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Alaskan Malamute |
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The draft or
combination draft/hunting dogs of the North have been an essential part
of the northern people's culture since the Stone Age. Because most northern
tribes were nomadic, they could not have existed without their dogs to
move their belongings from place to place. In the harsh and bitter cold,
dogs were the only domestic animals that could survive.
Historians argue
whether the ancestors of the northern Eskimo
tribes came over a land bridge from Asia or across the North Pole from
Scandinavia. But the fact that Nordic-type dogs accompanied these people
is without argument. Each tribe or area developed its own type of dog,
so perfected that many remain distinct today. The Mahlemuts (later
spelled Malamute) were an industrious and skilled Inuit people of upperwest-ern
Alaska (across from Siberia). Since they were nomadic, they moved their
families to the site of each new kill, relocating when the need for another
food source arose
The Alaskan
Malamute was strong enough to haul all of the tribe's possessions and
to transport goods to and from the trading post. Speed was not vital,
however, and a leisurely pace was quite acceptable. The Mahlemut tribe
was never mentioned without a reference to their sledge dogs. Early
European explorers and Russian whalers of the last century told that
the Mahlemuts had dogs of "beauty and endurance," and that
they were "fond of their dogs. The dogs work hard and have great
endurance."
During the
settling of Alaska by white people, from 1750 to 1900, dogs were used
for hauling and transportation in large numbers. These newcomers did
not pay much attention to type, as long as the dogs (named after the
tribe) could work. In addition the upsurge of dog-sled racing did
the Malamute dog no good. In an attempt to create a faster animal,
racing drivers crossed them with established speedsters, and the breed
was nearly lost.
At that
time, however, some Eskimos kept their dogs pure to type. Fortunately,
interest in the promotion of the pure Malamute rose among American
dog fanciers, and the breed has been maintained. Eva "Short"
Seely became interested in sled dogs, obtaining good Malamutes (and
Siberians)
and breeding them, even sending her stock with Admiral Byrd to Antarctica.
World War I had an effect on these northern dogs as well as on European
breeds, but in a different manner. Alaskan Malamute numbers were depleted
by search-and-rescue, the Byrd expeditions and supply-packing work
during the War. The stud book was reopened after the War and additional
foundation stock was added to those already registered. Once again,
the Alaskan Malamute dogs thrived.
The Malamute
is as distinct from the Siberian
Husky as the draft horse is from the horse of the desert. The
Alaskan Malamute is a dog that denotes power rather than quickness.
Never so large as to appear clumsy, he must personify substance and
strength. The body is slightly longer than its height, moving the
center of gravity back, which allows powerful leaning into heavy loads.
A clean, quiet, affectionate companion, the Mai needs firm, early
handling to understand who is boss.
Raised and
exhibited in much of North America and Europe, the Alaskan Malamute
dog is a popular for home sledding. Many owners and their Alaskan
Malamutes compete in weight-pulling contests. The dogs take to it
quite naturally in fact, enthusiastically with many capable of shifting
one-ton loads over a short distance.
The Alaskan
Malamutes prefer outdoor living, with sufficient entertainment provided
by their people, and are ready to join in almost any athletic activity.
If bored, a Malamute will express his displeasure by howling and digging
to the South Pole!
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