Bless them, the Beeb did a big bit about Malamutes on Wednesday night as it was our first show with CC's. Bryony did a lovely piece to camera saying as much as she could but it was heavily cut .....

The puppy enquiries have already started :(

Anyone who wants an Alaskan Malamute should note:

1. The are a BIG breed, especially the boys

2. They can be a dominant breed, especially the boys

3. They moult for England, twice a year!

4. They love small furry creatures ...like your pet rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and sometimes cats ....they REALLY love them , preferably between slices of bread ;)

5. They should be kept on lead unless you are in an area where you can guarantee there are no other dogs around (as in a fenced field)

6. They need serious exercise!!

7. They need constant training

8. They don't really like being on their own ...

9. They can make a LOT of noise

10. They are VERY strong

Do your research .....ask question after question ...then ask more. They can be a difficult breed and are definitely NOT for everyone no matter how *cute* they look

They only moult twice a year..........my Boxers moult seemingly all year round...
Seriously though it always makes you wonder with every film or TV programme/adverts
that features dogs and a particular breed you see a surge in interest..whether anyone
actually bothers to read and research the breed to see if it's suitable for them, their lifestyle
and if they are able to put in the time and effort needed to have a well rounded dog.

We actually had a look at the Border Terrier in Discover Dogs for my OH he really likes them.
Way before they even appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
But in his favour he likes to do his research way before even considering getting anything..
My main concern is will the newcomer fit in with my 3 Boxers and 2 cats  :D
But at least he's sensible..
Here's hoping that people will be able to talk sense into those that say oohhhh I want a Malamute
without considering all your points and here's hoping rescue won't be inundated with uncontrollable
hooligans that people decide they can no longer cope with

Crufts is a great show...but the publicity for some breeds is a seriously bad thing.I am sooo pleased that the elkie won the group and would love him and his owner to go 'all the way' BUT the extra interest in people who just want to own a dog 'like the one that won Crufts' is a pressure no breed needs esp a breed that is not easy to own.
Archer

Thankfully there sim;y aren't enough Elks in the wrong hands for the brief surge of interest that a win like Crufts generates.  I know the man who won wioth the Basenji and the breed handled the win very well.

The worst thing is when already popular or exploited breeds wins, there are plenty already around for the exploiters to churn out the extra litters from.

Unfortunately B there are more 'dog supermarket' bred dogs up here than you might imagine.I have been approached a few times for a stud dog by owners of bitches from there and am sure that these are the people who will now be looking at making a killing!I have met about a dozen elkies round here (not at shows) and each and everyone was from the local puppy supermarket.It is also common to see them advertised for rehoming in the local free ads
Nikki

The Mals are a striking breed, and that promotes viewing figures, not responsible owners the 'Oh I want one' brigade are all out there.........
Fed up with Crufts and the whole thing.......gonna flush my head down  loo

Hopefully though people will want a proper registered one, can but hope. 

At least if they go to Babs or most other breeders we know they'll get short shrift if they want a status symbol.

Someone posted a lovely brief description of our breed in an email, I liiked so saved it:

"Elkhounds may shed a lot, but they're great with kids and very trainable, so long as you respect their fundamental independence and love them for the smart, willful creatures that they are." :D

You could almost substitute 'Elkhound' with most breed names as that paragraph
could cover many breeds.
But very clever all the same.

Elkhounds are lovely - they had quite a bumper entry at the local open show just
before Crufts. But there were a few that were giving their owners a hard time.
I'd agree about the willful bit as one dog wasn't listening to his owner at all!

Hopefully though people will want a proper registered one, can but hope. 

I wish that was the case with all the other elkie owners I have come accross up here.They have visited the local puppy supermarket and just picked up a pup that looks cute.....no research.Many don't even realise that the registration they get with the pup is not 'the real deal'.Unfortunately thats why so many of these poor dogs end up being re-sold through local papers 

I know the man who won wioth the Basenji and the breed handled the win very well

Yes Barbara - But maybe that's because Paul REFUSED to go on ANY TV programs afterwards to promote either his win or the Basenji breed.  No Blue Peter - no Richard and Judy - no nothing! ;)  That's responsibility IMO.

Debs

Hi There,
             Same with the aussies......... I do the puppy line and rescue, and the phone calls and e-mails started here the morning after the aussie won the Group..... :rolleyes:
For the most, breeders in this breed are fairly responsible, but there are one or two appearing who are not in it, for the love of the breed.........
It is quite worrying as the aussie is not always the ideal dog, for the first time dog owner...... They need to be kept busy and well socialized and don't really enjoy being a couch potato in front of the fire......
One can only hope that the hype died down quickly, but I won't hold my breath.......
Gabrielle