SLED DOG BREED PROFILES
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The Indian Dog started out in the early 1800's as a hybrid 50/50 wolf cross, used by the Natives up North on their trap lines. They were also extensively used by the Hudson's Bay Company. Later, as the Native people and their way of life changed, there was no need for these dogs who were built strong, powerful, with large chests, long legs and good endurance. The breed was watered down and as a result there are only a few true Indian dogs left. My particular dogs are a part of the Chipewyan Indian dog used on the trap lines. They have strong personalities and tend to be dominant and aggressive, however with training and control, my dogs are wonderful pets, strong pullers and not too aggressive. Average weight is 100 to 120 pounds, height 33" to 34" at the shoulder. About 15 to 20 years ago Michael Hampson raced on sled with these dogs. George Attla also ran these dogs in the early 1950's. These dogs could go the distance but speed was not their main strength. They were built for working in the bush and pulling heavy loads. Once people started to run faster dogs, such as the Alaskan husky, the Chipewyan Indian dog drifted away from racing.
I guess you could call the few Indian dogs left Museum pieces. Mike Hampson has contacted the Native people he knows up north about breeding possibilities. However the gene pool is really non-existent now. I guess once my army of these dogs gets old, I will have to buy me a team of Malamutes. I love big dogs. Pictured is Thunder, taken in 1999. He was 2 yrs old then, 34"at the shoulder and around 110pounds. He had a very feral demeanor. He enjoyed working in harness. He definitely showed a lot more Canis lupus traits then his brother Neeko. Thunder passed away May 21 1999 suddenly (twisted stomach). His shyness yet, playfulness will always be remembered. I will miss his big hugs, he always used to great me with a standing bear hug.
Submitted by Sandra Post
(The following commentary was written by well known judge Mr. Herman L. Fellton, in his Foreword to the book The New Complete Samoyed, by Robert & Dolly Ward.)
"A breed of physical vigor and splendid character, the Samoyed (pronounced sam-uh-ed) is perhaps the most beautiful breed in the Working Group. It is an eye-catching dog with its glistening silver-sheened white coat standing straight out from the body, over an undercoat of soft, short, thick, close white wool. This together with its dark pigmentation, its dark almond shaped eyes and, especially its rather unique expression, including the slight upward curve at the corners of the mouth creating the characteristic 'Samoyed smile', forms an irresistible, spectacular, aesthetically pleasing picture.
But the 'Sammy' is not only beautiful; it is a true working dog, having served as a herder of reindeer, as a sledge dog, and as a
household companion, watchdog, and helper. Its strong, sturdy medium sized muscular body and its speed and endurance attest to
its ability to perform all of these functions. One of the oldest domesticated breeds of dogs, the Samoyed was bred and developed
by the nomadic Samoyed tribes of Siberia and has made the transition from reindeer-skin tents in the Arctic to modern dwellings in
the temperate zones with grace and aplomb. It is a well-mannered dog with a disposition that is friendly (albeit somewhat reserved)
and devoid of viciousness.
The Samoyed was the sledge dog of choice for many of the Arctic and Antarctic explorations. Borchgrevink and Shackleton in the Antarctic, and Nansen and Abruzzi in the Arctic, utilized 'sammys' for their expeditions. The first animal over the South Pole was an all-white Samoyed lead dog, part of the expedition of the Norwegian Roald Amundsen (Dec. 14, 1911). Today, at the dawn of a new millennium, the bjelkier ('white dog that breeds white') is once again making a come-back as a working sled dog at the races such as the Race to the Sky."
Written By Sue Gingerich
The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient arctic breed. Its origins are believed to go back to the dogs that came across the Bering Strait from Siberia to Alaska during the last ice age with the ancestors of today's Inuit people. The Inuit tribe from the area around Kotzebue Sound of Alaska, called the Mahlamuits or Mahlemuts are credited with the development as the breed we know today as the Alaskan Malamute. The tribe's dogs were reported to be of remarkable beauty and endurance. The Malamute dog is much larger than the Siberian Husky and slightly larger than the Greenland dogs. The Malamute's coat has fewer variations in markings and colours than the Siberian or Greenland dogs. Their appearance often leads people to believe they were crossed with wolves, which did happen on occasion. However these wolf-dogs were usually neutered and not used for breeding, as they were very unpredictable. The type of terrain and weather conditions in different regions also led to the variations in the types of Arctic dogs in North America.
Breeding for many generations, building on the characteristics that make a good sled dog, is how the Malamute breed developed. A harsh coat, cooperation, obedience, immense strength, and endurance were key traits the breed was built on. Because of the dogs relationship with the Inuit he is extremely trusting of humans. The Malamute was used as a freight dog, pulling heavy loads over long distances. He was also used to hunt and defend the Inuit from polar bears.
After the introduction of the snow machine, sled dogs lost a lot of their status as a working dog. However the popularity of racing in the arctic helped to keep an interest in maintaining the arctic breeds. However, the focus now was for very fast dogs, not necessarily strong dogs. Fortunately there were individuals like Eve Seely, who is credited with having a major impact of the preservation and foundation of the breed as we know it, a large, extremely strong, affectionate, friendly, comedic, yet often laid back breed. Although sometimes labelled stubborn, Malamutes are a highly intelligent breed who have an impressive dignity and approach people with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Today's standard male Malamute is 25" and 85 pounds. Females are 23" and weigh 75 pounds. While this is the standard height for both
the 
AKC
and the CKC, you will often see Malamutes that range larger than this. The malamute expression is soft and indicates their
affectionate disposition. His head is broad and deep. His eyes are always brown and are almond shaped. His ears are wedge shaped and
wider set than those of the Siberian. He has a bulky mussel, with a black nose, except for reds, which have liver coloured nose and lips.
The Malamute has a strong neck, which is moderately arched. The body should be compact, but not short coupled. The top-line of this dog
is gently sloping to the hips. The chest depth is approximately one-half the height of the dog at the shoulders. The tail of the malamute
is carried over the back like a waving plume. The malamute comes in colours ranging from light
grey to black. Shades of sable and red are
also recognized. In all colours, white is always predominant on the underbody, parts of legs, feet and part of the face and tip of the tail.
White is the only solid colour allowed.
Today's Malamutes are used for many activities including; family pet, show dog, obedience, agility, flyball and of course weight pulling, sledding and skijoring.
