Polar Adventure: Unleashing the South Pole's Canine Her

During the Antarctic expeditions, the dogs accompanying the explorers were Alaskan Malamutes. These majestic canines possess a robust build, fluffy fur, and a strikingly handsome appearance that somewhat resembles a wolf. Yet, their hearts are incredibly kind, and they are often mistaken for Huskies. Alaskan Malamutes are slightly larger than Huskies and have longer hair as well. But what exactly does an Alaskan Malamute look like?

Appearance of the Alaskan Malamute:

Neck: The neck is strong and slightly arched, with a welldeveloped chest. The body structure is simple yet not compact. The back is straight, with a slight slope towards the rump. The waist is sturdy and muscular. An excessively long waist can weaken the back, which is considered a flaw. The tail is located at the end of the spine and curls backward when the dog is at rest. Unlike some breeds, the tail of an Alaskan Malamute is not tightly curled and the fur on it is not as short as a brush. The fur on the tail of the Arctic Sled Dog is particularly soft, resembling wavy feathers.

Shoulders: The shoulders are appropriately sloped; the forelimbs are strong and muscular, with the shoulder to wrist area being straight when viewed from the front. The wrist appears short and powerful when seen from the side, slightly inclined. The paw is a type of snowshoe, with a tight and deep sole, complemented by suitable pads, giving it a solid and simple look. The feet are large, with tightly packed toes that are slightly arched. The webbing between the toes is protected by fur. The pads are thick and hard, and the nails are short and strong.

Hindlimbs: The Alaskan Malamute's hindlimbs are broad, and as sled dogs adapted to extreme cold, their thighs are muscular. The knees are moderately sloped, and the hocks are also moderately sloped and hang slightly. When viewed from behind, the hind legs are aligned with the front legs, neither too far apart nor too close together, whether standing or walking. In puppies, the wolf claws on the hind legs are not needed and are usually removed.

Tail: The tail can help keep the dog warm when curled up in the snow. It wraps around the nose and face, aiding in protection against harsh weather conditions like blizzards.

Tip: For more information about the Alaskan Malamute, check out our article "Characteristics of the Alaskan Sled Dog."