LOCAL couple Mike and Chris John have been keeping Alaskan Malamute dogs for almost 30 years

Malamutes are the largest of the huskies and are fun dogs who love to pull heavy loads such as logs at the family farm, set in an area of woodland, near Winkleigh.

They also enjoy getting the shopping in the snow and pulling the sleigh for Father Christmas when he visits Winkleigh.

The head of the group is the female Malamute Miska (5) she and Max (7) have two beautiful puppies Marvin and Kayla (three months). Other Malamutes are Roxy (2 ½) and Dylan (13).

Mike and Chris also keep two Norwegian Buhunds, Billy and Bo, and a white Shepherd called Charlie (8).

Malamutes are strong, powerful sled dogs capable of surviving Arctic temperatures and pulling heavy loads at steady speeds.

The Alaskan Malamute evolved from ancient dogs that were companions to prehistoric man during the migrations from Asia across the Artic to Greenland and back, which took place over thousands of years.

Early English and Russian explorers reported seeing a superior type of dog used by the "Mahlemuts" tribes around the North Sound of Alaska, which were used for hunting seals, coursing polar bears and pulled heavy sledges or pack supplies.

During the Gold Rush, in the last century, there was a demand for dogs that could survive the weather and this resulted in quite a mix of breeds and quality of these sled dogs.

Due to the relative isolation of the "Mahlemuts" their breed remained fairly pure.

The Malamutes owned by Mike and Chris are the fourth generation of a line, which originally came from Sweden.

The couple are closely involved with the Alaskan Malamute Breed Club where Mike is the chairman and they are involved with breed issues and sample collection of DNA for hereditary purposes.

Daughter Charlotte is studying at Bicton College and enjoys showing the Malamutes at Crufts. She has experience of junior handling and also judge's junior handling.

Malamutes are very friendly affectionate dogs with a good temperament who love to work and play, but are equally content to chill out and laze around.

For more information check out the website http://www.alaskanmalamute.org.uk">www.alaskanmalamute.org.uk .

Nora Parminter