During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896, one breed of dog that helped settlers and prospectors carry their heavy loads and valuables are the Alaskan Malamute dogs, a breed that’s native to the icy regions of the north. But before this phenomenal event in American history happened, the Malamutes were simple and quiet companions of the Mahlemuits tribe in the upper western part of Alaska. For thousands of years, the companionship of these two creatures developed and inter-depended on each other especially in terms of hunting, working and basically just surviving in the harsh environment.

The Malamute is a large breed that’s originally developed to be a sled dog, carrying heavy loads across great distances. Many can attest that the pulling strength of this breed is powerful and has an incredible stamina and endurance at pulling weights heavier than itself. Because of this, the only important skill that is honed and hoped for in this breed is pulling and the rest are not as important.

Even to this day, the Malamute is still used heavily for sled traveling and load freighting. However, the uses of this breed now extends to games such as mushing, skijoring, bikejoring and canicross. It is also beginning to have a reputation as an excellent pet and show dog among breeders and families.

On the issues of speed, the Malamute does not come first as there are speedier breeds than it. It can haul heavy loads across great distances but only at a slower pace. Four Malamutes are said to be enough to carry loads as heavy as thousands of pounds at short distances.

Most times, the Alaskan Malamute is mistaken for a Siberian Husky but a closer look will identify their great differences. Also, one interesting fact about the Malamute is that it gives out a “talking” sound called the “woo woo”. This sound is the inspiration behind Chewbacca’s voice in Star Wars, thanks to George Lucas’ own Malamute named Indiana.

Unlike other dog breeds, the Malamute is a quiet dog that does not bark much unlike other large breeds. It is not as mindful though with its master’s commands but is amiable nonetheless to him, his children and other people. Take note, however, that the Malamute is not accustomed to be social to smaller canines and other animals that’s why, although they may get along very well at times, it should never be forgotten that this breed has an innate instinct to be unfriendly with lesser sized creatures.

Considered as a large breed of dog, the Malamute should weigh 75 to 85 pounds and stand 23 to 26 inches. It has a dense double coat which serves as a protection from the harsh climates and a densely fur-covered tail which it uses to wrap its nose and face as protection from heavy blowing snows. The Malamute comes in colors of gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white.

The Malamute is said to have lived 2,000 to 3,000 years ago with the Mahlemuits tribe. It is considered as one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world having DNA tests prove that its genes are distinctly unique from other breed of dogs. Additionally, a recent excavation found a 30000 years old fossil of a dog and this has great resemblance to the Malamute, bringing the scientists into conclusion that the Alaskan Malamute is the closest living family of the very first dog.