The Alaskan Malamute can be traced back to dogs of the Mahlemuits Inuit tribe near Kotzebue Sound in western Alaska, 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. In the harsh conditions north of the Arctic Circle, humans and malamutes thrived because of their symbiotic relationship. As sled dogs, they were used to haul people and pull heavy freight. Early Eskimos were quite nomadic, and sled dogs were essential for this life style. The Eskimos treated their dogs well, feeding the dogs as often as themselves.

Malamute dogs have been identified to be one of the 14 known Ancient Dog Breeds. These ancient breeds are domesticated dogs that differ the least from wolves genetically, relative to other breeds.

Malamute characteristics and behaviors are consistant with a dog living in such harsh conditions:

• Independence
• Resourcefulness
• Intelligent
• Strong dogs
• Primitive behaviors, like howling
• Stubborn and difficult to train
• Dense double northern dog coats
• Generally quiet dogs (they will vocalize like "Woo-Woo" or howling).