COLOR AND MARKINGS
Each dog has its very own pattern that sets it apart from every other malamute. The
malamute coat should have a thick , coarse guard coat, not long and soft. The under coat
is dense, from 1to 2 inches in depth oily and woolly. Malamutes usually have shorter and
less dense coats when shed out during the summer months. The tail is well furred and
carried over the back when not working. Not tightly curled to rest on back-or short furred
and carried like a fox brush, a waving plume appearance instead. The Alaskan Malamute
generally sheds twice a year spring and fall.
Color Description
Several colors and combinations of colors are allowed in the breed, and they are all very attractive, you may
have your own color preference.
Black and White – Black guard hair with black or dark grey undercoat.
Seal and White – Black or black tipped guard hairs with white or cream undercoat. Dog appears black at a
distance but is not a true black because of the light undercoat
Sable and White – Black or gray guard hairs with a reddish undercoat and red trimmings. Both black and
red factors evident
Gray and White – Gray guard hairs with light gray, cream, or white undercoat. Dog definitely appears gray
even though there may be some black hairs on the topline. No red factor evident.
Silver and White – Light gray guard hairs with white undercoat.
Blue – A off – black or bluish – charcoal color, eye color may be affected, No black factor evident.
Red and White – A definite shade of red, either light or dark; with light points (lip line and nose), and eye
color. No black factor evident.
All White – Both guard hairs and undercoat are white. Often evidence of a mask in cream color. Only solid
color allowed.
Agouti & white -Puppy is born almost solid black, muddy, or sooty facial color, without the typical clearly –
defined light and dark , salt and pepper goggles on a sooty face, color lightens as the dog ages
Trimmings – Shadings of gold, cream, buff, brown or reddish hues often found on legs, ears, tail and face
between white areas of the underbody and the dark color above.
Face Markings
Cap – A cap of color covers the top of the head and ears usually coming to a point in the center of the
forehead.
Goggles – Dark areas under the eyes and extending sideways to the cap.
Bar – A dark area extending from the center point of the cap down the nose.
Eye Shadow – Dark markings under the eyes but not extending out to the cap.
Star – A small white spot in the center of the forehead.
Blaze – A white mark extending from the center point of the cap back up the forehead. Width and length
can vary.
Closed Face – Dark coloring covering the face with no distinct markings on the face.
Open Face – A cap covering the top of the head and no other markings on the face.
Full Mask – The combination of cap, goggles and bar. Mask – The combination of cap and goggles.
Chest Markings
Necklace – A curving band of dark color across the chest.
Eagle – Two bands of dark color protruding partially across the chest forming a pattern resembling the
eagle emblem.
Neck Area
Collar A white band of color encircling the neck.
Wither Spot A white mark varying in size but centered on the withers or at the base of the neck.
Mismarkings
Mismarkings – Undesirable, uneven splashings.
EYE COLOR – “Eyes are brown… Dark eyes preferred. Blue eyes are a disqualifying fault.” from the
“Alaskan Malamute Standard” approved 31 May 1994.
The only other color besides brown is on the red and white Alaskan Malamutes they have a yellow amber
color eye and this is approved .This is not a disqualifying fault .
TyOhni's Alaskan Malamutes 