One of the most common questions I get about my dogs is "do I breed "Giant Alaskan Malamutes" this page is a explanation of some of my opinions and reasons I do not and consider those that do as less than ideal breeders. Will I ever breed Giant Alaskan Malamutes, H--- no. here's why
This page will be a work in process.
1. There is a recognized AKC standard that is from the Parent Club's, AMCA's approval: As to size it says:
"Size, Proportion, Substance
There is a natural range in size in the breed. The desirable freighting sizes are males, 25 inches at the shoulders, 85 pounds; females, 23 inches at the shoulders, 75 pounds. However, size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and other functional attributes" the full official standard can be seen at:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/alaskan_malamute/index.cfm
Please read the standard before buying a Alaskan Malamute. This is a wonderful breed, just not a wonderful breed for everyone.
The size part of the standard was raised to the current suggested desirable limits in 1960, with the inclusion of the M'loot and Hinman-Irwin dogs affecting the clubs change. Malamutes have Never been historically (pre 1940) even close to the sizes of todays giants, myself and many others believe it came from the introduction of the M'loot lines of Paul Volker, which many including myself feel had some mastif blood from the goldrush days infused in their genome. Most malamutes of today are largely M'loot/kotzebue crosses, however the non-artic traits were not bred for purposely in most all but the Giant lines IMO.
Other than for weight pulling in short distances, I feel they are functionally inferior in every respect, Including
1. Generally significantly shorter lifespans, usually worse in heart/body proportion.
2. More risk of HD, thyroid issues, Cancer, Bloat. rarely have chd certification, etc.
3. Lacking endurance as a long distance freighting dog, often with loose flews, lips, jowles and mastiff type expression including soft ears. these are Not Arctic adaptations? I have never seen a good giant as a sled dog for any endurance event, a 60 foot weight pull is not what the Alaskan Malamute was bred for.
4. Usually very little genetic testing in dogs or background, bred for the wrong reasons IMO.
5. A disproportunate amount of "giants" in rescues, breeders not taking their dogs back in homes that cannot deal with them. Good breeders will take their dogs back if needed, and have a REAL warrantee that has value.
6. Exhorbident prices for pups show interest is not in the right place, top breeders charge often less for show prospects with full registration than many giant breeders charge for pets on limited registration. And the rare longcoats, or whites are rare only because breeders usually find either highly undesirable, they should be priced lower, not higher. In the old days many breeders even killed pups that had either undesirable trait. Longcoats take a huge amount of grooming, and are not nearly as good in harsh weather in general than normal coats. Whites tend to sunburn more easily, as pigment issues affect that,they do not have black pigment of white Samoyeds or Siberians.
7. While un"provable" many speculate the "giants" of today,are partially from Tibetian Mastiff blood, some think, not just the goldrush days but from later unethical breeding, certianly many of there physical attributes were not seen in old times according to may experts in the breed. bigger is not better, there is a reason the standard calls the ideal freighting weight to be 85 lbs for males, 75 for females.
8. Of the approximatly 800 members of the ALASKAN MALAMUTE CLUB OF AMERICA, AMCA, I only know of one who was a giant breeder, his kennel was disbanded to rescue earlier this year due to neglect and other issues. The official national club members I know in general consider them "junk" or unworthy of breeding, I am happy to refer anyone to many a long time breeder who dislikes the "Giant" alaskan malamutes every much as I do, as they are not acceptable examples of our magnificent breed In my opinion.
Some useful links: http://www.alaskanmalamute.org/amca/index.asp the National clubs website, just try to find any member who likes "giant Alaskan Malamutes" its full of good information about the breed and breeders.
Please, it you agree with the premises I mentioned, feel free to link this page with any of your own. its time that the public was educated why "Giant Alaskan Malamutes" may not be what they should be looking for but quality bred dogs can be found from many a reputable breeder. Including many,but not totally limited to AMCA member breeders.
