i would really like an Alaskan malamute,can anyone tell me what kind of pets these dogs make?thanks?

Answer 1

Malamutes are great dogs. However, they require alot of exercise. Being a working dog, they must be exercised often, such as jogging, hiking, backpacking, etc. Malamutes must have obedience training from an early age- or else they are prone to ALOT of howling when left alone for periods of time. They shed alot.

Malamutes love humans and children, and are very playful.

However, from my experience, malamutes are a great breed so long as again, you exercise them properly, train them, and socialize them at an early age. They are a gorgeous, loving breed of dog.

Answer 2

The ability of this dog to think independently is often characterized as 'stubborn' by people who do not understand this breed, and this may prove very difficult and frustrating for a beginning dog owner. This is even more true if the owner is not aware of why this dog was bred to use its own senses and instincts and to 'disobey' its driver. A Malamute is completely aware of the sound and feel of the micro-cracking of ice packs while pulling loads across Arctic ice that may crack or break under the sled, or the sound of wilderness streams buried under snow which can have the snow collapse into them and swallow the team and driver, or the imperceptible sound and feel of one layer of snow moving over another that may lead to snow slippage or avalanche that could bury the team and driver, or the sound or smell of a bear around the next corner which could mean death to the team and the driver. All of these and more are the reason that a Malamute has been bred to think independently of the driver. And this is the exact reason a Malamute can never be thought of as 'trained'. The Malamute will do what is best for the team and the driver, even if it means disobeying the driver. This is one reason that this bred is not for everyone who finds its beauty and smile irresistible.

If a dog owner cannot cope with a dog that will not comply with the owners every wish and command, no matter how beautiful, magnificent, or noble the dog looks, a more compliant breed should be selected. This independence of thought extends from its ability to survive and care for its driver in wilderness conditions, and living in modern cities for a tiny fraction of its genetic history should never tame this quality. And it hasn't.

Because this dog has a long genetic foundation of living in the wilderness with man surrounded by other domesticated animals of approximately the same size, it should be watched very carefully around smaller dogs and animals and this is why it should never, ever, be off-lead in public or around smaller animals. The instincts of this breed are very strong and until another animal is accepted as part of its 'family' group, it is better to be safe than sorry.

This dog also needs a great deal of exercise to be happy. Any sled dog is never happier than when pulling a sled. This is as true of a Malamute as any other Sled dog. While a Malamute can feel absolutely at home in an apartment, a tent, or buried comfortably in the snow, it will never be happy unless it gets several very long walks a day, and most love a run of a mile or more every day. To a Malamute, a day without a run is a day without joy. This is a very old and primal breed of dog, and its needs are simple, but primal. Food, water, and a run. It's simple, but often more than just anyone can give. It's better to get a dog that fits your life style, than to get a dog that requires a life style you cannot provide.

Answer 3

They are a fantastic breed but definitely not for the first time dog owner. They should be good with people but can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially the same sex. You need to be sure that you are buying from a reputable breeder who breeds for good temperament & does all the necessary health checks.
Contact the Alaskan Malamute Club for informed information.

Answer 4

There lovely dogs that can make excellent family pets,but they do need a firm expeirienced owner as some of the males can show dominance with other dogs.Shouting and punishing these dogs is counter productive and they need a confident owner who knows how to get the best out of them.They are large powerful dogs so a strong owner is a must.I wouldn't recomend them for a first time dog owner or novice owner.Raised correctly though,they are loyall,friendly and affectionate dogs,who have a gorges coat and markings.

Answer 5

Malamutes are a great breed...however, they can be stubborn dogs and need a firm owner, lots of exercise and obedience classes. Mals are also same-sex aggressive, so plan on having only one, or one each of the opposite sex. Mals can also be less than friendly towards smaller pets such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Also be ready for the bagloads of hair during the shedding season. If you are ready for all that, then you're ready to share life with a Mal!

Answer 6

Just remeber to do a huge amount of research. And remeber they are working dogs, so wont always make great pets.
In behaviour consultations the most common problems are with working dogs kept as pets. They are breed to work, physically and mentally.

Answer 7

i have a malamute wolf x. His name is Zeus. he's gorgeous and a clown. 3 yrs old. nothing but energy. needs constant excercise and brushing constantly. too high strung to have around small children and small dogs. high maintenance. but if you've got unlimited time, patience, no small kids (under 12 years or 4 ft tall), cats or small dogs, tolerant neighbors (they prefer outside but they howl and yip), and alot of space for them to run when they're not being walked, go for it. but get books and talk to breeders. or get in touch with a rescue league. i don't reccomend a malamute for a first time dog parent.

Answer 8

I suggest you contact a specific breed advisor to talk this through. They will be able to give you an unbiased view and help you decide if a malamute is suitable for your family and lifestyle. You can contact an advisor via Dogs Today (I've done it myself and they are very good). You'll find all the details on their website listed below.
http://www.dialadog.co.uk/

Answer 9

They are very strong, stubborn and energtic. They need a lot of exercise to keep their body and mind fit. They are not housedogs and dislike warm climates. If you have the stamina there are clubs that race the dogs using either wheeled trikes or sled depending on the weather conitions.

Answer 10

My Boyfriend has one... it's a little older now and has some issues with his hips and spine (but that is normal for older, bigger dogs).

They're BIG... 120+ pounds.

They are very territorial and will protect your family like no body's business.

They shed! Their hair is very thick and they shed a lot... make sure you have a good vacuum cleaner.

They love the cold. Shadow used to fall asleep in the snow and let it pile up on him. I wouldn't recommend this type of dog for warmer climates (ex: southern states that don't get winter) but a great dog for Canada and northern Europe.