Hi,

I am looking to buy a Mal but I have read that they are not suitable for first time owners. Do you think it is advisable to have owned different breeds prior to undertaking one? I think that they are a wonderful breed and would love to have one at some point. Also are they good with children (I dont have children of my own but would like to someday).

Thank you

Rebecca

Hi Rebecca , Mals are very dominant dogs generally ..and so are not generally considered suitable for first time owners :) However , having said that , it does depend on the Mal and also whether you have a dog or a bitch

They are great with older children ..but can knock smaller ones over in their clumsiness (not the most careful of breeds :) )

I would suggest you try and get to a few shows and speak to some Mally owners ...then you can see the dogs close up and get some personal experiences of the breed :)

You can always Register with us if you want to chat more , there are a fair few Mal owners here on the board

:)

Melody

Hi, Melodys right, get to as many shows as you can, theres loads of mal owners here. Theres also a lot of websites that have piccys. Ours is listed in details.

Melodys Hudsons on there, in the snow, as well as our Freya, and her elder sister Kiera.

It would be best if you register, that way these messages get sent straight to your mail box.

Where abouts are you in the country, that way we all can point you in the direction of a show or several near you.

Catch you later
Jay

Hi Rebecca,
I have a young male mal and a 4 1/2 year old daughter. Our house used to be full of ill or orphaned cats and kittens when my daughter was very young, so she learnt early on to be careful and respectful toward animals. Our breeder met my daughter and observed her interaction with her own dogs closely and also our attitude as parents, afterall if you can't control your child you've got no chance controlling a malamute.:) The worst moment was when my daughter asked the breeder "when are you going to feed me?" I nearly died :D My daughter has a good relationship with my mal, but they are constantly supervised. I think children raised with dogs make much nicer adults :) I wouldn't tolerate any antagonising the dog, they are both my babies. My daughter tells everyone Taiko is her brother. They play alot which is good for me because it gives me a break. I couldn't imagine coping with a baby and a mal pup, but then I'm not maternal and found the early baby months and pregnancy very tiring. I waited until my daughter was old enough to be a little independent and I was sure she wasn't going to be one of these awful terror toddlers:D
If you choose a breeder carefully, they'll advise you and guide you through all the hurdles life throws at you. Make sure when you do commit to a malamute everything on the homefront is stable, malamutes are pack animals and bond closely with their families. They are so special it's so sad to see them go through welfare rescue. I feel that my baby days are over,my marriage is very very strong,we're doing well careerwise, I waited until life was settled before getting my mal because it's very important to me that he is part of our family forever. Don't believe everything you read, it's you/your life/your attitudes that will convince a breeder of your suitability.
Julie :)

Couldn't have said it better Julie :)

Mel :)