wonder if anyone is in the know about this breed friend thinking of getting one but knows very little about them

No doubt someone will be along soon to give you the basics, but there is a limit to what can be said on a board like this. Your best bet is to contact one of the breed clubs to get the basic info and ask the secretary if he/she can arrange for you to visit a local breeder.

tell your friend to do ALOT of research on the breed, although stunning dogs they are big etc.  best bet is get your friend to talk to lots of owners/breeders BEFORE getting a puppy.  Se has many dogs as possible!

Mals are definitely NOT a breed to get into without LOTS of research :)  I suggest that your friend meets as many people with Malamutes as possible...both at shows and at home.

Mals are very good family dogs but also have a typical spitz breed mentality ...they need a very firm owner who understands them :)

You can contact the The Alaskan Malamute Club UK for further info :)