The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. They are an affectionate, friendly dog, not a “one man” dog. They are a loyal, devoted companion, playful in invitation, but generally impressive by their dignity after maturity.
(AKC Official Standard)
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At SunMtn, my goal is simple but deeply rooted: to honor the heritage of the Alaskan Malamute while raising dogs who are not only exceptional representatives of the breed, but also wonderful companions to live with.
For me, temperament comes first. I believe a true Malamute should carry strength and dignity, but also the steadiness and willingness to connect that make them a joy to share life with. The dogs I raise are bred to be clear-headed, people-oriented, and versatile—able to settle into the rhythms of family life while still carrying the spark of adventure that defines the breed.
Conformation follows closely behind. I value dogs who embody the classic Malamute silhouette: sound, balanced, and capable of the work they were originally bred to do. Whether that’s pulling a sled through the snow, showing off in the conformation ring, or trotting happily beside me in the obedience ring, my dogs are built to move, to work, and to thrive.
The Malamutes I produce enjoy working with their people, not just for them. They’re as happy learning new skills in the obedience ring as they are exploring trails, and while they’ll always hold true to their Malamute independence, they bring an ease and joy to daily life that makes them stand out. Unlike the sharper temperaments often seen in the breed’s early history, my dogs carry a softer edge—a balance of strength and heart that reflects the best of what a Malamute can be.
At the end of the day, my vision is about more than pedigrees or ribbons. It’s about cultivating Malamutes who carry forward the legacy of their ancestors while fitting seamlessly into modern life. Dogs who embody beauty, purpose, and presence—and who remind me daily of the extraordinary gift it is to share life with this breed.
Follow our adventures on Instagram @sunmtnmalamutes
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Eden is the heart of my kennel and the dog who embodies everything I love about the Alaskan Malamute. From the start, she’s been a bundle of joy—her floofy tail wags, signature “woo-woo” conversations, and eagerness for absolutely everything make her impossible not to love. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a training session, or even a bath, Eden greets each moment with presence and enthusiasm.
She’s not just fun to live with—she’s also proven herself in the ring and beyond. Eden has earned her AKC Championship in conformation, her Companion Dog title in Obedience, and her Rally Advanced title. While Malamutes aren’t always known for obedience, Eden thrives in training and competition. At our very first obedience trial, she broke her sit-stay—not out of stress, but to happily follow me around the ring. That moment summed up exactly who she is: joyful, devoted, and always ready to be by my side.
Eden’s impact is already being carried forward in the next generation. She is the proud dam of two AKC Champions.
At her core, Eden is everything I believe a Malamute should be—steady in temperament, sound in structure, and deeply connected to her people. She carries the strength and presence of her heritage, but with a softness that makes her a true joy to share life with. Eden isn’t just the foundation of SunMtn—she’s the daily reminder of why I am so committed to preserving this breed.
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From the moment he was born, I knew Bachelor was something special. There was just a presence about him—a spark that set him apart—and he’s carried that same energy with him ever since. He went on to become my first bred-by Champion, a milestone that means as much to me as any ribbon hanging on the wall. Along the way he’s also earned his Beginner Novice in obedience, Rally Novice, and Trick Dog Novice titles, proving his versatility in and out of the conformation ring.
At home, Bachelor is the goofball of the house, keeping me laughing daily with his antics and oversized personality. But when it’s time to train, the silliness gives way to focus and drive. In fact, his eagerness to work has stretched me as a trainer—I’ve had to grow and level up my own skills just to keep pace with him. That mix—the playful clown and the serious working dog—is exactly what I hoped to see in the next generation.
Bachelor represents the balance I want SunMtn to stand for: brains and beauty, heart and heritage. He carries the strength and independence of the Malamute legacy, but pairs it with a willingness and joy that make him an absolute delight to share life with.
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From the very beginning, Kitty felt like a quiet promise. As my keeper puppy from the Eden x Fats litter, she represents both a continuation and an evolution of what I’ve been building at Sun Mtn.
At just sixteen weeks old, she’s still very much unfolding—but even now, there’s a depth to her. Kitty is a thoughtful girl. Independent, curious, and observant, she approaches new experiences with intention. When I introduce something unfamiliar, she doesn’t rush in blindly. She pauses. She studies. She decides. That quiet confidence is something I deeply value in this breed.
Structurally, she’s an exciting step forward. I see refinement and balance in her that builds on Eden’s strengths, and I’m eager to watch her mature. As an outcross within my program, she brings fresh dimension while still honoring the foundation that got us here. My hope is that she will carry Eden’s legacy forward—not as a replica, but as her own distinct chapter in the story.
Kitty represents the future of Sun Mtn: thoughtful power, purposeful independence, and a steady mind behind the beauty. She is still becoming—but I have a feeling she’s going to be something special.
