Hi all,

Not sure if I am posting this in the right sections, so mods please move if you feel so.

My husband and I have been wanting a Sibe for a long time, on doing constant research into this breed (I want to ensure we are both ready to take on a demanding breed.) We are thinking the malamute may be more suitable for us.  I know the are very similar to sibes in a lot of ways, but here are the facts I have gathered so far.

Larger boned dogs
Can be boisterous and bowl small kids over
Dig if bored
Aren't escape artists like Sibes, but will try their luck if bored
Can be heavy on lead (not a problem though as O/H is not a small person by any means)
Respond well to verbal commands (although not instantly)
Can be let off lead (obviously with correct training.)
Need a min of 1 hr exercise per day (like pulling)
Will chase small furries
Can be dominant over other dogs of same sex

Can anyone who has experience in this breed please list some more negative things about the breed. (I think this is very important as if we are still prepared after all that, then we are ready to own a mal).  I am also leaning towards a rescue as I currently have 2 rescues and would like to give a chance to a mal that it may not get as a pup.  (Money is absolutely not an issue in this respect.)

Many Thanks.

Hi SPace :) I am sure there will be other Mally owners along at some point ..but I can give you some answers :)

Larger boned dogs - The males especially are very large boned
Can be boisterous and bowl small kids over - and probably will unintentionally
Dig if bored - Dig whether bored or not ;)
Aren't escape artists like Sibes, but will try their luck if bored - Can be escape artists but can't 'usually' jump as high as sibes
Can be heavy on lead (not a problem though as O/H is not a small person by any means)- Oh boy yes :D
Respond well to verbal commands (although not instantly)- They do? Oh .....erm .............hmmmm
Can be let off lead (obviously with correct training.) - No...definitely not. It is not recommended that Mals are allowed off lead unless in a secure area
Need a min of 1 hr exercise per day (like pulling) - Depends on age :)
Will chase small furries - and kill and eat in some cases
Can be dominant over other dogs of same sex - More than likely to be dominant Male on male

You can email me if you have any other questions :)

Rescues are , thankfully, still few and far between , but are increasing :( I can put you in touch with Mal Rescue if you would like?

Malamutes are definitely not for the novice owner :)

Melody

Thanks for that, some research can be very conflicting especially when you look at site after site.  Thats why I thought it best to put it out to some more experienced owners. 

We have been EBT owners for many years so know all about dogs that go "deaf" when they feel like it and choose what they want to do :)

Some Mal rescue info would be greatly appreciated.  I have the Malamute welfare site number somewhere in my research folder.  So another number would be greatly appreciated.  We would be looking for a bitch as I have 1 dog and 1 bitch already.  My dog is a cavalier, but he is very dominant over other dogs.  If we had to go ahead with a rescue, I would want to ensure the transition was as easy as possible for all concerned and avoid alpha issues.

Cheers

Mal Rescue :

Julie Breame on: Tel. 01793 613400

Hope that helps

Hi space, believe me, EBT's hearing is execellent compared to that of the Spitz breeds. Main trouble with them is they hear what you say and think you don't know what you are talking about so go their own way, because, of course, they know best.

Thanks, everyone's input has been greatly appreciated and definatley taken on board.

One more question however, (apologies if this sounds very dense :-) )

What are the main differences between the:-

Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Husky
Siberian Husky

Apologies for all the questions, but I want to be totally sure before deciding which breed is best for us.  (I don't want to be an irresponsible owner who's dog ends up in rescue because I didn't do enough research.)

Cheers

Alaskan Malamute - Largest of the Acrtic breeds , heavy boned , good with people but stubborn and independant
Alaskan Husky - Crossbreed not recognised in the UK
Siberian Husky - Lighter and faster than the Malamute but more available from good breeders as the breed has been established in the UK longer

Check out the Kennel Club for breed standards of both the Sibe and the Mal :)

Most spitz breeds are em how shall I put it - a challenge, but some of the lighter ones are not such a physical challenge - some can be let of the lead and some will not knock kids over - well not often. Why not take a look at some of the other artic spitz, you may find one that will suit you better.

i know a lovley mal called Ice, he is a very soft boy, very big and strong, but oh so cute, although he is a little iffy with males any size.
He is alloud off lead, the area he walks in is not enclosed. - but is very stubborn, the owner has to bribe his constantly to keep him near and interested!
It can be done,  but certainly not very easily! 
Small furies are fun to chase! maybe even more fun to kill! Ice cant be trusted with small furies ATALL!

I would say they can make a great dog, if you are dominant enough to over power them, the males can be extremely dominating.
If they know you are top dog from day one, it will be easier to control as adult.

They are hard work, but its as i say "do able" they can make wonderfull dogs.