The Alaskan Malamute breed suffers from a genetic skeletal condition referred to as chondrodysplasia. The condition has been extensively studied in this breed in the veterinary clinic during the 1970’s and 80’s. Affected malamutes have a disturbance in the process of bone development, which results in short stature and curvature of the front limbs. The disease is thought to be inherited through a single gene, in an autosomal recessive manner. The molecular genetic background of the disease is yet to be identified, and the aim of this study is to identify its genetic cause. The identification of the causative mutation would enable Dr. Lohi’s research group to develop a genetic test for breeding purposes, and it would help us to understand how the disease develops in both dogs and in human.