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Malamute Structural Differences
- a Comparison

by Cindy O'Malley - O'Mal Alaskan Malamutes
with input from
Nancy Russell, Storm Kloud Kennels

Do you know the AKC Standard? Can you pick the Alaskan Malamute that most resembles the description in the AKC standard in each question? Though there are many different "styles" and colors in the Alaskan Malamute, good structure should be the same everywhere.

The Alaskan Malamute is a working breed, often doing the jobs of companion and show dog, but should still be capable of performing its original function of working in harness. The judge is expected to understand the structure which contributes to a working dog and also the nuances of type which are distinctive to the breed.

Test your knowledge with the quiz below.

Objective: answer 7 of 10 questions correctly and go to the next level.

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(photos have been altered to illustrate each point)

A B C D

1. The Alaskan Malamute's "stop" (the slope between the forhead and the muzzle) should be:

Moderate as in dog A
No break from a straight line, (such as a collie head) as in B
Pronounced, as in dog C
Only a slight break downward as they join as in D

A B C D

2. The depth of chest according to the standard should be:

(A) deeper than the distance from elbow to ground
(B) depth of chest is 1/2 the height at the shoulders
(C) there should be a sufficient amount of leg below the chest
(D) very deep and wide, below the elbow and more than the distance from elbow to withers

A B C D

3. In body proportion, the Alaskan Malamute should be:

(A) noticeably longer than the height
(B) slightly longer than the height
(C) square
(D) very short and stocky

A B C

4. Which Alaskan Malamute body best represents correct amount of bone:

(A) Heavy, but not overboned
(B) Ponderous, thick and very heavy bone
(C) Light but strong bone
(D) none of the above

A B C D

5. The Alaskan Malamute's eyes should be positioned:

(A) at a 40 degree angle to the stop
(B) obliquely
(C) perpendicular to the stop
(D) does not matter, as long as they are the correct shape - triangular

6. Acceptable eye color is important according to the AKC standard. Therefore,

(A) blue is an acceptable color
(B) the preferred color is light brown
(C) yellow is acceptable and preferred
(D) the eyes should be dark brown, the darker the better

A B C D

7. In shape, the eyes should be

(A) almond
(B) round
(C) a narrow almond
(D) triangular, with heavy lids

A B C D

8. Correct tail set in the Alaskan Malamute should be:

(A) well furred, loosely held, high over the back
(B) held loosely, curled on the back
(C) slightly curled, resting on the back
(D) short furred and tightly curled

A B C

9. Ears of the Alaskan Malamute should be medium size but small in proportion to the head and set:

(A) on the side of the head
(B) high on the head
(C) in line with the corner of the eye
(D) location is not important, only size matters

A B C

10. Correct rear angulation should be:

(A) straight
(B) moderate
(C) very angulated
(D) none of the above

Malamute Structural Differences - a Comparison

Test your knowledge with the quiz below.

Malamute Structural Differences
- a Comparison