I have owned two, handled several, and spent a lot of time with the breed due to many Malamute breeder-friends.
They are extremely people-friendly and loving. They can, however, be aggressive with other dogs. Given their size (ideally around 85 lbs), this can be a problem. They also require someone who will be the leader of their pack -- if you let a Mal walk all over you, that is exactly what they'll do.
Also because of their size, they require early and consistent obedience training. They are very smart, but also independent. They have to be challenged, and they have to a see a "reason" to do what you ask them to do.
They require exercise and stimulation -- they can become very noisy and destructive if bored.
Mals "blow" their coats twice a year. This means -- literally -- clumps of fur hanging off them for 2 weeks to a month (depending on how much you brush them). You will always find crinkly white undercoat hairs in your house, year round. Black is not a good color to wear around a Malamute!
They are great with children. They may chase and kill smaller animals (i.e. cats) unless they are raised to respect them.
Due to their size, Mals are prone to hip dysplasia. They may also have eye problems...this is why it's a good idea to buy from a responsible breeder who does genetic testing. I wouldn't recommend buying one just because it's a "good deal".
More info on the breed for the US Parent Club:
http://www.alaskanmalamute.org/publiced/thinking.asp
They are a wonderful breed for the right person! Research carefully before committing!
2007-02-16 02:37:19
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answer #1
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answered by Loki Wolfchild 7
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These may not be the best choice as a childs pet. They were bred to pull a sled all day and sleep outside in the snow. They are very very high activity dogs and needs tons of exercise. More than a child could ever give them. They are escape artists. If they are not getting enough exercise they will dig, jump, tunnel, go over, or thru almost any type of fencing so they can be loose and run. They also have som grooming requirements. They "blow coat" twice per year and they SHED alomst all the time. NOt a little but large clumps when loosing the coat and hairs all the time. They are an independant type of dog used to being a working dog so they are not really super affectionante with kids. There are many better choices for a pet for your kids.
2016-05-24 06:41:39
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Alaskan Malamutes are a lot of work to take care of. They are very active dogs and require a lot of attention and exercise (like at least a mile of running EVERY DAY). They can be very good, friendly, and loving pets as long as they are trained properly, but they do not learn easily. They are very independent animals and at any given command they will sometimes decide to listen and at other times decide not to. They shed ALOT. Be prepared for hair everywhere all the time. There will be hair on your clothes, in your house, in your food and everywhere else. Malamutes have 2 coats and they shed the under coat every Spring and it comes out in chunks even! Malamutes are a lot of work to care for and train, but on the other hand, you will never find a dog breed with more personality. Your pup will make you laugh often with his/her antics. They are great escape artists and they like to do silly things. If you are a very active person with a lot of extra time and patience, then I say take the pup, otherwise, leave the pup for someone who will give it the care it deserves.
2007-02-16 02:16:02
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answer #3
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answered by wildlifegirl 2
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are they good - if you train them properly
friendly - treated, trained properly yes (parents temperament can be passed down)
loving pets - again treated, properly yes
do they shed a lot - yes
learn easily - most tricks yes, depends on the dog.
i do not own a malamute, but i know someone who does, she is about 1 1/2 years old and has a lovely temperament, is a very smart dog, friendly and loving. But she is a malamute and even though she is all that she can turn on dogs and i have seen this happen, she has never actually hurt a dog, she just warns them that she is not to be messed with. you must always remember that malamutes are practically one step away from wolfs.
2007-02-16 12:20:14
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answer #4
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answered by puppy_lucas 1
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Freindly, very smart, needs lots of attention. Malmutes love to work, and need LOTS of space. If you do not have the size house and yard for this dog, do not take him. He'll only feel cramped up and unhappy.
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2007-02-16 02:20:45
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answer #5
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answered by twowords 6
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We've only ever owned one, but he is very friendly, sheds a lot and needs tons of exercise. He does better kept outside, as we were never able to get him fully house trained (that's probably just ours).
You need to make sure he can get tons of exercise (walks and free runs). Also, keep up with the grooming to prevent mats. You also have to realize that they get really big (I've heard up to 150 lbs, and not fat!).
The choice is up to you!!
2007-02-16 02:43:41
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answer #6
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answered by finding_my_dream 3
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They are a terrific breed.
Hate to be indoors in the winter, love people, gentle, super smart, eat a lot so be prepared.
I would if I were inclined to spend that kind of money on anything.
2007-02-16 02:16:43
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answer #7
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answered by thankyou "iana" 6
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great pets yes
shed a lot yes
really smart
we are paying $450 for ours. CKC
MY OPINION.. IF THATS THE BREED YOU WANT.. JUMP ON IT!!
good luck!! we are picking ours up tomorrow
good luck!
2007-02-16 02:11:53
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answer #8
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answered by twrider_29 2
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