notable stories and fun facts

about alaskan malamutes

Balto and the Serum Run to Nome

  • One of the most famous stories involving Alaskan Malamutes is the Serum Run to Nome in 1925. Balto, an Alaskan Malamute, helped Togo, a Siberian Husky, lead their sled dog team through treacherous conditions to deliver diphtheria antitoxin, saving the residents of Nome, Alaska, from a deadly outbreak. A statue of Balto stands in New York City's Central Park to commemorate this heroic feat.

Malamutes in Exploration

  • Alaskan Malamutes were integral to several polar expeditions, including Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expeditions in the 1930s. Their strength and endurance made them invaluable in navigating the challenging terrains of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Famous Alaskan Malamute Owners

  • Over the years, Alaskan Malamutes have found their way into the homes of various celebrities. Notable owners include George Lucas who had a Malamute names “Indiana” who inspired both Indiana Jones AND Chewbacca; actress Kristen Stewart, who adopted an Alaskan Malamute named Jack; and the late Robin Williams, who had an Alaskan Malamute named Nanuq.

Fun facts

  1. Some relatives of the Alaskan malamute you might recognize are the Samoyed, the Alaskan Husky, the Siberian husky, the American Akita, the Japanese Akita Inu, and the Alaskan Klee kai.

  2. If you want one of your own, keep in mind they need daily exercise (they are sled dogs, after all). They don’t bark much, but they are vocal and love to stretch their vocal chords and howl sometimes.

  3. They’re built to withstand cold temperatures, and were historically used in Arctic expeditions. They helped settlers hunt, track, look out for bears and also helped to haul gear across snowy terrain, pulling heavy sleds. Alaskan Malamutes can find themselves cozy even in subzero temperatures.

  4. Alaskan malamutes have even been known to act as babysitters, (although we can’t recommend this in 2023).

  5. They’re credited with helping to open Alaska up for settlement and development by performing tasks like carrying mail and transporting supplies.

  6. During World War I, 450 Alaskan malamutes were shipped to France to deliver supplies to French army troops isolated in mountain outposts.

  7. During the Gold Rush, these dogs were in extremely high demand as hopeful prospectors used them to haul massive amounts of food and supplies over mountain passes.

  8. Alaskan malamutes were also used in World War II, this time to sniff for mines, carry weapons and act as search-and-rescue dogs.

  9. The history of the breed dates back a seriously long time. 5,000 years ago the first settlers of North America kept Alaskan malamutes as their companions and as work dogs.