Since the reader may not yet own an Alaskan Malamute, it is likely that the family dictionary lacks a term coined here at the Central Coast Northern Dog Rescue, that describes one aspect of this marvelous dog's activities. It should be added to the vocabulary of any would-be owner.

malamutilate, verb, to malamutilate. The act of a malamute destroying, devastating, or otherwise laying waste to an object or entire environment in which said malamute may, or may not still be present. Results are comparable to building demolition, landscape eradication, or strip mining. Other forms of this word: verb. malamutilating, malamutilated. Noun: malamutilated, malamutilation. Usage: The sprinkler was badly malamutilated. She entered the room, and gasped at the malamutilation of her couch.

The Alaskan Malamute has been working for many years pulling sleds loaded with freight for the Inuit people, who inhabited the shores of Kotzebu Sound. The Alaskan Malamute is an adaptable and intelligent canine companion. Malamutes are a heavy-boned dog with a bulky muzzle, a broad head, wide-set ears, and a thickly furred tail carried plume-like over the back, the Malamute is one of the most attractive dogs around, and, pound for pound, almost certainly the strongest.

One of the many interesting features of the breed is the natural range in size, color, and markings. The average male may have a weight ranging from 85-125 pounds. The average female may have a weight ranging from 75-100 pounds. Most Malamutes have coats that are gray with white trim or black and white, but coats of silver, sable, red, and all white sometimes occur.

This arctic breed is blessed with a sunny disposition and is happiest when treated as an intelligent partner. The Alaskan Malamute often has a well developed sense of humor.

A degree of aggression toward other dogs is fairly common in the breed. Many malamutes are friendly with dogs of the opposite sex, but aggressive with same sex dogs. A few malamutes simply like other dogs, including small dogs. There are, however, no pacifist malamutes. If challenged by an aggressive dog, even the most peaceable member of the breed will usually administer a swift lesson in who rules the earth, and who must show respect.

If a Malamute is permitted to run loose in rural areas, it will reliably slaughter livestock and wild animals. In urban and suburban areas, a loose Malamute is a menace to cats and other furry creatures. Swift, fearless, and powerful, Malamutes have been know to catch songbirds on the wing. Very few adult rescue Malamutes get along well with cats.

Malamutes are universally friendly to humans.As the dogs of a peaceful, nomadic people, Malamutes do not guard property and virtually always extend a tail-wagging, face-licking welcome to strangers. These dogs develop deep, complex attachments, and readily bond to their adoptive owners.