Temperament for us here at Tokosha is everything. We want a dog that is loving, and affectionate, but also one who can be independent... but most of all, one we can live with comfortably.

The Alaskan Malamute is not a “one man dog” and will in fact be anyones who has food, or shows them love and makes a fuss over them. They are also the worlds worst guard dogs over territory, but will guard over space or food.

The Alaskan Malamute evolved from ancient dogs that accompanied prehistoric man on the grand migrations across the Arctic and Greenland from Asia, and early Russian and English explorers often reported a better-kept type of work dog used by an eskimo people called the “Mahlemut” (Malemiut, Mahlmuit, Malemuit) tribes around the Norton Sound area of Alaska. The dogs were more tractable and capable of large amounts of work than other working dogs of similar decent.

The dogs were not used for protection as everything was shared, however the dogs would alert the camp to danger in the form of bears or strangers. Malamutes have a highly developed pack instinct. In their urge to establish their place in the social hierarchy, many Malamutes show aggression towards other animals. They also have a high prey drive, squirrel, cat, chicken, birds, deer, horse, cattle are all on their list of things they would like to eat, or try to catch at least! Anything moving fast is worthy of being chased, and this is a major issue with the malamute off lead.

Because of their high pack instinct If its owner does not correctly discipline the dog for social infractions, family members, known to the malamute as pack members will become included in the Malamute's quest for dominance. Many owners find their strong pac instinct difficult to deal with, and many temperament issues arise from this, from a basic chewing on the lead, to food, toy and space possession.

Malamutes need firm but fair handling and this should be dealt without any physical competitions such as pinning the dog on the floor. When the dog gets older they can weigh in excess of 6 stone of pure muscle and can easily over power an adult. They are incredibly intuitive, and can easily pick up on how a person perceives them, they can tell within one glance whether a person wants to say hello to them, and are greeted by woowooing and tail wagging, and also those who are apprehensive the malamute will either mirror the apprehension by questioning or by taking advantage.

Malamutes are independent and also willing to accept responsibility, a trait that can save it, it’s team and it’s driver in a situation. However, many owners and trainers misread this as being stubborn and difficult. With regular training and correct discipline the Malamute can be a good pet for the right family, however they are not a breed for everyone.

For more breed history please read the following books:

The Alaskan Malamute - Yesterday and Today - Barbara A. Brooks, Sherry E. Wallis.