The Alaskan
Malamute was named for an Inuit tribe, the Mahlemut.
Originally used in hunting seals, set loose in packs to
course polar bears, and to haul heavy sledges or pack in
supplies — the Malamute was a true working animal.
Also known as the legendary freighting dog of polar
expeditions and served the military with valour during
two World wars. Today the Malamute is mainly a companion
dog. Some of the sports and activites the Malamute is
involved in include: packing, weight pulling, sledding,
cross-country and freighting, skijoring, carting,
conformation, and obedience. The general appearance of
the Alaskan Malamute should be that of a powerfully built
dog with a broad, deep chest, large bone and a broad
head. The Malamute has adapted well to warmer climates,
although they are definitely an outdoor type that needs
lots of exercise and prefers the winter months — an
ideal choice for the cold-weather sports enthusiast. The
outer coat is thick and coarse in colours from light grey
to black with white, and he also has very distinctive
markings on the face. They are self-confident,
strong-willed, affectionate and friendly. Intelligent but
often independent by nature, obedience training is
strongly recommended for the new owner. While tolerant of
existing family pets if raised with them, they are
usually not tolerant of strange animals that they may
come into contact with. Usually quiet, the Malamute does,
however, carry on a conversation by "talking"
in "woo-woos" (not barking) and may howl on
occasion.
Canadian
Eskimo Dog
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Picture from a
Canadian Stamp |
Originating from
the Canadian Arctic, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is called
"Qimmiq" by the Inuit and is the oldest
indigenous breed still in existence in North America. The
breed was popular with Arctic explorers and had a
reputation as the sled dog that could pull the heaviest
loads, over the greatest distances, on the least amount
of food. In the 1950’s it was estimated that 20,000
Canadian Eskimo Dogs lived in Canada’s North.
However, when snowmobiles gained favour, the number of
Eskimo Dogs declined almost to the point of extinction.
In the 1970s, a project, funded by the CKC, the Canada
Council and private individuals saved the breed. Still,
today it is estimated that there are less than 300
purebred CKC registered Canadian Eskimo Dogs in the world
making the breed one of the rarest. The Canadian Eskimo
Dog is a gentle and affectionate companion. The breed
does not adapt well to temperate climates. He is
primarily a working dog, born to pull and, therefore,
needs plenty of outdoor exercise preferably in
sub-freezing temperatures.
The Samoyed is a
member of the Spitz family and was bred by nomadic
Samoyede tribes in northeast Siberia. A fine example of
an ancient working dog, the breed is valued for its
versatility as a sled, herding, guard and companion dog.
The first dog to set paw on the South Pole was a Samoyed
— the lead dog of Roald Amundsen's team in 1911.
Today's Sams are still seen as sled, herding and watch
dogs but also often seen in the Show ring, in Obedience,
Skijoring and Agility competitions, and their gentle and
friendly nature means that they make wonderful Therapy
Dogs. The breed has an almost uncanny human
understanding. Quick-witted, inquisitive and mischievous,
and will remain playful well into old age. With their
intelligent, sparkling eyes and ever present "Sammy
smile", they are truly a gentle and companionable
dog, independent yet loyal and devoted to family members.
The Samoyed's glistening coat has a harsh, straight outer
coat growing through a thick, close, soft and short
undercoat. The colour most often seen is pure, sparkling
white but cream, biscuit, or white and biscuit may also
be seen. The Sam's appearance gives an impression of
power, endurance, dignity, self-confidence and elegance.
The Siberian Husky
breed was originally developed as an endurance sled dog
in northeastern Asia. In 1909, a large number of dogs
were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance
All-Alaska Sweepstakes races and the Alaskan dog drivers
quickly recognized the abilities of these huskies from
Siberia. The Siberian Husky is a medium sized, strong,
graceful, and tenacious sled dog. Handsome, energetic,
dignified, alert, eager to please, and very adaptable.
Quick, light on their feet and graceful in action, they
are extremely intelligent, independent, and can be very
stubborn. Sibes however are affectionate, gentle and
friendly. The Siberian has a strong predatory instinct
and care must be taken around small animals, such as
squirrels, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and
cats, which may be viewed as prey. Another characteristic
of note for the breed is the desire to run. These
characteristics are part of their heritage and it is
important to realize that the Siberian is not a dog who
can be left unrestrained as they will run if the
opportunity is there for them to do so. The Siberian does
not typically bark. Sibes talk in a soft "woo
woo" sound and also howl quite well. The Siberian
Husky has a thick, soft, double coat usually medium in
length. The coat can be any colour with the most common
being various shades of wolf and silver greys, tan, and
black with white points. Siberians also have a large
variety of markings, especially on the head. The eyes can
be either brown or blue in colour. One brown eye and one
blue eye is acceptable to the breed standard but is not
preferred.
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