Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy: Testing and Heredity Guide

Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder affecting the Alaskan malamute breed. It causes progressive muscle atrophy and abnormal hind leg movement, leading to a distinctive gait. Signs generally appear in younger dogs between 3 months and 2 years of age, often first noticeable when walking up or down stairs or inclines.

As a genetic condition, AMPN is passed down through breed lines by parents and ancestors. It cannot be caught from other dogs casually. Pre-breeding DNA testing is vital to determine if an Alaskan malamute is clear, a carrier, or affected, enabling informed breeding decisions to reduce the risk of affected puppies.

Understanding Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy

AMPN is also called idiopathic polyneuropathy. It involves degeneration of the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and loss of nerve control to limbs. Clinical signs include ataxia, unusual walking on toes, and regular stumbling or falling.

Typically, symptoms emerge before the dog reaches two years old, worsening progressively and affecting quality of life.

Which Dogs Are at Risk?

This condition exclusively affects purebred Alaskan malamutes, though crossbreeds with Alaskan malamute ancestry may also inherit the gene mutation. Interestingly, a similar polyneuropathy occurs in Greyhounds, but this is due to a different genetic mutation and is tested separately.

Genetic Inheritance of AMPN

AMPN follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. A dog must inherit two copies of the mutated NDRG1 gene, one from each parent, to be affected.

Dogs are classified into three genetic statuses after testing:

• Clear (N/N): No copies of the mutation; will not develop AMPN and cannot pass it on.
• Carrier (N/AMP): One copy of the mutation; will not show symptoms but can pass the mutation to offspring.
• Affected (AMP/AMP): Two copies of the mutation; will develop the disease.

The breeding outcomes depend on the genetic status of the parents:

• Two clear parents produce all clear offspring.
• Two affected parents produce all affected puppies.
• Two carrier parents produce approximately 25% affected, 50% carriers, and 25% clear puppies.
• A clear parent and a carrier produce 50% clear and 50% carriers.
• A clear parent and an affected parent produce 100% carriers.
• A carrier and an affected parent produce 50% carriers and 50% affected puppies.

How to Test Your Alaskan Malamute

Testing is essential for responsible breeders and owners aiming to prevent AMPN in future litters.

Testing is done via a simple DNA test. You can request your vet to collect a blood sample or buccal swab, which is then sent to a Kennel Club-approved laboratory for analysis.

Results are returned quickly, identifying whether your dog is clear, carrier, or affected. This knowledge helps select optimal mates and avoid producing affected pups, while maintaining genetic diversity within the breed.

Avoiding breeding only clear dogs exclusively is important, as narrowing the gene pool too much can inadvertently increase risk of other hereditary issues.

Why Responsible Breeding Matters

AMPN cannot be transmitted except by heredity, so DNA testing and careful mating decisions are the primary tools to reduce incidence. By sharing test results and choosing mates carefully, breeders uphold the health and welfare of Alaskan malamutes.

This responsible approach supports preserving breed integrity while reducing painful, debilitating conditions in puppies.

Summary Table of AMPN Genetics and Breeding Outcomes

Testing before breeding is a crucial step for responsible Alaskan malamute owners. If looking to find an Alaskan malamute puppy, always check if the breeder tests for hereditary conditions like AMPN to support breed health.

Understanding this genetic disease and the importance of testing helps preserve the well-being of these beautiful dogs for generations to come.