Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute varies in size, with a desired freighting weight of 75 to 85 pounds (34–38.5 kg) and a height of 23 to 25 inches (58–63.5 cm). Heavier individuals (100+ pounds) and dogs smaller than 75 pounds are common—there is often a marked size difference between males and females. Weights upwards of 140 pounds or more are occasionally seen; these dogs are uncommon and are produced primarily by breeders who market a "giant" malamute. These "giant" sizes are not in accordance with the breed's history or show standards. The coat is a dense double northern dog coat, somewhat harsher than that of the Siberian Husky. The usual colors are various shades of grey and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white. Eyes are almond-shaped and brown; blue eyes are sometimes found, but will disqualify the dog in shows. The physical build of the Malamute is compact with heavy boning. In this context 'compact' means that their height to length ratio is fairly even, unlike dogs like Great Danes which are longer and lankier in their ratios. One of the more serious faults in Malamutes is the tail carriage: you should be able to fit your hand through the circle created by the tail's curl; it should not lie flat against the body of the dog or hang down one side. According to the American Kennel Club, the primary criterion for judging the Malamute in a show is its function to pull heavy freight as a sled dog; everything else is secondary. As many an owner has found out, the pulling power of a Malamute is tremendous, and if this trait is lacking in a show dog, it is enough for a disqualification.
Temperament
Malamutes are seen as very affectionate but will howl and destroy objects if they feel ignored or excluded from the pack. They are very pack oriented and do best with a family of humans and/or dogs. Malamutes are generally not a one person dog. This openness to all humans makes them a poor guard dog. They are a visual deterrent only; Malamutes are likely to meet a stranger as affectionately as a "pack" member. Due to the strong pack nature of this breed, Malamutes can be aggressive to dogs outside of their pack, a lot of socialization starting as young as possible is a must.
Malamutes are quiet dogs that generally don't bark, but tend to "talk". They can make all sorts of sounds from howls, grumbles and woo woos. You may recall the Chewbacca character from Star Wars, that identifiable sound was inspired by an Alaskan Malamute, named Indiana owned by George Lucas.
The hard living conditions of the Artic caused the Malamute to have a strong prey drive, as food was scarce. Malamutes may attack small animals such as squirrels, rabbits and have been known to take a bird right out of the air. However a dog that is raised with cats may lovingly live with cats as it will be seen as a member of the pack, but all bets are off for those outside of the home. With this harsh environment came the competition for food and most will have resource guarding issues that will constantly have to be addressed. Also Malamutes had to dig for food when required which has caused modern day dogs to use digging as a way to escape a fenced yard and fight boredom.