We currently have a male shiba inu who's almost a year old, I've been considering getting a malamute as well. Mainly as Im used to big dogs and miss having one around the house.  However Im a little worried what effect having a large dog around will have on our lil studmuffin, hes the lord of the manor right now so im not sure how he'll react to finding out that he could be just a mini me!

I imagine it would have to be a bitch mal to try avoid any spats, we kept two male german shepards before no problem but there wasnt the size difference there and ive read that malamutes can be dominant towards the same sex.

having a female pup around raises a few other questions.  How do i keep her safe while shes going through the inoculation process while she'll be in contact with our shiba, and how do we keep the shiba from trying to have his wicked way with her until shes old enough to be spayed?

this decision is still very much in the "will i?/wont I?" phase. But i like to know my options!

cheers

Oisín

I own a female shiba and 3 male elkhounds. Shibas as you know are fiery little characters but don't know about mals.I would suggest you contact the breed club(listed on the shiba page of champdogs) and they will be able to advise you.
Alternatively...did you get your shiba from a reputable breeder??if so they will give you some advise.
Archer

Yes, Malamutes can be same sex dominant :) If your Shiba has been innoculated then the pup would be safe whilst having her injections. It is entirely possible that the Mal bitch would still want to be top dog though :D We have a male and a female Mally, the bitch is only 18 weeks old and already we can see that she will end up being the top dog :D :D

You would need to take measures to ensure the shiba doesn't mate with her once she is in season unless of course, you had her spayed early (not something generally recommended). You could kennel one or other of them, but be warned, Mals can be VERY vocal :D

If you want to get a Malamute, PLEASE make sure you go to a breeder who has hip scored and eye tested stock, someone who breeds for temprement and who will give you follow on advice. There are a lot of slightly dubious breeders out there at the moment. NEVER buy a Mal advertised in the free papers.

If you need any more advice, feel free to email me :)

yep the shiba had his shots, i just thought some diseases still "carry" on innoculated dogs, maybe not

"You would need to take measures to ensure the shiba doesn't mate with her once she is in season unless of course, you had her spayed
early (not something generally recommended). You could kennel one or other of them, but be warned, Mals can be VERY vocal"

Of course we could always have the little nipper neutered too which would solve the problem, i dont think hed be too happy about it tho :)

I'd really hate to see the little guy have his  top dog position taken by a bigger dog, hes such a spunky little character that it would be big blow to him. Having said that theres no way we can tell till we try it. I had the same concern when we had to take our old shepards nephew in but that worked out great for both of them, they lived their lives out without a single bust up

As for mals, im not even sure I'll get one here in Ireland, let alone from a good breeder. Another reason why this is all only research so far

Ta

Malamutes aren't dominant just because of their size ..it is just their nature ;)

Having the dog castrated would stop puppies but not the mating :D

There did used to be a breeder in Ireland but not sure if he still breeds :)

Shibas are also a dominant breed so I really would contact someone with excellent knowledge of these little dogs first.
My shiba is VERY dominant over all my males who are 4 times her size but they let her get away with it ...I wonder if it might cause problems with your shiba being a male and the other breed a dog?
Can you go back to your shibas breeder for advise?
Archer

yep, I could ask her, though i've never had any need to contact her before.  She kept a boxer and two king charles as well and all seemed to co-exist happily.

My main concern isn't the dominant nature of both breeds but the size differential between the breeds that could  make any bust ups they might have problematical. And this shiba isnt  dominant, he just has a natural sense of privellege. :)  Oh and he nearly killed me this morning, he found and old shoe and decided to leave it on the stairs for me to fall over, my elbows are covered in bruises!

I would contact the breed club in that case since the breeder was not a breed specialist.
Archer

Thanks for your opinion,  I'll bear that in mind when coming to a decision.

Hi there are a couple of people showing Mals in Ireland if you get in touch with me I'll give you their addresses.

Cheers Sharon I've sent you a PM