by: Michael G. McGuire (August 2017)

 

My wife Alicia and I identify as "Breed Ambassadors". Throughout our 30+ years of marriage, all of our dogs have undergone extensive obedience training and have been socialized in nearly every conceivable physical environment, making them quite proficient in Visitation Therapy work. This necessitates a deep understanding of our dogs, their breed characteristics, and the ability to manage them in diverse conditions and scenarios. Whenever we take our dogs out, we consistently draw more than our fair share of attention. This is partly due to the relative rarity with which most individuals encounter Northern Breeds in general, particularly the Alaskan Malamutes. However, the primary source of fascination lies in the sheer magnificence of a Malamute in its full coat and splendor. It is akin to attracting moths to a flame.

Indeed, we frequently encounter the phrase, "Oh, I simply adore Huskies!" and it becomes necessary for us to politely clarify, "No, this is not a Siberian Husky; this is an Alaskan Malamute." This initial interaction often shifts us into Breed Ambassador Mode, where we elucidate the distinctions and similarities between the two breeds. Typically, individuals pose a standard series of inquiries, shower affection on the dogs for a while, and then cheerfully continue on their way. However, occasionally we meet someone who is genuinely eager to learn about a breed they may have never encountered before. These interactions with the public are what I personally cherish the most, as they provide me with the chance to discuss what I believe to be the most magnificent breed of dog on Earth.

Recently, I had a conversation with a middle-aged woman at a local PetSmart. Upon entering, she noticed us walking around, introduced herself, and initiated the usual dog-related dialogue. Her questions followed the typical trajectory but abruptly halted when she learned that both of our dogs were purebred and show dogs, in addition to everything else I had previously described. Her reaction was quite vocal and abrupt. It is essential to tread carefully in such situations, so I cautiously probed the reason behind her sudden change in demeanor. She recounted a traumatic experience with a less than reputable or ethical "breeder" from a nearby county. As a result of this encounter, she generalized all "breeders" based on her perception of breeding. This is unfortunate, as one negative experience has turned this woman into an unwitting ally of the true aims of Animal Rights groups: to eliminate the capacity to breed purebred dogs and, ultimately, to restrict the ownership of dogs altogether. It is indeed a sad reality.

This leads me to the focus of this article; Over the past four decades, individuals have increasingly distanced themselves from using animals for purposes beyond companionship, and due to the relentless influence of the Animal Rights (AR) narrative, the majority of people are largely unaware of what constitutes "ethical" breeding or the role that the AKC and Conformation Showing of purebred dogs play in this context. This situation provided me with the chance to address some of the misconceptions that this woman held and advocated, and to potentially enlighten her on why seeking a local show dog breeder could be more economical in the long term, while also contributing to the reduction of homeless pets in shelters.

I posed a straightforward question; "Are you aware of the reasons why reputable breeders showcase their dogs?" This is a simple inquiry, yet the answer is far from straightforward. Naturally, she replied, "Yes, so they can inform anyone interested in purchasing their animals that they have won numerous ribbons." "That may be true, but that is not the primary purpose," I responded. "What do you mean?" she inquired. I replied, "It is somewhat of a narrative; do you genuinely wish to comprehend it?" "Absolutely," was her reply.

The entire issue traces back to the reason a specific breed of dog was developed. Generally, humans have "created" each breed by merging two or more existing breeds to produce a dog type with particular traits aimed at fulfilling a specific function. Every dog breed worldwide is either the outcome of human intervention for a defined purpose or the result of its environment and natural selection over thousands of years. The Golden Retriever, a breed that is just over 150 years old, was developed through the combination of several breeds. Notably by crossing a Flat-coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel. Additionally, Bloodhounds, Irish Setters, and other retrievers were later used in the breeding program to refine the breed in the mid-1800s. The original breeder, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth of Scotland, achieved this through selective breeding and progressive line-breeding to create a dog with a striking golden coat that could be utilized for hunting both waterfowl and upland game. In essence, it is a stunning and adaptable "gun dog" suitable for use on both land and water.

In contrast, we have what is currently referred to as the Alaskan Malamute. This particular dog breed has likely developed over a span of 4000 to possibly closer to 7000 years, and it is a direct descendant of dogs that were essential for the survival of their Inuit masters throughout this duration. Unlike the Golden Retriever, the Alaskan Malamute is a product of natural selection that occurred over millennia. There was no deliberate intention to create a "breed"; rather, the isolation in a harsh environment for thousands of years led to the emergence of an animal that was uniquely adapted to thrive in a challenging and unforgiving habitat, where its physical characteristics determined its survival. The principle of survival of the fittest applies here! A double coat was necessary to insulate against the cold and repel water, ensuring that one would not succumb to freezing temperatures, thus allowing for survival and potential reproduction. Those without such a coat simply did not survive. This scenario unfolded repeatedly over thousands of years. Ultimately, this led to a consistent appearance and uniform physical traits that were reliably produced regardless of which two dogs from the pack were bred together. This phenomenon is referred to as consistent "breed type."

Advancing to the early to mid-1800s in England, the initial dog shows were organized among hunters to showcase their working field and hunting dogs. This served as an opportunity to evaluate potential breeding prospects, observe the breeding practices of other like-minded individuals, and provided a reason for gatherings during the "off-season." Over time, as is common with all competitive sports, regulations were established regarding the manner in which dogs are presented in competitions, as well as the standards that a breed must meet to be deemed suitably constructed for their designated tasks.

This leads us to the 1920s, when a woman named Eva Seeley made the decision to breed the Alaskan Malamute and present this breed to the AKC for recognition. Mrs. Seeley chose several dogs with disputed origins and meticulously bred these animals until a uniform "type" was established. The origins of these dogs, including their identity and provenance, remain a subject of speculation, as does the question of whether the Malamute we see today is the same breed that existed thousands of years ago.