If you're looking for an Alaskan Malamute puppy, the breeders of Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes, located in California, can help you pick out the perfect family companion, show dog or sled dog. We are one of the top Alaskan malamute breeders, known throughout California, the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Australia, for producing beautiful Alaskan Malamute champions.
The AKC Standard and Today's Purebred Alaskan Malamute
A Snowlion all girl team
What is a standard-sized Malamute?
The AKC Alaskan Malamute Breed Standard describes the purebred Malamute as a heavy boned, well-muscled dog that "carries no excess weight" and moves with a tireless, efficient gait. The desired freighting (sledding) size is 23-25 inches at the withers (shoulders) and 75-85 lbs.
There is a natural range in size: while most purebred Alaskan Malamutes will fall into the 23-25 inch category, a few will be slightly smaller or larger. This minor variation in size does not encompass dogs advertised as 150-180 lb "giants."
Historical Influences and outside Blood: the giants
Some breed historians say "giant" Malamutes resulted from the cross-breeding that occurred with the influx of outside dogs like St. Bernards and other large breeds from the lower 48 during the Gold Rush. More recently, we've heard of Malamutes being bred with Tibetan Mastiffs specifically to increase size! Experienced Malamute fanciers can discern the influence of these mixed breedings in some of the "Malamutes" advertised online.
In contrast, purebred Alaskan Malamutes share a distinctive breed type reflected in their body outline, tail carriage, and what we call expression--shape of eyes, ear size and placement, muzzle and back skull proportions. In short, it's what gives the well-bred Malamute from generations of champion/show quality dogs its distinguished classic appearance.
Ch Jade and Ch Ranger in lead
Snowlion Malamutes Are Bred According to the AKC Standard
From years of experience running sled teams, we know that standard-sized Malamutes have better endurance and are less prone to stress injuries than over-sized dogs. Giant breeds are not designed for running: they tend to overheat, develop sore wrists and shoulders, and generally break down. Since we select our dogs primarily for sledding, skijorring, and backpacking, we look for Malamutes of moderate size, with good bone and feet, and lean, compact bodies.
Our Snowlion males and females are similar in size & build since we prefer a uniform height and weight for Alaskan Malamutes on our sled teams. In other words, our Malamutes exhibit little sexual dimorphism. Our girls tend to have the same broad heads, good bone and dense full coats as our males.The outstanding qualities of our Best in Show males are mirrored in the females that produced them!
As a result of 25 years of selective breeding for sledding and the show ring, Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes have a recognizable style and unique appeal. When it comes time to decide between a male or female, keep in mind that malamutes tend to get along best with the opposite sex. If there are no other dogs in the home, then the choice is personal. We prefer to live with female malamutes and run mostly girls on our sled teams. We also recommend female malamutes for first time owners and households with young children.