High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Alaskan Malamute is a generally large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originally bred for use as a utilitarian dog and later an Alaskan sled dog. They are sometimes mistaken for a Siberian Husky, but in fact are quite different in many ways. As pets, once mature, Malamutes have a very quiet, dignified temperament and are loyal to their owners.