Hi All

I am new here and am trying to find out about Alaskan Malamutes. I have done some research myself but would like to hear from owners about the kind of dogs they are. I would like to hear your experiences. I know a lot of people work them but im looking as a pet owner.

thanks

katie

That is a very broad question :-)

Malamutes are friendly but not a one man dog (especially when the other man has food!) They are large, furry and twice a year will cover you, your home and half the neighbourhood with a grey covering of undercoat ;-) They like an active lifestyle and would prefer to be out and about. You don't have to work them but long walks, jogging or cycling are all met with enthusiasm :-) They can show a dislike to other dogs of the same sex once they reach maturity, some are more tolerant than others and neutering at a young age can help (using young rescue dogs as a basis for that statement). There are few Malamutes that can be trusted off lead in a built up area.. they see a cat, a squirrel or another dog and they're gone. Many people think they've got it sussed and know better but the puppy stage lulls people into a false sense of security until one day they go deaf and they're off ;-) They prefer being part of the family and tend to dislike long periods alone. They talk a lot, a low grumble or a woo-woo and howl! They have their own opinions and a consistently firm hand is required, give them an inch and they'll take a mile :-D

Any sane person wouldn't touch them - that's why I have five ;-) They're not a pet, they're a lifestyle!

Thanks for replying. Yes i suppose it is a broad question. Myself and my husband went to a few dog sled rallys last year and met some dogs and their owners. We got honest feedback from them. I have read really mixed opinions on the net which, is very confusing. However GSD seem to get the same mixed opinions and we have 2 of them and their fine. I guess i am asking how good they are as pets?

katie

How good they are as pets is really down to how much you are willing to invest :-)

Can you offer them the companionship and mental and physical stimulation they need? Are you strong enough to show good leadership and consistency in training? Are you happy to own a dog that in all likelihood will be on a lead all the time? Can you accept a dog that "may" have issues with dogs of the same sex? (Careful choice of breeding, socialisation, training and leadership can all help to minimise this trait). I can put you onto someone that owns both GSDs and Malamutes if that would help ;-)

hi, we have just recently become the proud owners of a very beautiful alaskan malamute puppy, she's 15 weeks old now. so far i have to agree with everything malakai said!
belle( our puppy ) is very intellagent and is training quickly,however she does test her limits. she's very cuddley and full of fun,loves her food,aswell as tea towels,dusters,brushes,kitchen roll & anything else she shouldn't have!. our house is now always noisey, she's full of cheek, answers you back when you talk to her, woo,woo,woo!!!a bit clumsey, has a broken toe at the moment :0( but before her little accident she was doing really well on her leader and loved her walks. so, as you can imagine our house is very lively at the moment but we wouldn't have it any other way.
forgot to mention, or toy box is gratually getting smaller, only the strong ones have survived!
hope this gives you a bit of an idea on what to expect.

Must be as mad as you Joan,as we have 5(don't forget the 2 Canadian Eskimos.Like Mals but on speed! ;)We started our doggy life with 3 GSD over 27 years ago and can safely say that Mals are completely different to the GSDs in temperament,off lead,exercise and small furries.Our Mals are fine of lead but I would not trust them with temptation and put them on leads always if there was someone else walking their dogs or if small furries are around,rabbits are excluded.The majority of Mals would return but 2 weeks later with the next door neighbours cat in their mouths.I jest now!Mals Have 2 speeds,flat out - we work ours and scooter them,or unconcious - fast asleep!So you need to get a balance of good exercise - long walks if you don't work them and some mental stimulation in between.Try AMCUK web site,also look at rescue (Malakai was our Rescue co ordinator).One thing though they are VERY addictive.From doing some research and having our first in 2005 - purely as a pet.We now have 5,a scooter,a rig,umpteem harnessess,show the dogs all over(though having a rest for 12 months and showing the Ceds) and have a very large van!
Is there anyone near you that has Mals.We often have people contact us and visit our brood.Jude