im seriously considering getting a malamute in distant future and would like some advise.  At the moment im just researching the breed. 
For those that have one what are they really like to live with? 
I can give the dog as much exercise they can take but im out the house for 4 hours 3 times per week and wonder if they can handle being alone? I have 2 boxer dogs (dog and bitch) and have read that they can be dog aggressive, which is also a concern.

any thoughts, opinions are welcomed

I live with 3 Alaskan Malamutes :)

They can be very hard work ..they can be noisey....they ARE hairy ...they DO need a lot of exercise ...they can be demanding .....they CAN be same sex aggressive but not necessarily ...

You MUST research thoroughly and make sure that you get on a good breeders list. Please don't be tempted to buy from any of the free ads or a local paper :)

The bitch should be over 2 years of age and have a current clear eye cert plus be hip scored. The dog should be over 18 months of age and also with current clear eye cert and hip scored :)

Good breeders will be happy to have you meet them and visit their dogs

Email me if you have any problems :)

I have 2 - a boy and a girl plus another male dog and 2 other females ...

Mine are not typical .... they all get on great and they are absolutely fine at being left which is lucky as we have to work full time :(

Mine are rather lazy at home and resemble lumpy grey rugs much of the time but they will take as much exercise as is offered to them :)

They are fabulous wonderful dogs and make great companions and loveto work and be trained BUT .... some of them can be very noisy .... do you have close neighbours? It isn't unusual for Malamute people to have neighbour issues :(
..... most of them don't like other dogs of the same sex .... could your household manage with keeping dogs separated if needs arose?
....... Malamutes and boxers are VERY VERY different breeds temperamant wise and not being rude but boxers are one of the breeds that I am wary of with my dogs ... lots of boxers are so puppyish all their lives and can be "rude" in their behaviour - barging, bouncy, ignoring subtle body language etc etc which a lot of Malamutes don't like. (I love boxers BTW just am aware that lots of dogs don't)
Exhoing Mel ... be very careful if/ when choosing a breeder - it is an absolute minefield, loads of puppy famers and brainless buffoons breeding just for £££ and producing dogs that you would NOT wish to bring into your household!!

I'm owned by 5 Malamutes. I have to work too, although I have kids and family around to help if they are to be left for long periods. I leave mine for 4 hours and don't have a problem, they just tend to sleep. The fact that they have canine companionship will help, I find many people have problems when their Malamute is an "only dog".

There are many reputable breeders who will be more than willing to have you visit to meet their dogs and talk about the breed. I'm sure any one of us will be able to point you to someone if you let us know whereabouts you live ;)

I have two Malamutes (a dog and a bitch) and also a male dog of another breed. I must echo what the others have said with regards to ensuring you buy from a reputable breeder as there are far too many mals being bred without care for health or temperament :(

As Mel said, you need to ensure both the sire and dam have been hip scored and hold a current eye test certificate. The BMS (mean hip score) in Malamutes is currently 13 - if breeders are breeding from dogs with scores quite a bit higher than this then walk away. I don't know if you are aware but Malamutes are predisposed to Hereditary Cataracts and thus you will need to see a current eye test certificate for both the sire and dam, again if the breeder can't show you this then walk away. To be current the certificate must have been issued within the past year.

Malamutes can be dog aggressive but there are some lines known to produce dogs with good temperaments, this is why you need to do your research. With regards to being left at home, mine are perfectly happy at home for 4 hours at a time (though they aren't often left this long). I must say that I haven't noticed a particular problem with boxers, in fact my bitch happens to rather like them - but it does always depend on the individual dog.

I would say your best bet is to actually meet some Mals in the flesh if you haven't done so already. There are a few owners up in Scotland who I am sure will be willing to meet up with you. You will most likely have to travel for a good breeder - when I picked up my last one it was about a 15 hr round trip :D

Good luck in what you decide - there are several owners on the board who will be more than happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Hi.. I live near Edinburgh... I have a 16wk old male malamute and part own a bitch aswell and a 7yr old male Samoyed..  I know of a few owners/breeders in your area, which I can put you in touch with.. we have get togethers in the Dumfries area quite frequently.. one of which is coming up in the next week.. I know its a bit short notice but if you would like to meet some dogs in the flesh I am sure you could come along..

Or if you want to come to the next one.. PM me and I will give you more information