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Alaskan Malamute: The breed's world history, present and future by Katerina Scheuflerova |
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Alaskan Malamute: The breed's world history, present and future by Katerina Scheuflerova |
INTRODUCTION
In my previous article, you have read about the Alaskan Malamute's
native history - history of the breed in North America. Now I want to
provide you with more information about situations in other continents
and countries because Mals have spread to almost all parts of theworld.
You can find them in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia.
I want to very much thank the people from my Alaskan Malamute e-mail
discussion list who helped me very much because they sent me many
interesting facts about Mals in their countries. Of course, I have found
some interesting info on the Net too, but my list friends have played
the most important role in gaining facts that I have needed to make this
article (the longest one in this serial)...Thank you again!
GREAT BRITAIN
The first Mals came from America in 1959 (male Pawnee Flash of North
Wind and females Preston's Cheechako and her daughter) - and the first
litter was born July 28 1960, bred by the Prestons. Before they returned
to the US, they bred 3 litters under the kennel name "Kananak".
In the 70s, several Kotzebue dogs were imported. Subsequent imports,
mainly in the 80s, have been Snowline's Polar Night, Kimiska's Arctic
Sea Hawk of Highnoon, Can. Ch. (champion) Malnorska's Danikka of
Highnoon, malnorska's Gypsy Lady, Am. Ch. Fire 'n' Ice in Conclusion and
Baron Von Star.
Malamutes are what is known as a Rare Breed - this means that they
can't win a championship title. Mostly they are imported from the USA
and Canada, but there are few from Italy and Sweden. Mals from Britain
have been exported to Australia, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Finland and
back to Canada.
They have two clubs out here - The Alaskan Malamute Club that organises
two shows a year (there are probably over 350 Mals in Great Britain
today and the Alaskan Malamute Club has over 100 members), and a club
that is not recognised by their Kennel Club, The Alaskan Malamute
Working Association who organises sled dog rallies and weight pulls. The
Malamutes can have some genetical problems, in the United Kingdom they
test for Hip Dysplasia and Eye problems. These schemes are run by the
British Veterinary Association. Hips are x-rayed and then scored. 0/0
(no dysplasia) is the best there is ... so the lower the score the
better. Eyes are either clear or not. Both these schemes arevoluntary.
As you may know, the dog that goes to Great Britain must be in
quarantine for 6 months because of the risk of spreading rabies. That
is complicating the new imports and the British Malamute population is
too isolated from the outside world. But it seems that this unpractical,
outdated law will be cancelled soon. This will help the local Mals for sure...
SPAIN
The first Malamute imported to Spain was the bitch Sena-Lak's Lady Llanoin
1961.Until the 1980's the breed was not very popular.
During the last few last years there were some very important importsfrom Canada
and the USA like Ch. Opic De Chabek, Ch. Onan's Bit Of A Witch, Ch.
Storm Kloud's Ben Son Of A Dream, Ch. TNT Quincy of Camps, Ch. Storm
Kloud's Legend Continues or Ch. Myke Tyson De Chabek. Two of these dogs
Ch. Opic De Chabek and Ch. Storm Kloud's Legend Continues were the top
reproductors in the last 5 years.
From the 1990's, the breed has has rapidly gained popularity. In 1993,
there were 1374 registered Mals, 1774 in 1994, 2547 in 1995, 3180 in
1996...There is a lower, but still very high tendency from 1997 (2990
registered Mals) and 1998, when 2409 Mals were registered...
Athough Spain is a very hot country, we can see that this nordic breed
is quite popular here. Of course as in any population there are dogs
that aren't first-rate, but the Spanish Mals are generally on a high
standard due to the new imports and using studs from abroad...
ITALY
Mr Camillo Grillo of Rome imported the first Malamute, Flico du Longet,
in 1970 from the Swiss breeder Mr J. Paccaud of Du Longet Kennel. Flico
became the first Italian Champion and sired the first Italian litter with Vega dellAlaska,
owned by Rosmary Pacini.
The first Malamute that did much to promote knowledge about the
breed in Italy was Sugar River Fox Fire, imported in 1974 from USA from
the Suger River Kennel of Jerry Winder by Gloria Urbani, and who - with
two other bitches- have started the "Del Lago Degli Orsi" Kennel (Sugar
River Fox Fire was born in 1973 and became 3 x World Champion and
French, Italian and Hungarian champion. One of the other bitches was:
Snokimo's Nakina, born in 1972, 2 x World winner).
Italy has both a Northern Dog Club, the Club Italiano Razze Nordiche(CIRN)
and a speciality club, the Club Italiano Alaskan Malamute (CIAM). In
addition to its shows, the CIAM recognizes top producers by awarding a
Riproduttors Championship, the equivalent of the AMCA Register of Merit.
The breed have gained popularity. In 1982, there were totally (Italians
have 2 register books - LOI is the Italian Origin Book and LIR is the
Origin Book for the dog with only 3 generations known) 31 registered
Mals, 74 in 1985, 335 in 1990 and 794 in 1985. There was a lowering
tendence in 1998 when 489 Mals were registered in both books.
Italians have imported many wonderful dogs especially from USA -
American/Canadian/Italian Ch. and Ich. Storm Kloud's Quest For Glory
(World winner 1994, European winner 1993, 1994, Best Malamute in
America-1995...), American/Luxembourg Ch. and Ich. Kiska's Duke of
Shasta (European winner), etc. Many great dogs of today came from Italy
and I hope Italians will keep it up.
DENMARK
The first Malamute, Landsrud Alma, entered Denmark from Norway and began
Moon Song Kennels which was at the forefront of Danish Malamute breeders
during the 1980s.
In Denmark, Mals are mostly family dogs, although their use as sled or
cart dogs is increasing as more Danes learn about the breed. Since they
have no Malamute club, Malamute owners are members of the
Spidshundenklubben, a club for Nordic Dogs. This organization was
founded in 1968 and has more than 800 members.
NORWAY
The first Mal arrived in Norway in 1975-76. A four month quarantine
makes importation difficult. Most Norwegian lines arise from Oywind
Moen's Topkok's Kennel. His import female, Tote-Um's Alaska Sno Bird, is
behind almost all of the Mals in Norway today. She was followed in 1979
by Tote-Um's Ballard Queen. That same year, Mr. Moen also imported the
male Orms Dorm's Moose Moose of Tote-Um from the US.
Other imports were Tigara's Snow Owl of Accomac (England, bred in US),
Moose Creek Tulugak (Alaska), Moose Creek Thule (US), Alwaasen Mitzy
(US), Targhee Strawberries Shaman, Barrenfield Lord Santana
(US)-breeding to him have introduced some new bloodlines into the
Norwegian Malamutes, Zagoskin Maleygmyut's Kre Aklak (Denmark, bred in
Holland), Chorus Line's Paraded...
In 1989, breedings from shipped semen from Int./Nl./Blg./Fr./Ger./Lux./
Ch. Joli Mapa's Hero Boy have happened.
Most Norwegians have only 1 or 2 dogs. As part of the family, they join
their owners in different activities such as backpacking, sledding or
just a companion on walks. Neither weight pulling or obedience is very
popular although weight pulling is held just for fun at the club's
annual winter collection. For the most part, the Norwegians sled,
backpack, ski, and bicycle with their dogs for recreation.
FINLAND
Alaskan Malamutes arrived in Finland in the 1960s and 1970s. A male,
Sami Silver Tio of Finland, was registered and a bitch Lupa came from
the first breeding in Italy. The first kennel to breed Alaskan Malamutes
in Finland was Merisaimon, using 2 US imports, the male Wonderland Toma,
and the bitch, Wonderland Miksi. Serious breeding began in the 80s with
imports from Norway, Sweden and England.
In November, 1992, at the biggest dog show of the year, The Helsinki
International Dog Show, only 8 Mals were shown. However, the breed is
gaining ground, partly because the quarantine regulations for dogs
coming from Central Europe, Canada or the US have been lifted.
The Alaskan Malamute in Finland is well represented by an active club.
Alaskanmuuttiyhdistys (ALMA). ALMA publishes a quarterly newsletter and
holds Camps Geld three times per year. It also sponsors weekend seminars
and training camps for the Malamutes and their owners with various
activities such as sledding, weight pulling, and tracking. Once a year
there is a National Specialty show organized with Suomen
Seurakoirayhdistys, the Finnish Companion Dog Association.
Initially, Mals in Finland were purely sled and house dogs; however,
some new fields have opned up. At least 1 person has trained for
tracking and search and rescue. One female has passed the Finnish novice
class in obedience and will continue into Open, and another is working
in agility.The weight pull contest at the yearly Winter Camp has been quite
populra, and skijoring and sledding are natural winter sports in this
far northern country. Only a few people have more than 2 Mals, so an
all-Malamute team is a rare, but welcome sight...
SLOVENIA
The first Malamute imported to Slovenia was female Cayuga z Predhuri
Sumavy that was imported from Czechoslovakia. Other Mals that followed
were male Dick Eskimo (Czechoslovakia), male Attu (Italy), male Satu
(Italy), male Eskimo Amana (Czechoslovakia), male Balt Moravske Strane
(Czechoslovakia) and his brother Bad Moravske Strane.
Till 1992 all the registrations were JR (Yugoslav Register) so abovementioned
Mals were registered in Belgrade but imported by Slovenian owners.
So Cayuga Z Predhuri Sumavy was not only the first Malamute in Slovenia
but also the first Malamute in Ex Yugoslavia.
After the Slovenian independency the registration numbers continued.
The first Mal that received the title "Slovenian Champion" was Eskimo
Amana. First Mal that have gained the title "Slovenian Junior Champion"
was Hopi Point's Candy Bear.
Not many litters are born in Slovenia per year. In 1994, there were 3
litters, 4 litters in 1995, 2 litters in 1996, only 1 litter in 1997 and
4 litters in 1998.
Till now (1999) only 139 Malamutes are registered in Slovenia - 83 from
Slovenian breeding and 7 imported from Italy and most of the remaining
49 Mals were imported from Czech Rep. and Croatia. In Slovenia, they
have many Mals imported from Hungary but only few of them are registered
in their register book as they don't have all the documents requested
(like Export pedigree etc.).
Although Slovenia isn't a country with lot of puppies born and many Mals
registered, kennels out there are doing good job in producing qualityMals.
POLAND
The first Alaskan Malamute imported to Poland was a bitch, Crazy del
Monte, imported to Poland from Czechoslovakia in 1985s, so the Alaskan
Malamutes have been in Poland for 14 years. Crazy del Monte was thefirst bitch
of the "Molosos" Kennel, based mostly on the Czech Malamutes. Many
Polish Malamutes have her name in their pedigrees.
Mals of other first kennels came from this kennel and from other Czech
imports - these kennels' names are Zagoro, Od Belfrow, Od Jarles, Z
Indianskiej Wioski, Merkambertamer...
Some imports from Europe were from Denmark, from "Noatak's" Kennel
(Sweden) and from Wakon Kennels (USA), but they didn't the
situation much in the first years.
Some good imports from Czech Republic, that positively changed the first
Polish Malamutes came to Poland since 1993 - especially Cezar PlacickeDoupe,
some puppies of the "Navarama Mal" Kennel, especially the kids of
Ich. (Interchampion) Rex Cold Valley of Keema's Wolf Pak - "Jurasek"
(for example Eskimo King Navarama, Icy Ken Kid), puppies of the Ich.
Believe in the Win of Montego, and some kids of the Belgian bitch Cold
Valley's Selection Line Overnightrain.
In recent years Polish breeders have imported some puppies from thefamous
kennels: the older of them is PL Jch. (Polish Junior Champion), PL Ch.
and also Winner of Poland for year 1999 Daystar del Biagio (imported
from Italy) and Duty del Biagio and Samantha del Biagio that came from
the same kennel. Younger than Daystar is PL Jch. Storm Kloud's Hhudson
Icy Wind (imported from the USA from one of the most famous Malamute
kennels in the world - Storm Kloud Kennel).
There are some Malamutes that were bred by Polish breeders that are
really good ones, for example PL Jch. Flying Wolf z Radockiej Gory, PL
Jch. Alabama Tobogan and Ch. Aiya Cheyenne z Radockiej Gory (the first
Malamute that gained the title of "Polish Interchampion").
The Polish breeders' plans for future are very interesting and I hope
the Polish Malamutes will be not only very numerous, but gaining
quality all the time.
CZECH REPUBLIC
The first litter was born on 1st June 1981. Dam of the litter was Alekka
of Nome (imported from Germany) and sire was to Germany imported Texas
dog Sakeetawa's Amaguk. The puppies were born in "del Monte" Kennel,
owned by H. Petrusova, our first breeding advisor of Mals. This was the
first Malamute kennel established in Czechoslovakia (union of Czech
Republic and Slovakia, this union was cancelled in 1992).
Later, there were few other dogs imported - bitch Parka vom Mount Kinley
(from Germany), bitch Athabasca of Midnite Sun (from Canada), male
Iltchi vom Mount Kinley (Germany), male Jotom's Mescalero (Canada), male
Tamanak Chiminuk (Netherlands), male Mistahiya's Saskatchewan (Canada)
and male Mister T Grandson of Kaitu (from Alaska).
Newer imports were: male Alayuk's Araluk (Canada - descendant of the
same parents as Athabasca of Midnite Sun), male Kaitu's Koyuk of
Taaralaste and his sister Kaitu's Kiska of Taaralaste (Alaska), bitch
Cold Valley's My Favorite Bijou (Belgium) and brothers and sister from
the same litter from Italy: bitch Perla Ionica di Latina, male Xefalu
Ipuk di Latina, male Furio di Latina and male Lion Flemingo di Latina.
Second litter in Czech Republic was the "B" litter in "del Monte" Kennel
from Alekka of Nome and Iltchi v. Mount Kinley whelped in 1982. Third
was the "C" litter - "del Monte" out of Parka v. Mount Kinley and Iltchi
v. Mount Kinley, whelped on 7th July 1982. In the same year, on 16th
December, first litter in "Alberta" Kennel (owner V. Soukup) have
arrived. Dam was Athabasca of Midnite Sun and sire was Iltchi v. MK. In
1984, our third kennel was established - "of Magnolia", owned by A.Kurova.
On the 8th of April 1984, Club of Breeders of Nordic Breeds was created.
Later (1991), it was re-named the Club of Nordic Breeds. Unfortunately,
it wasn't functioning properly so in 1999, special club only for Alaskan
Malamutes was admitted. It's name is Alaskan Malamute Club Czech
Republic and we hope that it will help to make our Mals better in allways...
The Mals have gained most popularity after the year 1989 when many
puppies were registered every year. Quantity won before quality. Prices
of puppies were lowered beacuse they weren't sold well, many of them
ended in shelters and similar places. Many kennels bred only few litters
and then ended their breeding activity. The starting kennel "del Monte"
ended it's activity in Malamutes in 1989 with it's last "N" litter...
The present is much better. We have imported few Mals from abroad (for
example - Mch. and Ich. Rex Cold Valley of Keema's Wolf Pak "Jurasek" -
Belgium, sire of my girl "Sophie" - Cardif Rex od Vranskeho potoka,
others are Cold Valley's Tum Maxime - Belgium, Joli Mapa X-Dalasi -
Belgium, Kid de Soto de Rio Frio - Italy, Totem's Spirit in the Sky -
USA, Antarctic Explorer Xpect No War - Belgium, Forti Fortuna Canyon de
Chelly - Poland, etc.) and our breeders are refreshing bloodlines with
using studs from abroad. For example, the first insemination with frozen
semen in Czech Republic have been done by Mal breeders R. Hovorkova and
M. Al-Nassir, owners of "Aleutia" Kennel. The dam was Czech bitch Ich.
Eagle Wing of Navarama Mal (Navarama Mal is one of the most succesful
Mal kennels in Czech Rep.) and sire was American dog Ch. Poker Flat'sYukon Law.
I hope that our Mals will gain even more successes than today. I'm sure
that we're on a good way...
FRANCE
Mrs. Michele Raust de Palma introduced the Alaskan Malamute to France in
1974 and had the first litter in 1975 out of Laska XI and Shooting Star.
Two puppies were sold to Mr. Jean-Vincent Fournis as foundation stock.
The second breeding produced the first French Champion, Manitou, who was
also a Spanish Champion, Champion of Monaco, and International Champion.
In France, most Malamutes are placed as pets. Only a handful find their
way into working or show homes; achieving a French Championship is very
difficult. Until 1992, only one Chmapion de France de Conformite au
Standard was allowed per sex, per year. Increased Malamute entries now
enable the breed to obtain two championships per sex and per year. An
Elite A, which is equivalent of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America's
ROM (Register Of Merit) title, is also awarded to top producing sires and dams.
BELGIUM
After several false starts, Chris Jannelli's very succesful "Cold
Valley" kennel began with bitches from Tigara lines through Matanuska
Kennels. These were joined by American imports, a daughter of Ch.
Tigara's Nordisch Kotze Tu and a bitch from Storm Kloud/Sugarbear. From
the Gabriel's Kaila Kennels in the US, they aquired another bitch with
lines back to both Tigara and Sena-Lak.
Mrs. Janneli later obtained a bitch from Blue Ice Kennels and one from
Storm Kloud as well as 2 Kotzebue males. One, Heritage Kotzebue Youri,
was out of the last litter of Ch. Kotzebue Taku of Chinook, Seeley's
last brood bitch (see previous chapter of this serial for more info).
The other was bred on Kotzebue and Sno Pak lines.
Chris and her friends took this stock to several dogs, including
Shamrock's Shaman of Yukon; a Spanish dog, Ch. Du Paumanok Blue Ice
Dragon; Ch. Baffin's Magic Dragon; Am. Ch. Sendaishi's Kandu Can Do;
Wild Wind male owned by S. Wasserman in Germany; and an Italian dog, The
Boss, imported from Canada, owned and shown by P. Trade.
Using these dogs with her Cold Valley/Wolf Chorus Kennel bitches enable
Jannelli to produce some outstanding Mals. Among them are the "E"
litter, with the well-known Ch. Cold Valley's Erasmus, Ch. Cold Valley's
Evening Song, and Fr. Ch. Cold Valley's Ebraska, who was the most titled
bitch in Europe during her show career. Ch. Cold Valley's Lady Blue, who
goes back to Mount Kinley Kennels in Germany, as a multi- national
champion, a Best In Show (BIS) and specialty winner. And other succesful
dogs from Cold Valley Kennel: Ch. Cold Valley's Noatak Snopak, Ch. Cold
Valley's Kodiak Explorer (champion of 13 countries), Ch. Cold Valley's
Frostnight Dream, Ch. Cold Valley's Indianak, Ch. Cold Valley's Follow
Me Furka, etc, etc...
Several Belgian bitches were also bred to dogs in the US, including Am.
Ch. Sendashi's Kotzebue Kotokaze, Sendashi's Eskimo Eddy, Am. Ch. Storm
Kloud's Vanilla Snoman, and Am. Ch. Nanuke's A Rushin Revolution.
Other known and succesful kennels are "Du Grand Pierreaux" (L. & F.
Pirick); "Borakis Line" ("Keewatin") Kennels - E. Anthonis; "Sweet
Genghis Pak" (S. Diaz-Dupont); "Keema's Wolf Pak" (A. Gabay); "Joli
Mapa" (M. & J. Lingier); "The Chorus Line" (W. & C. Bruynincx); "Akela's
Song" (E. Terryn); "The Northern Lightning" (the Mouthaans); "Chiboui of
Barnak" (Sloumont-Perree).
The Belgium is still one of the most popular and famous Malamute
countries in the Europe. When someone says "Belgium", every person that
is familiar with Mals will imagine a wonderful and quality animal...
GERMANY
Imports to Germany initially came from many different Canadian and US
kennels, especially from Nancy Russel of Storm Kloud Kennels. Chris
Jannelli from Belgium has also sent some fine dogs.
Breeding of registered dogs is controlled though the breed clubs. Breed
wardens evaluate dogs to determine if they are worthy of breeding, using
requirements designed to maintain not only type in the breed but genetic
health as well. In addition to considering the dog's conformation, the
breed warden requires cerificates vouching for the dog's hips, eyes, and
physical well-being before granting approval to breed. Approval for
additional depends upon the results of hip x-rays on the progeny from
the previous litter(s). All must be radiographed, and at least 50 % must
receive a good rating.
Unfortunately, German dogs still can't concur to the Mals from other
countries, for example Belgian ones. New imports may help to improve
their quality.
SWITZERLAND
The first Malamute, Int./Swiss Ch. Wagnark of Coldfoot, arrived in
Switzerland in 1965. His owner, Mrs. Helly Vogt, has been breed warden
for the Swiss Club since 1966. She established an internal studbook for
the breed at the outset.
The Swiss Club emphasizes good placement (which helps to reduce number
of Malamutes turning up in shelters) and responsible breeding for the
highest quality possible. They believe that each successive generation
should improve on the one which preceded it.
Of the approximately 120 dogs which have been imported in the last 30
years, the first were from the US and Canada from Sno-Pak, Kanangnark,
Coldfoot and Tigara Kennels. In the mid-70s, these were followed by dogs
from Zagoskin, Nunaga's (from Tigara lines), Tote-Um and Tobe. Kennels
in other European countries that have exported to Switzerland include
Naksala, Baffin, Keewatin and Mount Kinley from Germany; du Grand
Pierreux, Cold Valley's and WolfChorus from Belgium; Rossnisska's from
Austria and de L'Etoile from France.
A combination of judicious breeding, excellent imports and attention to
working ability has made the Swiss Alaskan Malamute a quality animal.
THE NETHERLANDS
The first Dutch Champion was Tigara's Matanuska U-Chee, owned by Mrs.
Anita Andela and bred in the US by Mrs. G. Schwalbe and Dorothy
Dillingham. Imported in 1967, U-Chee and her sister, Tigara's Matanuska
Chee-Chee, were also the first Mals registered in Holland.
Mrs. L. Sheffer-Pater bred the first Malamute litter, born in March,
1972. Mrs. Betsy Katelaar began her very influential career in Alaskan
Malamutes with a male from this litter, Ch. Anernek. With an American
import, Ch. Jotom's Ilannak, she began her "Zagoskin Maleygmyut" Kennel.
Her fine exports to other European countries have started and
strengthened their breedings.
Mrs. R. Looymans-Mimpen started her "Nukilik" Kennel with a dog, Ch.
Zagoskin Maleygmyut's Pitlik, and a bitch, Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's
Pitiksik. She then bred her imported Ch. Inharmony's Nukilik Unayok to
Ch. Inuit's Luavik of Zagoskin, and a puppy from this breeding was sent
to Finland.A sister to Pitiksik, Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's Sitiyok and Nukilik's
Ahre-Gay, a dog, form the basis of the "Of Narjan Mar" Kennels of Mrs.
F. Kerklaan. Other succesful dogs in this period were Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's
Anana, Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's Maitsiak, Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's
Yngyt, Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's Atataq, Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's
Juini, Ch. Nukilik's Niviasar, World/Dutch Ch. Zagoskin Maleygmyut's
Takuvik, World/Dutch Ch. Kataum Inua's Nunaraq, etc...
New and new kennels were establablished, for example "Tokositna
Maleygmyut", "Akkimayunga", "Mahkajo", "Zharkova", "Shaktolik"...
New dogs from abroad were imported from famous kennels, like Cold
Valley's Justified Sila, Jotom's Paluktuk, Jotom's Issuk of Kataum Inua,
Apple Hill's Tango, etc.
The first Alaskan Malamute in Holland to obtain and obedience title, a
Working Team Dog title and a Stamina Test title (UV) is Ch.Bareebinyackzan.
To maintain the quality of their dogs, the Alaskan Malamute Club of the
Netherlands (AMCN) mandates breeding restrictions. To be used for
breeding, the Alaskan Malamute must have hip x-rays certified either
excellent or good, be over 24 months for bitches or 18 months for males,
not have a litter within the previous 12 months (bitches), have no
serious genetic deformation and not be monorchid (males).
The AMCN doesn't have any titles to recognize producing or working
achievement, but it does encourage its members to work with their dogs.
At "activity days", members are introduced to backpacking, carting, and
pulka (you will read more about sporting with Mals in one of next
chapters of this serial). The club has held walks, weekend hikes in the
Belgium Ardennes forest, and even sledding/packing weeks in France.
The club holds its own dog show each year, although championship points
aren't always available. To become a Dutch Champion, a dog must with at
least four championship points under at least 2 different judges. In
addition, the last point must be won after the dog is 27 months old.
Although their numbers are small, Mals in the Netherlands are in
excellent hands. Their quality has enabled them to become foundation
stock for other European countries.
ISRAEL
The Israel Kennel Club was established in the early 70's, and was soon
accepted to the F.C.I. One of its first members was the ISDC (Israel
Spitz Dog Club). At first only Keeshounds, Chows, Huskies and Samoyeds
were counted. The Malamutes were late comers, the first arrived to
Israel in 1975. She was of not good reputation nor exceptional
ancestry, but of a nice type. Next few dogs came from puppy farms inCanada,
some from shops in the USA. None left any legacy in the Holy Land.
Some years ago breeding regulations came into force, and suddenly they
had no males to use whatsoever. The club decided to take some steps,
and made contacts with Mrs. Nancy Russell of Storm Kloud Kennel. These
contacts last ever since, Nancy became a soul friend with some of the
Israeli Malamute people, and has
already been there twice. The first puppy to arrive from Wisconsin wasIs. Ch.
Storm Kloud's CCruisin On By, a great male, brother to Ch. Storm Kloud's
CCyrus Rex Valae, a very well known male in Europe. Second was Is.
Ch. Storm Kloud's TTamary II, elegant and yet very strong female.
Another female - Storm Kloud's In the Desert, who had to wait until the
Gulf war was over to fly here, died after having only one litter atyoung age.
A close personal relationship with Mrs. Chris Janelli of Belgium (the
most famous kennel in Europe - " Cold Valley's ") resulted in some good
quality imports, a pair of great looking dogs, male and female from Le
Chabek Kennels in Canada, a female from Hopy Point in Slovenia, and
more contributed to the breeding programs, some more some less. During
1994 they accepted a unique contribution in the form of Iditarod (an American most famous
sled dog race) veteran, Am. Ch. Storm Kloud's Hhere I Am, that came to
stay for a year. He managed to finish his Israeli Championship the old
way, by winning 3 CAC (FCI title - Awaiting of National Championship) ,
and left some offsprings whose influence is very well noticed. The
latest comers are two Mals from Maureen Andersen of Keikewabic Kennel,
Canada, a gorgeous female and a wonderful young male.
Today, only 35-40 Mals are in Israel but interest in the breed is
increasing. All together since 1975, they had some 200 Israeli born
Malamutes from about 19 litters. Not all are the ones they hoped for,
but some are with no doubt all a breeder can wish.
JAPAN
Malamutes first came to Japan with Americans who brought their dogs with
them while they lived there in the sixties. The first registration withthe
Japan Kennel Club did not occur until 1971, when Squankan's Playboy was
imported from the US, by Norio Iwata in Tokyo. A decade passed beforethe
next registration.
By 1984 the Kazamas had begun importing Malamutes to their pet shop,Africa
Kennel, registering them under the kennel name Dog Heart Africa. Their
first breeding was between Kuuipo's Kapono and Riata's Spice on Ice. The
first home bred Malamutes in Japan were two females from this breeding.
Mrs Kawahata began importing additional US lines, a female Kanagawa MTand
Nockchin's Maximillion, who finished his Japanese Championship in 1985.
Another import finished his championship that year - Ch. Kimiska's Lordof the
Ring.The Kazamas then imported Am. Ch. Storm Kloud's Ooutlaw and Am. Ch.
Hug A Bear's Echo of King Togi, a pair with profound influence on thebreed
in Japan. Ch. Bista of Dog Heart Africa, owned by Mr Okubo, became thefirst
home bred champion.
Over the ensuing years, Kazamas imported many American Champions,
including the 1984 AMCA National Specialty winner Am Ch. Nomarak's
Kenworth, Am. Ch. Storm Kloud's Hhowling Satana, Am. Ch. Osirises
Princess Nene, Am. Ch. Storm Klouds Go West Young Man ("Fujin") and Am.
Ch. Sitka Tathline. The latter two were BOB Dog and Bitch, respectively
at the JKC Headquarters show in 1988.
Fujin had a very succesful show career until his untimely death in 1990,
winning the first BIS for a Malamute in Japan in 1988.
The Japanese are working their dogs, and the results should have some
effect on their breeding choices. The first CDX (Companion Dog
Excellence) title was obtained by a Japanese-bred female, Ch. CordeliaKamui I.
Japanese are still importing new dogs, especially from the US, and that
is a good step to healthy and beautiful Mals that Japanese have alreadydone...
NEW ZEALAND
The first Mal imported to New Zealand was Gina of Clebar imported from
United Kingdom by Bert Patmore - whelped on 10th June 1967 and imported
25th July 1973... She was never shown or bred.
A bitch Herstans Unuyuk of Valley View was imported by Mr Patmore.
Whelped on 10th May 1976. She arrived in New Zealand in whelp to a
Scottish Malamute Tigara's Farland Scots Pride - 5 pups whelped on 11th
October 1977. Mr Patmore also imported Kandik's Cyronak of Herstan,
borned 3rd October 1977, imported 26 October 1979.
Then Yvonne Harris imported Tigara's Metyel of Accomac (borned
24th September 1976 and imported 13 February 1979) from Scotland breeder
Neil Brown who was breeding under Tigara prefix. Mrs Harris also
imported Hots Buran from USA (borned 10th February 1974, imported 9th
July 1976) and next his brother and sister from other litters from USA
(Hots Prince Phillip and Hots Kiska). While in quarantine in United
Kingdom a litter of 4 puppies was whelped. Kiska and the pups came to
New Zealand on 6th May 1980. The pups imported had to have all different
registered names as Ms Harris did not have an English prefix ..... Erklasook of Arctic Winds,
Panook of the North, Chinok of the Yukon and the only female Chimo Silver Moon
- she went to Australia.
Seacourt Icicle from United Kingdom was the next - borned 18th December
1972 Import date was 18th May 1981 - she probably haven't been ever bred
The first registered litter in New Zealand was from Erklasook of Arctic
Winds bred to Tigara's Metyel of Accomac - 2 males Niklaus of the North
and Nanook of the North. Later, Nanook went to Australia.
AUSTRALIA
Herstan's Whaka-Pena-Tama, the New Zealand import by Irene Gates,
arrived in 1978. That same year, Tony and Marilyn Syme of Meryton
Kennels in Victoria arranged a lease of Mrs Harris's Aus/NZ Ch. Hots
Buran in co-ownership with Mick Mooney. Buran achieved his Australian
Championship soon.
Symes also bred Australia's first litter out of their New Zealand
import, Aus/NZ Ch. Chimo Silver Moon. Four of her eight puppies went on
to finish their championships. One, Ch. Meryton Atasuk Chimo, was the
first Malamute to win a BIS (Best In Show) at an All Breed ChampionshipShow.
Her brother and sister from the second breeding became not only
champions but obedience title holders as well. Ch. Meryton Makluk
Tenekee, CDX finished his obedience title before his first birthday, and
sister, Ch. Meryton Makluk Panda, CDX quickly followed.
The Beverwijk Kennels of F. M. Worman are on the Gold Coast of QLD. In
1983, he imported three Malamutes: Miskimos Blackjack, Bar B R's Sugar
Babe, and Rogards Shady Lady, all from the USA. Interest in Malamutes
got a boost when Buran's head was used on a dog food box and his
grandson Ch. Inuk Nutara Kadluk, played a wolf in a television
commercial. His son Meryton Wsewolod (Jock) was the star of a 1987 news
pregram on Melbourne TV which followed his exploits on an Australian
Antartic expedition.
Other imports also came to Australia. From the UK, Mrs W. Newton of
Yarram,Victoria imported Ch. Snow Eagle of Highnoon, Highnoon's
Mescalero Apache, and Highnoon's Laughing Water. R. Wells, Souther River
Western Australia obtained Amerinds Bell Chyme Wolsong (US) Mr and Mrs
L. Bennett of Wandiligong bought Victoria's own Berchtenbreiter Kodiak
(CAN), Mr and Mrs E. Singer formerly of Warrandyte, Victoria imported
AUS/NZ Ch. Eskimo Jane of the North (NZ). Mrs I. Gates, Croydon, South
Australia imported Tigara Sea Voyageur (UK) and Mrs D. Sullivan,
Sebastopol Victoria bought AM/CAN Ch. Storm Kloud's Qqwanee Song (US).
In the last decade, the Malamutes popularity has escalated in Australia,
so that these original dogs are now foundation lines for upcoming
kennels. Polstar's of Mrs D. Sullivan, Latanpark of Mrs E. Luke,
Huskypak of Mrs Pat Roae in New South Wales and Whitemist of Mrs Irene
Gates in South Australia all obtained bitches from Beverwijk. The Tundra
Kennels of Wilma and Ron Livington have many champions produced from
Meryton Sisamut Kara and their male Ch. Meryton Makluk Thunder. From a
Polstar litter out of Snow Eagle, Wendy and Mick Newton of Victoria took
two bitches and began they Chukchi Alaskan Malamutes. They have gone on
to import many dogs from the US and UK.
Although Australia is about the size of the continental US, its center
is a desert, clustering the majority of the population in the coastal
areas. The breed has become popular enough for some predictable problems
to arise. The Alaskan Malamute Club of Victoria has had to form a breed
rescue to deal with unwanted dogs. To help control hip dysplasia the
AMCV hip control program has succeeded in getting their registered boday
the Victorian Canine Coucil to use a suffix on the pedigrees of dogs
with normal hip x-rays, which should assist conscientious breeders.
The pinnacle of the Australian shows is the Sydney Royal and Royal
Melbourne Show, which is benched, however, shows are held every weekend.
One notable winner, owned by Paharey Kennels, is Ch. Huskypak Hussybear,
winner of the only available Challenge Certificate (CC) for females in
1988, 1989, 1992 and 1993. In 1988, her brother Ch. Huskypak Aussie Bear
joined her winning the dog CC...
Photos & text copyrighted 1999 by Katerina Scheuflerova
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