Alaskan Malamute. Thomas Stockman
interested in becoming the first person to fly over the South Pole. During his expedition, he would need a group of sled-dog teams to transfer equipment across nine miles of icy terrain. Arthur Walden was the head dog-driver of Byrd’s team, and many top dogs from different locations were gathered for the event. The dogs carried food, coal and other important supplies for geologists and other expedition participants. Byrd’s complete trip totaled 1,600 miles, and he returned home to a warm welcome. This geological expedition would go on to help the breed’s recognition even further, and was the first of many expeditions to follow.
TOOTH TACTICS
The teeth of the Alaskan Malamute were often pulled entirely or filed down. Frequently the dogs would chew through their harnesses in an attempt to set themselves free. The filing or removing of teeth not only prevented them from chewing but also lessened the chance of injury if a fight were to break out among the pack.
Some years later, Admiral Richard Byrd would conduct a second Antarctic expedition. Once again Byrd would fund most of the trip himself; its purpose was similar to the first voyage, focusing on scientific research and the study of Antarctic weather patterns. Captain Michael Innes-Taylor was designated chief dog-driver for this event.
It was not long before the Alaskan Malamute’s fine qualities and increasing recognition caused the breed to be in high demand, eventually leading to the breed’s expansion outside the Arctic region. During World War I, the French government was in desperate need of support for their military troops who were fighting against Germany. The troops had become cut off from supplies by poor weather conditions and were unable to receive the resources they so badly needed. In serious trouble, the French asked the Nome Kennel Club for assistance. The Nome Kennel Club sent 450 Alaskan Malamutes, their sleds and the rest of their equipment to the rescue.
While the Eskimos developed the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberians developed a similar breed known as the Siberian Husky. The well-known Husky, shown here, is considerably smaller and finer boned than the Malamute.
At around the same time, plans were underway back in the United States for the first international dog-sled race. The race took place in 1922 in the state of New Hampshire and attracted worldwide recognition. The race was so popular that many believe it was influential in establishing the foundation pure-bred stock of both the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky. The race was won by Arthur Walden, who later became the first president of the New England Sled Dog Club.
In 1925, the services of the Alaskan Malamute were called upon once again to aid the small town of Nome, Alaska. The dogs were needed for the transfer of serum to this region to help treat diphtheria patients. The over 600-mile-long trip from the town of Nenana to Nome was headed by Leonhard Seppala and his Siberian Huskies. Seppala and his lead dog Togo were responsible for most of the work on the long, challenging journey. However, a gentleman named Gunnar Kassen and his Alaskan Malamute lead dog named Balto received much of the credit for the trip. In fact, a statue of Balto still stands in the United States in New York City’s Central Park honoring the dog and handler team for their great work during the serum run.
ESTABLISHING A FOOTHOLD
The Alaskan Malamute was first accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1935. On April 17, 1935, the Alaskan Malamute Club was organized with Milton Seeley as the club’s first president. Milton and his wife Eva had been introduced to the breed by the famous sled-dog driver Arthur Walden, and their admiration for the breed quickly escalated. In 1931, they obtained Chinook Kennels from Kate and Arthur Walden and began their lifetime involvement with both the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. The Waldens and Seeleys would become close friends and extremely crucial to the breed’s development and popularity as we know it today.
The Seeleys would become the breeders and owners of the first Alaskan Malamute champion. This dog was also the first Malamute registered by the American Kennel Club. The dog’s name was Ch. Gripp of Yukon. Two other dogs registered at the time were Rowdy of Nome and Taku of Kotzebue. In the beginning, dogs of unknown descent were admitted for registration provided they could accumulate some points at dog shows. The rule was later changed to allow breeding of non-registered dogs that could complete a championship. Ch. Kim of Kotzebue, owned by Art and Natalie Hogdens, was the second dog to earn a championship, in 1944.
By the 1950s the Seeleys and their recognized kennel name, Kotzebue, had become a major influence for the foundation and look of the Alaskan Malamute breed. Their dogs had been a large part of Admiral Byrd’s expeditions and were used in both World Wars to carry military supplies and as search-and-rescue dogs. Clearly, the breed had earned its worth.
After World War II, several breeders emerged with their own foundation stock and played a part in the breed’s development. Paul Voelker, with his M’loot Kennel, was one of these influential breeders. One of the most famous M’loot dogs was Gentleman Jim, who served in World War II and is acknowledged in the Working Dog Hall of Fame. Gentleman Jim was very influential in early Alaskan Malamute pedigrees. Voelker’s stock became known world-wide as worthy sled dogs, and many other kennels formed around the M’loot bloodlines.
The breed’s popularity spans the globe, aptly shown by this friendly Alaskan Malamute from Germany.
Other influential dogs derived from the Husky-Pak, Red Horse and Hinman-Irwin lines and became important parts of the breed’s foundation. Toro of Bras Coupe became the breed’s greatest sire.
Today the Alaskan Malamute remains a well-known and well-loved breed in the US. Still used for sled-pulling and prized by sled-racing enthusiasts, he is seen frequently in the conformation ring and most often as a family companion.
The Alaskan Malamute’s popularity has extended to many regions of the world. Countries such as Canada, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Italy respect the breed’s sledding abilities and its value as a working dog. In some countries, sled races are conducted every weekend, and they are valued as a popular and important pastime.
IS THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?
Deciding what type of dog you want is never an easy decision. Dog ownership is a tremendous commitment, and it is an important decision that must be given serious consideration. The Alaskan Malamute can make a wonderful addition to a family’s home, depending upon how well matched the family’s lifestyle and the Malamute’s attributes are. Before selecting an Alaskan Malamute as your dog of choice, you should consider the breed’s original purpose and function. The Alaskan Malamute was originally bred to haul heavy sleds through adverse weather conditions. This function required a breed that was strong, intelligent, rugged, hardy and loyal. All of these fine qualities will be reflected in the way that a dog of this breed reacts in and adapts to your home environment, and all must be given careful consideration.
The Alaskan Malamute has an enormous amount of energy and requires appropriate ways to release this energy on a daily basis. The breed needs plenty of outside exercise; the breed requires both physical activity and mental stimulation. A Malamute needs to run, play and keep busy. If the Malamute is not allowed to exercise his mind and body, he will likely become destructive in the home. A bored, restless Alaskan Malamute can quickly turn into an owner’s worst nightmare!
If your lifestyle requires that you work all day, and you are out most evenings, you may want to reconsider choosing the Alaskan Malamute as your breed of choice. You should answer the following questions honestly: do you have a large fenced-in yard or other secure space for your Alaskan Malamute to exercise? If you don’t, do you have the time necessary to take the dog on daily long brisk walks or to a dog park for his required exercise?
WORKING WAR DOGS
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