Alaskan Malamute (Alaska State Dog)

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog breed from Alaska, bred for strength and endurance to haul heavy freight as a sled dog, and has been the official state dog of Alaska since 2010. It was likely bred by the Malimiut Iñupiaq people of the Norton Sound region, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935. Males stand about 25 inches tall and average about 85 pounds [1][2].

Origin

The Alaskan Malamute was likely bred by the Malimiut Iñupiaq people of Alaska’s Norton Sound region. It was used for hunting large animals such as bears and for helping locate seal breathing holes, and it was bred for strength and endurance rather than speed [1].

Appearance

Males stand about 25 inches (64 cm) tall and females about 23 inches (58 cm). Under the American Kennel Club standard males average about 85 pounds and females about 75 pounds, although dogs of 90 pounds or more are also seen. The double coat has an oily, woolly undercoat up to two inches thick under a coarse guard coat, and colors include grey, sable, black or red with white, or solid white [1].

History

During the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush the breed was briefly valuable to prospectors and was often crossbred with imported dogs. It aided Rear Admiral Richard Byrd’s expedition to the South Pole, and in World War II it served mainly as a search and rescue dog in Greenland. Wartime losses nearly eliminated the breed, and by 1947 only about 30 registered dogs remained [1].

Recognition

Recognition by the American Kennel Club came in 1935, largely through the efforts of Mrs. Eva B. Seeley [1].

State Dog

The Alaskan Malamute was named the official state dog of Alaska in 2010 [1][2]. It is distinct from the Alaskan husky, the mixed breed used by most racers, discussed in the entry on sled dog mushing in Alaska.

FAQs

What is the Alaska state dog? The Alaskan Malamute, named in 2010.

Where did the Malamute originate? Likely among the Malimiut Iñupiaq people of the Norton Sound region of Alaska.

How big is an Alaskan Malamute? Males stand about 25 inches tall and weigh about 85 pounds.

Is a Malamute the same as an Alaskan husky? No. The Malamute is a heavy freight breed; Alaskan huskies are lighter mixed-breed racing dogs.

When was the breed recognized by the AKC? In 1935.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Alaskan Malamute
2. Wikipedia: List of Alaska state symbols

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue