Head: the head is broad and deep, not coarse or clumsy, but in proportion to the size of the dog. The expression is soft and indicates an affectionate disposition. Skull: is broad and moderately rounded between the ears, gradually narrowing and flattening on top as it approaches the eyes. The topline of the skull and the topline of the muzzle show a slight break downward from a straight line as they join. Muzzle: is large and bulky in proportion to the size of the skull, diminishing slightly in width and depth from junction with the skull to the nose. The lips are close fitting. Nose, lips and eye rims' pigmentation: is black in all coat colours except reds. Brown is permitted in red dogs. The lighter streaked "snow nose" is acceptable. Eyes: the eyes are obliquely placed in the skull. Eyes are brown, almond shaped and of medium size. Blue eyes are a serious fault. Ears: the ears are of medium size, but small in proportion to the head. The ears are triangular in shape and slightly rounded at the tips. They are set wide apart on the outside back edges of the skull, in line with the upper corner of the eye, giving ears the appearance, when erect, of standing off from the skull. Erect ears point slightly forward, but when the dog is at work, the ears are sometimes folded against the skull. High set ears are a fault. Mouth: the upper and lower jaws are broad with large teeth. The incisors meet with a scissors grip. Overshot or undershot is a fault.
Neck: strong and moderately arched. Chest: well developed. Body: compactly built but not short coupled. Back: straight and gently sloping to the hips. Loins: hard and well muscled.
Shoulders: moderately sloping; forelegs heavily boned and muscled, straight to the pasterns when viewed from the front. Pasterns: short and strong and slightly sloping when viewed from the side. Legs: are rear broad and heavily muscled through the thighs; stifles moderately bent and well let down. When viewed from the rear, the legs stand and move true in line with the movement of the front legs, not too close nor too wide. Dewclaws on the rear legs: undesirable and should be removed shortly after puppies are whelped. Feet: are large, toes tight fitting and well arched. There is a protective growth of hair between the toes. The pads are thick and tough; toenails short and strong.
Is moderately set and follows the line of the spine at the base. The tail is carried over the back when not working. It is not a snap tail or curled tight against the back, nor is it short furred like a fox brush. The Malamute tail is well furred and has the appearance of a waving plume.
The Malamute has a thick, coarse guard coat, never long and soft. The undercoat is dense, from 2.5-5 cm (1-2 ins.) in depth, oily and woolly. The coarse guard coat varies in length as does the undercoat. The coat is relatively short to medium along the sides of the body, with the length of the coat increasing around the shoulders and neck, down the back, over the rump, and in the breeching and plume. Malamutes usually have a shorter and less dense coat during the summer months. The Malamute is shown naturally. Trimming is not acceptable except to provide a clean cut appearance of feet. Colour: the usual colours range from light grey through intermediate shadings to black, sable and shadings of sable to red. Colour combinations are acceptable in undercoats, points and trimmings. The only solid colour allowable is all white. White is always the predominant colour on underbody, part of legs and feet, and part of face markings. A white blaze on the forehead and/or collar, or a spot on the nape is attractive and acceptable. The Malamute is mantled, and broken colours extending over the body or uneven splashing are undesirable.
The gait of the Malamute is steady, balanced and powerful. He is agile for his size and build. When viewed from the side, the hindquarters exhibit strong rear drive that is transmitted through a well-muscled loin to the forequarters. The forequarters receive the drive from the rear with a smooth reaching stride. When viewed from the front or from the rear, the legs move true in line, not too close nor too wide. At a fast trot, the feet will converge toward the centreline of the body. A stilted gait, or any gait that is not completely efficient and tireless, is to be penalised.
Height: Dogs — 63.5 cm. Bitches — 58.5 cm. Weight: Dogs — 38.5 kg. Bitches — 34 kg.
