Alaskan Malamute History

The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest arctic sled dogs, was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts. These people settled along the shores of Kotzebue Sound in the upper-western part of Alaska. The origin of these people and dogs has never been ascertained, but they were there for generations prior to the Asiatic sailors visiting the shores and returning to their homeland with stories of "native people using dogs to haul sledges."

It is confirmed that these Alaskan Malamute sledge dogs were used as draft animals and they have never lost their identity. When Alaska became settled by white men, the Arctic breed may have become mixed with outside dogs. The lure of sled dog racing also became popular, further encouraging mixing of lineage for faster dogs. Fortunately, the sport of sled dog racing became popular in the United States and interest in developing the pure strain of Alaskan Malamute started in 1926.

The Alaskan Malamute was used in the exploration of the artic and antarctic regions. Admiral Byrd used the Alaskan Malamute to explore antarctica and reach the south pole. Many Alaskan Malamutes were used in the explorations that required sled dogs to be used. Alaskan Malamutes were also used during World War II as pack animals, search & rescue, and pulling equipment.

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