THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest most admired Arctic sled dogs. These powerful working dogs are native to the northern regions of the western hemisphere and were first bred by a tribe of Inuits in the late 1800s. The dogs were primarily used to pull heavy sleds across long distances in extremely harsh winter weather.
The breed gets its name from a distinguished group of Eskimos that were known as the 'Mahlamuits' or Mahlemuts.' This native Inuit tribe was believed to have settled first along the shorelines of the Kotzebue Sound, located in the upper western section of Alaska. The Eskimo people of this area greatly depended on the dogs for survival. The dogs were used to travel great distances to haul food, supplies and other necessary possessions.
During this time, the Arctic was one of the most difficult areas in which to reside. The subfreezing temperatures, unrelenting snow and lack of resources in the area made the Alaskan Malamute extremely valuable. The breed's strength, endurance, obedient nature and sled dog qualities made it a vital component of the Eskimo people's survival. Besides their ability to transport heavy loads of freight across long trails of snow and ice, Alaskan Malamutes were also valued for their superb hunting ability.
