Sled dog developed by the Malemiut, an Eskimo group.
It is a strongly built dog with a broad head, erect ears, and a plumelike tail carried over its back. Its thick coat is usually gray and white or black and white, the colours frequently forming a caplike or masklike marking on the head. It stands 23–25 in. (58–64 cm) tall and weighs 75–85 lbs (34–39 kg). Characteristically loyal and friendly, it has served on expeditions to the Antarctic.