After much thought and consideration my fiance and I are looking to give a puppy a home sometime next year 2006. we have read numerous books and web sites etc and have decided that our favourite is the alaskan malamute although this doesnt mean that this is the dog we will get. my question is, we both work 8 hour shifts 5 days a week although our shifts have big overlaps, im constant 6-2 and my fiance 9-5.having seen many other people leave dogs alone all day we are resigned to fact that it will have to spend a small amount of time alone but will get more than enough love and exercise when we are at home. we would like advice on breeds that would suit and in particular a malamute is totally out of the question as we are suspecting. we have no children and huge garden to rear with lakes and reservoir a 5 minute walk. any advice would be great thanks, martin (manchester)

There has been recent discussion on this slightly controversial subject - see http://tinyurl.com/a7ebv  :D There are a few malamute owners on here, so I'm sure that they will advise you.

Daisy

I think a malamute will more time dedicated to it, to train etc, they have lots of energy and need a firm hand. If this will be your first dog, consider looking at books- there are dogs out there that you could be owned by im sure!

Would you consider an adult dog that is already trained? If you get a pup and leave it 5 hours a day, and train when you are there- it will take months and months probably, i really wanted a puppy, but in the end had to face the fact that we both work, so we have 6 month pup, and the longest time she's left is 3 to 4 hours max.

Im sure when your ready, go to a rescue and you'll fall in love :)

good luck

I agree with ChrisJack. I do think that a Malamute would be the wrong breed for you (but Malamute breeders would be better to advise). I also do think that a puppy is also not a good idea. I see problems time and time again with well-meaning people in your situation.

I would agree that an adult rescue will probably be better suited and not forgetting that you are giving a dog a second chance for a good life.

See some gorgeous doggies in www.dogpages.org.uk or your local rescue.

All the best,
Patty

Hi Martin,

I can't offer anything about Malamutes (my poster name says it all) but please consider a rescue dog.  They come in all ages, sizes and conditions and (IMHO) will ultimately  be more rewarding than a cute ball of fluff that is actually a wee/pooh/hair and destruction machine for the first year of its life. You and your partner are obviously thoughtful and sensible people - or you wouldn't be making this enquiry.  Rescue dogs need people like you!

Good luck and good choosing.

Although I agree with the other posters reasons in telling you to get an adult rescue dog, I also understand that you and your fiance probably don't want one, you probably like most people want a puppy which you can raise and have from puppyhood to adulthood. (by no means do I mean to offend anyone with a rescue, my family both immediate and relatives have always had rescues)

Both me and my fiance work and on top of that I am still in school, my last year thank goodness! but just as you guys did, we thought long and hard about getting a dog as well and also like you did our research and decided that we both loved and wanted a lab. What we decided was to get one at Christmas time (my present last year), that way we would both have plently of time off to settle in, Remi (our lab) and to train, play, and just plain enjoy  him!! It really worked for us and for Remi. who actually just turned a year old yesterday!! So if you really want to get a puppy and are ready for the commitment then I say go ahead and get one. You obliviously just didn't think of it and are doing it on impulse.

Also I would suggest going to nearby dog parks or shows to meet people with malamutes. Their are two that frequent the dog park we go to. One is purebreed ( I believe), the other is a malamute coyote hybrid X and has the most sweetest temperment and graceful dog I've ever seen. You may even find out that another dog would suit your lifestyle!

All the best and good luck in your search
Lauren