I would really appreciate some advice. I have a 4 year old female Sam and I am looking at purchasing a male Malamute puppy. I have read (many times!) that Mal's can be dog aggressive. My Sam is very friendly and loves other dogs but I am just concerned that the Mal will not get on with her. I would not want my Sam to be bullied by the puppy (she is very soft and wouldn't hurt a fly!). Would the Mal be very dominant over her and become the 'alpha'? I have met the breeder and the parents of the puppy and they do have very good temperaments. It would be great to hear any advice that anybody has for me. I want to be sure that I am doing the right thing as my Sam is my baby and I wouldn't want to put her in any danger!

Kind regards,

Charlene

Male Malamute pups can be quite dominant , but any problems will probably not surface fully until he hits adolescence ...about 10-18 months old. Your breeder should be the best person to give you help and advice about this .

Feel free to email me if I can be of any assistance :)

Melody :)

If your getting a dog and you already have a bitch then there should be no problem. from my experiance in Mals the dogs can be dominet but they wont hurt a bitch. thats normally the same in all breeds.

Also i ahve had little problem brinning males into a household with other males when brought home at about 8 weeks. the one i got at 8 months doesnt get on with the older adult (niether of them are Mals im more talking on a general basis)

hope this helps

Ice

I would have to agree that to introduce a Mal puppy will not result in problems, especially with your Sammy being a bitch :) The "dog aggressive" nature is more with outsiders, not within their own pack.

To be truthful with a spitz male and a spitz female I do not think aggression will be the problem !

Hi Charlene,

We got our first Mal boy when our female Sammy was 5, although she was a bit put out at first being the only dog in the family. This only lasted a day or two and they loved each other to bits until she died at 10 years old. They play roughly but not nastily and she would still chase and play tug with him even the day before she died. He was devastated and they say dogs don't understand, don't you believe it.

Male Mal's sometimes dislike other male dogs of any breed and it is essential to socialize as soon as the pup has had his injections. Also the male Mal might become protective to the Sam from other male dogs attention. At around 9 to 10 months is the "teenage" stage and this can last up to two years so patience and training is vital. Your breeder should be able to establish which pups are the "alpha" dogs so seek their advice.

Now 4 Mal's later I would like another Sam one day as they are special.

Good luck and hope it all works out for you.

Jenny & The Wintersperre Gang.

Hi,

Thanks ever so much for all your advice. It has really helped. My husband is still very worried in case the Mal turned on our Sam in the future. As you know Jenny, Sam's are adorable little bundles and could never hurt anything. We have had her since she was 8 weeks old and in 4 years we have never heard her growl! If we were to get another Sam, would they get along better than a Mal would?

Thanks again,

Charlene

Hi Charlene,

I would be most surprised if the male Mal would turn on a bitch. Two bitches in the same house would be a different kettle of fish.

When the pup is young I would suggest getting an indoor dog gate so if the Sammy wanted some peace you can keep them apart for a while, although you may find it's the other way around, our Sammy got a new sparkle in her step when she got used to the Mal pup and it was usually her who instigated any play.

Have a good rapport with your breeder and tell them you don't want an alpha male and meet the pups mum & dad and see what their character is like. Remember the only alpha's in the house is you and your family and the dogs have to abide with your rules.

I would also certainly introduce the new pup to the Sammy on neutral territory then take them home together and if possible take an item of your clothing or blanket when you visit the pup and let the Sammy get the scent first.

Our experience was certainly rewarding and hopefully yours will be too.

Jenny & The Wintersperre Gang.