The good breeder realizes that he learns something from every breeding he does and from every Malamute he encounters. The front legs should be straight with heavy bone and muscle, and with no weakness in the pasterns. Hind legs should be broad and powerfully muscled through the thighs, with moderately bent stifles and no cowhocks. Muzzles should never be long, pointed or Collie-like, nor should they be stubby or have excessive stop. They should give the impression of being large and bulky in proportion to the size of the skull.
Lips are tight-fitting and jaws are broad.
The lips are black. The coat there will also be longer and denser. Dogs that lack angulation in the shoulder and are restricted in front movement will often give the appearance of lacking a definable neck. By the same token, many over angulated dogs have necks that are long and out of proportion. The Malamute is a breed that should be beautifully balanced from head to tail.