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The Alaskan malamute is one of the oldest and most admired arctic sled dog. The breed gets it's name from a tribe
of Eskimos know as the Mahlemuts. Located in the upper western region of Alaska. The dogs and sleds were essential to the
way of the tribe's survival.The dogs were bred as work dogs to haul heavy sleds across long distances in subfreezing temperatures.
Besides their ability to transport the loads of freight across snow and ice. Alaskan Malamutes were also used to hunt in packs
for Arctic mammals such as seals, walrus, and even polar bears.The tribe greatly depended on the dogs for their own survival
without them travel and hauling would have been impossible. The Alaskan Malamute were their most prized possessions. They
were valued for their strength , ability to survive in harsh weather and on minimal amount of food, their superb hunting skills
and killing of large predators.
The relationship which developed between humans and their dogs was
based on mutual independence, trust and respect.The Alaskan
malamute is a member of the Spitzs working group, this includes Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Keeshound Chow Chow,
Japaness
Spitz, Greenland Dog and other similar Eskimo dogs.Today the Alaskan Malamute main occupation is a loving, friendly companion.
And more and more of us are finding ourselves in the fun exciting hobby of sled racing. Other events are showing, weight pulling,
backpacking, agility and obedience trials.The Three Basic Foundation LinesKotzebue — The Kotzebue line stemmed from
Arthur Walden's dogs which were taken over by Milton and Eva Seeley when Mr. Walden went to Antarctica. The Seeleys'
Chinnok Kennels in Wonalancet, New Hampshire was the best-known sled dog headquarters in the United States. Dogs for both
of the Byrd Expeditions and for the United States Service Expedition (all to Antarctica) were trained and supplied by Chinook
Kennels. The Seeleys deserve much of the credit for getting the AKC to recognize the Alaskan Malamute.M'Loot — Paul
Voelker originated the M'Loot line that figures strongly in many pedigrees, including the foundation of Silver Sled Kennels
that is behind most of the Alaskan Malamutes you may find in the Midwest. Although Voelker was interested in the same breed,
he came up with a slightly different type of Alaskan Malamute but did not pursue AKC registration.Hinman (or Hinman-Irwin)
Strain — This strain involved only a few dogs but made important contributions to breed quality. The Hinman line in
combination with the M'Loot strain produced some of the best representatives of the breed. The Hinman strain also figured
strongly in combination with M'Loot and Kotzebue in development of the "Husky-Pak" line, and produced many champion
and foundation dogs for the breed. Alaskan Malamutes were first brought into the UK in 1959.The Alaskan Malamute club
of the United Kingdom was formed in 1964. Although there were not that many Malamutes in Britain at that time, a small group
of enthusiasts got together in an effort to promote this magnificent breed in a positive light.The KC have awarded Malamutes
CC (Challenge Certificate) status in 2006. A Malamute will become a champion if it is awarded 3 CC's by three different
judges.In 2006 Ch/Int,Ch Chayo Blue Thunder was the 1st UK Alaskan Malamute to be made a champion.
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