Alaskan malamute is a strong, rugged sled dog that came originally from Alaska. The dog is large and compactly built, and its thick coat usually is wolf-gray or black and white, with darker markings on the head. The malamute carries its bushy tail over its back. When it sleeps, the Alaskan malamute curls up so that its tail covers its nose. Most malamutes weigh from 75 to 85 pounds (34 to 39 kilograms). A group of Inuit called Malemiuts developed the breed.