what is a breed standard?
A breed standard is a guideline that describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features that could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare, or soundness of this breed.
- Narelle Hammond (International ANKC/FCI & AKC All Breeds judge, "Team Kombinalong" Australian Cattle Dogs)
- Narelle Hammond (International ANKC/FCI & AKC All Breeds judge, "Team Kombinalong" Australian Cattle Dogs)
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alaskan malamute Breed Standard highlights |
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. The Malamute stands well over the pads, and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. Malamutes are of various colours. Face markings are a distinguishing feature. These consist of a cap over the head, the face either all white or marked with a bar and/or mask. The tail is well furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waving plume.
The Malamute must be heavy boned dog with sound legs, good feet, deep chest and powerful shoulders, and have all of the other physical attributes necessary for the efficient performance of his job. The gait must be steady, balanced, tireless and totally efficient. He is not intended as a racing sled dog designed to compete in speed trials. In judging Malamutes, their function as a sled dog for heavy freighting in the Arctic must be given consideration above all else. The degree to which a dog is penalized should depend upon the extent to which the dog deviates from the description of the ideal Malamute and the extent to which the particular fault would actually affect the working ability of the dog. The legs of the Malamute must indicate unusual strength and tremendous propelling power. |
Size: 25" / 85 lbs for a male and 23" / 75 lbs for a female
Head: Broad and deep, proportional to the rest of the body. Expression must be soft and affectionate. Teeth: Correct scissor bite and full dentition is desired Eyes: Varying shades of brown, almond shaped and medium sized. Darker eyes preferred. Ears: Triangular shaped, wide apart on the head, medium sized but smaller in proportion to the head. Feet: Large and shaped like snowshoes Tail: Well furred and carried over the back Coat: Dense undercoat and coarse guard coat of medium length Gait: Tireless, efficient and steady Temperament: True people loving dog - friendly and affectionate. Not a "one person" dog generally Disqualifications: Blue eyes |
please click here For the in-depth illustrated breed standard
Additional Resources (from the Alaskan Malamute Club Victoria, Inc)