About the breed
Please take the time to consider your decision to own an Alaskan malamute 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
Ask yourself a question and please answer truthly...... WHY do I want an Alaskan malamute?
Is it because malamute puppies are so cute and when it's fully grown you can walk down the street thinking that it will protect you, or is it just because it is such a good looking breed you can show it off to everyone as a fashion statement?
Well if you answered YES then I'm not the breed for you !
Malamutes rarely bark unless raised with other dogs that do, 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 there own for very long periods of time.
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.
Oh and just a word of warning Once a malamute has dug a good hole
and made themselves muddy they are so proud of it they are straight in to show you what they have achieved just like a small child would do when they have done a nice picture.
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 there hearts content.
Alaskan malamutes have a strong "prey drive"
This is part of their hunting instinct!
If a malamute sees a squirrel, rabbit or even the neighbor'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.
