Working Titles

In 1977, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA) started a working dog program encouraging owners of Alaskan Malamutes to work their dogs. In 1985, the working dog excellent program was added, containing far more stringent criteria and requiring a higher level of stamina. In 2008, the AMCA added the working dog advanced program giving an intermediate level of certification. In late 2006, the first UK dogs to gain a working title were recognised by the AMCA and since 2007 the AMCUK has worked to bring the working titles alive in the UK for the benefit of its members.

There are three fields of certification:

         Sledding

         Weight Pull

         Backpacking

In each field, there are three levels of certification, basic, advanced and excellent. Each field and level has a strict criteria to adhere to laid down by the AMCA. Titles available are:

         Working Team Dog - WTD, WTDA, WTDX

         Working Lead Dog - WLD, WLDA, WLDX

         Working Weight Pull Dog - WWPD, WWPDA, WWPDX

         Working Pack Dog - WPD, WPDA, WPDX

Dogs can gain their titles but they will not be able to add them to their UK Kennel Club names, they will however be able to use them in their pedigrees.

Requirements for each working title can be found on the AMCA website: www.alaskanmalamute.org

Applications for certification are made direct to the AMCA by completing the appropriate form and enclosing a small fee. Application forms are available on the AMCA website. By arrangement with the working committee of the AMCA, Malamutes with rescue numbers from the AMCUK can also register for working titles.

The Alaskan Malamute Working Association has introduced its own working certification scheme for its members and details can be found on their website. HERE