Who We Are
Hello and welcome! My name is Jen and this is how Nordicstorm got its start. I fell in love with Malamutes at the age of 8. He was a big beautiful boy named Molson whom I'd pass by on my way to and from school. Each day, if he was out in the yard, I'd stop and give him a scratch through the fence and he'd lean in and "Wooo". Thus, cementing my longtime love of this breed. Nordicstorm is a small kennel just outside of Windsor and is committed to bettering the breed and to maintaining and exemplifying the Breed Standard with an emphasis on temperament, form, and function. I am a proud member in good standing of the Canadian Kennel Club, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (serving on both the Membership and History Committees). If you would like to know more about me and my dogs, please click the button below.
Breed Standard
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. The Malamute stands well over the pads and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. The muzzle is bulky, only slightly diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. Malamutes are of various colours (including red, wolf grey, sable, black and white, and agouti). Face markings are a distinguishing feature. These consist of a cap over the head, the face either open or marked with a bar and/or mask. The tail is well-furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waiving plume.
Temperament & Size
The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, friendly dog, not a "one man" dog. He is a loyal, devoted companion, playful in invitation, but generally impressive by his dignity after maturity.
There is a natural range in size in the breed. The desirable freighting sizes are males, 25 inches at the shoulders, 85 lbs. females 23 inches at the shoulders, 75 lbs. However, size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement, and other functional attributes. When dogs are judged equal in type, proportion, and movement, the dog nearest the desirable freighting size is to be preferred.
A Little More About Our Dogs
The Past, Present, and Future
Loki...
I started out with my first boy, Loki. We were going to do it all; take on the world together! In my mind. But Loki had other plans. His agenda was to teach me what it meant to be a first-time Mal owner and the highs, lows, and challenges that come with it. But bless him, he humoured me! We did Rally-O, Agility, Weight Pull, and Dog Sledding. We tried our hand at conformation, but quickly discovered it wasn't for him. He loved having a job though, and was a great wheel dog...I used to joke that he was first and second gear all by himself.
Freya...
Next came Freya. She was a diva for sure! A natural show dog who made me an accessory at the other end of the leash. She LOVED the attention she got in the show ring and was a sweet but troublesome girl. She was a world-class counter-surfer, ingested rolls of toilet paper, numerous wee animals that made their way into the yard. She was also an excellent sled dog, but impatient. She was always ready and raring to run as hard and fast as she could and would get frustrated if Loki didn't do the same. Initially, the plan was to breed Freya but it was not meant to be.
Rumour...
Then came Rumour, or Ru for short. Ru is a StormKloud dog from Sabrina Czarapata at StormSky Alaskan Malamutes in Wisconsin. This is an old bloodline and the only all AKC-registered Alaskan Malamute dogsled team to run the Iditarod. We were very excited to bring Ru home and begin our breeding program with such royal roots! She's a sweet, affectionate, nurturing soul with just the right amount of Malamute attitude and iron will. Rumour has been the boss dog around here since Loki's passing and although she takes her job very seriously, she is both a benevolent dictator and an exceptional teacher. We think the world of our foundation bitch!
Scandal...
And then came Scandal! He was a bit of a surprise. I had been looking for another boy, (but not necessarily actively) When Sabrina called and told me she had "the boy for me.". Did she ever. He is everything I could have hoped for and more! The most affectionate, happy, goofy guy. He's a love. He and I are currently trying our hand at Rally Obedience as well as Conformation.
