The largest of the Arctic dogs is the Alaskan Malamute.

The Alaskan Malamute solidly built with a plumed tail that curles in an arc up onto the black. Alaskan Malamutes typically stand between 22-26 inches with the females being on the smaller end of that range. The weight of the Alaskan Malamute is between 70-95 pounds, again with the females on the lower end of the scale and the male Alaskan Malamute at the upper end.

The head is wide with almond-shaped eyes. The preferred eye color is dark brown, with blue eyes seen as a fault. The ears stand erect towards the back of the head.

The feet of the Alaskan Malamute are on the large size, with tough pads that are ideal for snowy landscapes.

As you would expect, the coat of the Alaskan Malamute is suited for cold weather. The coat is coarse usually ranging between 1 1/2 to 3 inches, with a softer white undercoat. The Alaskan Malamute can be found in a variety of colors though the most common are shades of light gray, combinations of black and white, sable combinations and gray combinations can be found. By breed standards the only solid color that is acceptable is white.

The Alaskan Malamute is a descendent of the Artic Wolf. The Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska bred the Alaskan Malamute as long as 3000 years ago for use as sled dogs. Nordic sled dog, descended from the Arctic wolf. Its name comes from Mahlemuts, an Alaskan tribe that raised and cared for these beautiful snow dogs.

Even today the Alaskan Malamute is used for their original purpose of pulling sleds, often in races. Additionally, the Alaskan Malamute is used in search and rescue in artic conditions where their excellent sense of smell and direction are a great asset.

The Alaskan Malamute is truely a pack animal and is happiest in a group, whether it be a group of dogs or people. The Alaskan Malamute loves the outdoors so they make ideal outside dogs, though the can live indoors comfortably. If they do live outdoors, it's important that they do have company, as they are not meant to be alone.

Alaskan Malamutes are very intelligent, affectionate and loyal companions. They good with children but are enthusiastic playmates. Their friendliness and sociability makes them great pack-mates and members of the family, however, it is the affableness that makes them unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Alaskan Malamute can be found in "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London. The main character is an Alaskan Malamute named "Buck".

Admiral Byrd used Alaskan Malamutes during his expeditions to reach the south pole.

30,000 year old dog remains resembles the Alaskan Malamute, which means the Alaskan Malamute could be one of the first dogs.