Alaskan Malamute.

Alaskan Malamute. Alaskan Malamute, hardy breed of Arctic working dog, which is extensively used in the Arctic for hauling sledges (large transport sleds). The Alaskan Malamute was originally bred by an Alaskan tribe known as Mahlemuts or Malemuit. The dog is the oldest known native Alaskan breed. Some are also bred in the United States, where they serve as pets and show dogs. The breed is large with a compact and powerful body and unusual powers of endurance. The male is 61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 in) high at the shoulder and weighs 36 to 43 kg (80 to 95 lb); the female is 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in) high and weighs 32 to 38 kg (70 to 85 lb). The animal has a thick, coarse outer coat and a woolly undercoat and is gray or black and white in color. It has a broad, moderately rounded skull; a large muzzle; dark, almond-shaped eyes; medium-sized ears, the upper halves of which are triangular; a deep chest; powerful legs; and a bushy tail carried high. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.