The draft horse of the Arctic, the Alaskan Malamute was developed by the Inuit Indians of Alaska to haul heavy loads at steady speeds over long distances.

Built for strength and endurance and the ability to survive harsh Arctic temperatures, the Malamute may appear "wolfish" but competent historic research indicates the Inuit breeders kept their dogs free from any wolf genes.

His attitude of interest, curiosity and activity coupled with his impressive size, strength, thick double coat and symmetrical markings make the Malamute most attractive. However, Malamutes were bred to pull sleds and if not given sufficient exercise to satisfy its abundant needs, or if given insufficient attention and companionship, they will become bored and destructive.

A devoted family dog and friendly with all humans, the Malamute is generally a poor guard dog. Independence and stubbornness are two of the traits of the Malamute and these, coupled with his immense strength, necessitate the Malamute receiving obedience training and discipline from the early age of 3 months.

Lack of confident, firm human domination can ruin an otherwise wonderful Malamute making it domineering over humans and unmanageably aggressive toward other dogs.