"Once you've lived with a malamute your likely to be hooked, they are like malteasers you can’t just have one you have to have a whole pack”

Please take the time to consider your decision, to own this breed very carefully. We recommend you do lots of research on this breed to ensure this is the right dog for your family and lifestyle. There are too many malamutes abandoned in animal shelters where people have not done there research. Unfortunately when a malamute puppy is taken home by someone who has not taken into consideration the time and attention the dog ownership needs, it is the puppy who suffers when he/she is abandoned or placed in to a shelter. Malamutes are by far the cutest puppies but this magnificent breed will grow into a big strong stubborn pulling dog.

Start your research by
Going to dog shows
Going to working rallies
Going onto Alaskan malamute web sites
Buy good dog books especially a book about the breed
Phone and meet reputable breeders
Phone the kennel club

The Alaskan malamute is a very loving and beautiful breed. It has been said that the malamute may be the most intelligent, whilst also being the most independent.
This breed sometimes has a mind of its own, and they are known for being very stubborn. It is important to teach them from an early age that you are the alpha pack leader and won't take any nonsense. You need to have confidence with this magnificent breed.

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Alaskan malamute are very friendly and love to say hi to everyone, which makes them unsuitable as a watch/guard dog. Due to their gentle temperament the Alaskan malamute is generally a very good family dog. They seem to enjoy the company of children, though common sense must be used when mixing any dog with young children. Due to the strength and size of the breed you will need to keep a watchful eye on them. Even a young playful pup can easily knock down a small child. Malamutes adore children when raised with them.

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The Alaskan malamute is a working breed and MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy. Otherwise they will become bored, which they usually express them self’s by destructive chewing or howling. Bored Alaskan Malamutes are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
Unlike most non spitzs breeds new owners will recognize the mushing (rallies, sled dog racing) activates in which you and your malamute can enjoy together.

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Alaskan Malamutes, aside from the occasional invasion of masses of fur when they are shedding coat, are excellent house dogs. They are surprisingly quiet and extremely clean dogs. They will often pick out a favourite sleeping spot and stay there for hours.

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Favourite spots seem to be cooled tiled floors in warm weather, sofa or beds at other times!
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Malamutes rarely bark unless raised with other dogs that do, And then they may pick up the habit. Instead they tend to talk like "Woo woo". They are very strong minded dogs and have opinions on most things, which they will let you know about. However they do howl especially if they are in a pack. If they are left on their own or bored they will sing to themselves to either keep company or to let you know they are there. They are pack dogs and do not cope well-being left on their own for very long periods of time.

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Garden lovers watch out! You can't have a malamute and a beautiful garden. As they love to dig and are extremely good at it too. They love to rearrange your flower beds, like helping to trim, or pull up a few plants and add a few holes. You want be able to stop a malamute from digging but you could try to designate an area in the garden where they can dig to their hearts content.
Alaskan malamutes have a strong "prey drive" This is part of their hunting instinct!

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If a malamute sees a squirrel, rabbit or even the neighbour’s family cat they see it as "Fair game". This could end with some dangerous consequences! For this reason they should be walked on the lead, as the urge to chase is too irresistible. Oh one more thing in a short amount of time they can cover tremendous distances! When malamutes are bought up with cats they accept them as part of the family pack. It's best if you have the cat first.

Please click on each subject below for the follwong information on the breed!