. Their correct shape and set reflect the breed’s adaptation to harsh northern climates.
Neck
The Malamute’s neck is powerful, of moderate length, muscular, and blends smoothly into the withers and shoulders. It must be strong enough to perform sled work without becoming coarse. The topline of the neck is slightly arched, emphasizing power and a confident silhouette. Dewlap is undesirable. A well-proportioned, strong neck provides stability and balance during movement and pulling. Females may have a lighter, more refined neck while remaining functional. Short, overly massive, or weak necks are faults. The neck reflects the working nature, strength, and endurance of the breed.
Body
The body of the Alaskan Malamute is powerful, harmoniously built, with pronounced width and depth reflecting its working qualities. The chest is deep and broad, with well-sprung ribs providing lung capacity and stamina. The back is straight and strong, not excessively long. The loin is muscular, firm, slightly arched but not coarse. The croup is broad, strong, and slightly sloping, providing support for the hindquarters. The topline is firm and stable, without dips. The abdomen is moderately tucked, not lean. The body must express strength, stability, and capacity for heavy sled work. Overall, the Malamute’s body forms a powerful but balanced working dog.
Tail
The tail of the Malamute is a hallmark of the breed: thickly covered with long, dense hair and carried in a graceful arch over the back, resembling a soft, feathered plume. The tail is set high, continuing the line of the spine. At rest, it may hang down, but in movement and stance it typically rises into its characteristic arch. The tail should not be tightly curled or pressed flat against the back. It provides protection from cold, as the dog often uses it to cover its muzzle when resting in snow. Short, low-set, or weak tails are faults. Correct tail carriage reinforces balance and strength of the exterior.
Exterior Description
Forequarters
The Malamute’s forequarters are strong, straight, and powerful, with heavy but proportional bone, providing stability on snow and pulling force. Shoulder blades are sloping, well laid back, long, and close-fitting, forming correct angulation. The upper arm is strong and nearly equal in length to the shoulder blade. Elbows face straight back, not turning inward or outward. Forearms are strong, straight, with substantial bone but without coarseness. Pasterns are moderately sloping, flexible yet firm. The forequarters must convey strength, endurance, and stability, reflecting the breed’s working nature and ability to perform heavy sled tasks in harsh northern environments.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters of the Alaskan Malamute are powerful, broad, and muscular, providing strong propulsion and sustained pulling ability. Thighs are well-developed, long, with dense musculature. Lower thighs are strong and of moderate length, creating a clear, functional stifle angle. Hocks are low-set, broad, and strong, ensuring snow stability and efficient power transfer. The hind legs are parallel, without cow hocks or bowing. Feet are large, compact, slightly oval—“snowshoe” type. Weak joints, straight angulation, narrow or unstable stance are unacceptable. Correct hindquarters reflect the breed’s primary qualities: power and endurance.
Gait / Movement
Malamute movement is powerful, steady, and economical, with expressive reach and smooth drive. At the trot, forelegs extend confidently, while the hindquarters provide strong thrust, maintaining a consistent, energetic rhythm. The topline remains stable, without sway or dip. Movement must demonstrate the ability to work for long periods under heavy conditions, preserving strength and stride consistency. The gallop is free but not excessively extended, as the Malamute is not a sprinting breed but a pulling and endurance dog. Short stride, restricted movement, body sway, or crossing are faults. Correct gait reflects the nature of a northern working dog designed for continuous sled work.
Coat
The Malamute’s coat is double, dense, and very warm, built for protection against polar temperatures. The outer coat is coarse, medium-length, dense, and somewhat harsh but not smooth. The undercoat is thick, soft, and woolly, forming significant volume—especially in winter. Coat length varies seasonally; in summer it is shorter and less voluminous. The coat on shoulders, neck, and croup may be slightly longer, emphasizing strength and body width. The tail is covered with long, thick hair forming a plume. Too soft, silky coat, lack of undercoat, or excessive length are faults. The coat must provide functional protection in harsh northern conditions.
Permitted Colours
The Malamute allows a wide range of natural northern colors. Most typical are shades of gray, wolf gray, sable, black-and-white, and red-and-white. Light areas always appear on the lower body: chest, abdomen, legs, underside of the tail, and muzzle. Characteristic facial markings include a “mask,” “cap,” or their combinations. Pure white is allowed but rare. Any colors deviating from natural northern shades, as well as spotting or merling, are unacceptable. The color must enhance the dog’s strength and expressiveness while maintaining a natural appearance. Coat color should never affect assessment of working ability.
Size
Malamute size reflects its functional role as a strong sled dog. Typical height is about 63 cm for males and 58 cm for females. Variations are acceptable if the dog maintains proportion, harmony, and working type. Weight must be proportional to height: the dog must be powerful but not overly heavy, maintaining endurance. Overall body proportions must express strength and stability. Excessive massiveness or insufficient substance are faults, as they compromise functionality. Size is evaluated together with body balance, movement quality, and the ability to perform sled work.
Faults
Faults include any deviations that disrupt exterior harmony or impede working ability. These include weak bone, insufficient musculature, narrow chest, light or fragile structure. Excessively long or too soft coat, weak undercoat, incorrect markings, or poor pigmentation are faults. Undesirable features include light eyes, overly large ears, coarse or sharp muzzle, weak neck, straight angles, or soft pasterns. Movement faults include body sway, short stride, restricted movement, or insufficient drive. Faults are assessed by degree and impact on working ability.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations of structure or temperament. These include aggression or extreme shyness, lack of nasal pigmentation, complete eyelid depigmentation, blue eyes or heterochromia, incorrect bite, and serious dental defects. Dogs with narrow, fragile, or overly loose bodies, or unstable toplines are disqualified. Severe gait abnormalities—lameness, marked stiffness, or hindquarter weakness—are unacceptable. Completely white eyes, as well as non-typical colors not corresponding to northern breeds, result in disqualification. Any anatomical abnormalities preventing normal sled work exclude the dog from breeding.
Important Notes
Evaluation of the Alaskan Malamute must prioritize working qualities and overall functionality. The exterior must be viewed in relation to the dog’s ability to perform prolonged pulling work in harsh climates. Excessive massiveness and insufficient substance are equally undesirable. Young dogs may temporarily appear unbalanced due to bone and muscle development—such changes are considered normal. Minor coat or color features should not affect assessment if they do not violate breed type. Temperament stability, confidence, and absence of aggression or fearfulness are essential.
Conclusion
The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient northern breed that has preserved its working qualities and natural type shaped by life in extreme Arctic conditions. Its exterior reflects strength, endurance, and stability, while its temperament shows confidence, friendliness, and balance. Every structural element—from powerful limbs to dense coat—serves functional purposes. Evaluation of the breed must consider its historical purpose: pulling heavy loads over long distances. The Malamute remains a symbol of northern working dogs, combining power, intelligence, and loyalty. Proper breeding must preserve these traits, ensuring health, type, and harmonious structure.
