First Dog Owner, Alaskan Malamute Questions? Questions

Hi, so our family is considering adopting an Alaskan Malamute into our home, but there are some concerns that some of us have. It would be helpful if we could get these questions addressed
Also if it helps, the specific puppy we are considering is 10 weeks old and female. I was told she has a kind and happy temperament and is a complete beta, so she wouldn't be very dominant or independent.

1. We wouldn't want our dog to ruin our home. I understand all dogs do this so instead I want to ask how easy it is to train a Malamute to not chew up your sofa or something? We understand that they are intelligent dogs coupled with the fact that the specific one I'm getting is expected to be easier to train so would this have an impact on how well it can be trained to not cause damage?

2. We understand that Malamutes are affectionate pets but they make it to a lot of "top dangerous breeds" by online bloggers. Of course, we understand that any dog can be dangerous if not properly trained, it depends on the owner. Its just that if something were to go wrong one day, it has a much higher potential for damage than lets say, a chihuahua. So what are your experiences with the aggressiveness of Malamutes and how effectively can this be trained out of them?

3. If we go vacationing and need to leave our dog at home, we are worried that no one would be willing to take care of her because she is so large and wolf-like. Also, we are worried that she might feel depressed if left in an animal hotel.

4. Our son will be taking the dog when he moves out for university in a few years and we are concerned that he will not have enough time to take care of her because she is such a large dog that requires more exercise. Our house and neighborhood has been confirmed by the breeder as spacious enough but we are wondering how long will the dog require exercise daily?

5. Malamutes weigh a lot. We are concerned that if they chase after a small animal, for example, we will not be able to pull her back. We are also not sure how well we can trust her off leash. We know being off leash requires training, so again, how easy would it be to train her?

6. When the dog reaches a very old age and is unable to move by itself, we don't know how we will be able to carry her around and help her do things due to her size.

It would be great if we could get these questions answered-not everyone in the family is quite convinced because of the above reasons, and we want everyone to be able to like this dog. How big are these concerns in comparison of all the positive things this Malamute can bring?

To be honest reading the worries you have I think this breed is the last one you should be looking at. I am not sure if you have addressed these concerns with your breeder and if they are still willing to let you have a pup, then I would be rethinking on the type of breeder you are going to.

If you voiced those concerns and regime with anyone I know with Mals, they would say you are unsuitable for this very independent active breed.

Most folk who take a Mal on know the exercise regime they need , to have a happy mal you need to be extremely fit and active, given they generally don`t go off lead and their need to run, a lot of people who own these dogs (along with other northern breeds) tend to do some form of running hobbies with their dogs, they need to run a few of miles a day, (attached to you) .

They can and will destroy your home if they get bored, some of the stories I have heard would shock you, to be honest any dog will and can destroy your sofa if its not stimulated enough..

The breed is a challenge for experienced dog people let alone someone who has never owned a dog before, they are by nature an independent breed and if not worked (in what ever discipline you adopt) they will be your worse nightmare.

From my understanding they can get on with other dogs, but males can be a little dominant towards other males, of cause you can get the exception to the rule,

Most people who own this breed will only allow them off lead in enclosed places, they seek out places to hire (tennis courts or such) to allow their dogs a bit of off lead time, otherwise they run or bike or some form of sport with their dogs.

The Alaskan Malamute is wired up to run, its in his DNA.......... look at the origins of the breed and what they do, then ask yourself if you really think this breed is going to fit into your lifestyle.

I endorse everything that Jackie has said. An Alaskan Malamute is NOT the dog for a first time dog owner. Quite frankly, I'm surprised the breeder even allowed you to think that you were a suitable buyer due to your lack of experience. There are plenty of other breeds more suited to your life style and experience and I suggest you go back to the "drawing board". Good luck!

I agree with Jackie and Reading your concerns, I don’t think a Mal is the breed for you,
any breed of dog/puppy has the potential to chew given the opportunity,(I could write a book on the damage my Gsd’s have caused over the years) its part & parcel of owning dogs., as for her temperament being Beta, once away from her litter mates that can change too, not saying it will but a possibility.
Quote If we go vacationing and need to leave our dog at home, we are worried that no one would be willing to take care of her because she is so large and wolf-like. Also, we are worried that she might feel depressed if left in an animal hotel.

I think you really need to get this sorted out and a plan in place before you consider taking on any breed of dog,.

I second jackie and the others. These are not dogs for people who want a "normal" pet. Having a dog like this the dog needs to be your life as they need so much of your time, energy and patience. They may be smart but they are not easy. I work in a kennels and when we get them in within days they are getting really hyper as we can not give them the time they need. They are also turning up in rescue in huge numbers as people take them on and quickly realise what a mistake they made. These kind of dogs take dedication at a higher level than your average pet. My brother fostered one for a while and it was really hard work and time consuming. Hours a day just on walking let alone time playing and training and grooming and cleaning up the tumbleweeds of hair.

I agree - well done for asking these questions before getting the dog.

If it is the look of the Malamute that attracts you, rather than the imposing bulk, why not check out the Norweigan Buhund - I'm sure there is a page for them on this Forum. It would still need boarding for holidays, but the smaller size and weight might solve some of your concerns.

To be truthful I think a rescued "mutt" (crossbreed) would be better for you something smaller & lighter, would suit you better like a terrier mix.

Can I ask,are there many differences between a husky and a malamute?apart from size ect?when I read up on huskys, everything I read was true,the commitment,exercise,digging..you get the picture. Research is the key..please be sure before you have one and all you back up plans are in place because these dogs mean business!

Hi everyone, thanks for all your information! As it turns out, I have decided to not invest in a Malamute, not to mention that the one I was planning to adopt was sent to another family instead. Right now I am looking into a smaller dog-no more than 40 pounds.

It's true, I love the wolf like looks of the Malamute, coupled with my childhood love for big dogs. But for now, I will look into some other smaller breeds to gain some experience, preferably some which look similar. Right now I am considering your suggestion, the Buhund, as well as the Alaskan Klee Kai and maybe the American Eskimo. I've only managed to find one Klee Kai breeder here in Ontario and it's shockingly close-also their litter is due in a few days! Great coincidence. If anyone has experience with these breeds or any suggestions or advice, I would be happy to take.

Hi Bowen,
I had never heard of the Klee Kai, so have just had a brief Google! The photo I have seen shows a really cute dog, and I can see why you are attracted. I can tell that you are a considered type of person, and I'm not an expert, but here are my observations, (for what thy're worth).

The first litter only seems to have been bred in 1970, and there appear to be only a handful of breeders worldwide. I hope that the breeder is not doing what often happens in the UK, and charging a premium price due to rarity. Is the breed actually recognised in Canada? You can check this by referring to the Canadian Kennel Club website. If the breed is not there - or not on their development register - it may still be officially classed as a crossbreed. By necessity, this rarity means that the gene pool must be very small - which makes it even more important that the foundation stock were, and are still being, fully health tested. Again, the Canadian KC will have details of which tests are appropriate for specific breeds. Be also aware that in its early days, a young breed can display reversion to any of the founding breeds.

I feel as if I am coming over as a 'wet blanket', and this is certainly not my intention. I just want you to get a fair deal, and be happy with a healthy new puppy. You could try posting a call for further information on Breedia's sister website Dogsey - there seem to be several Canadians who post on there who may know more about the breed. I wish you all the best in your search.

I think you've made a wise decision, my advice would be to get as much first hand info as you can on the breeds you're interested in it’s a lifetime commitment so don't rush into it, go see breeders look how dogs are kept and ask lots of questions if poss. go to some shows and talk to owners, also pick reputable breeders who have done health checks ect and not just in it for the money .

A friend had a Klee Kai not long after they entered UK, basically they are miniature huskies and do have the characteristics of a husky, maybe diluted just a bit ,hers would chase anything that was furry and runs, she couldn't let it off lead it also used to dig in garden to get out, though very cute it was a right little bugger, maybe different now as that was many years ago. They also shed their coats like mad.

Good Luck in your search

As above I think that you will find most of the breeds you like (lookalike huskies) will have some the breed traits that we have described, maybe tempered down slightly but still there...

So I finally decided on an American Eskimo! It seems that they're a lot easier to handle, I just may have to invest in a few brushes or so. I filled out some application forms for both Eskies and Klee Kais and I'll see what I'll get approved for in terms of adopting, but I'll leave Klee Kai as a last option as they seem to be a bit more unsuited for inexperienced owners such as myself.

Anyway, there are only 2 Eskie breeders here in Ontario and 1 Klee Kai breeder-both are rare dogs. Conveniently, one breeder had a litter born today, another breeder is expecting a birth in about a week, and another is planning on a breeding a week from now. I filled out forms for all 3, hopefully I can snatch a puppy!

A Klee Kai goes for around $1800-$2400, a small fortune. I heard Eskies can be had for under a grand.
Out of curiosity I did a quick search. It seems to be recognized by the CKC and UKC. It still is a fairly new breed and so I'll need to be extra selective in breeder in the unlikely event that I settle for one of these.

Of course not! Its great that you took time out of your day to help a newbie such as myself; unconditionally too. Don't worry about it.

Thanks Bowen - be sure you come back with some pictures of your puppy when it arrives.

Oh yes - I am sure an American Eskimo puppy would be the most gorgeous thing imaginable!

What size are you planning to get?

I'm looking for just a standard sized one, as they're small dogs in general. The only breeders I can find only breed standard sized ones too.

And of course I'll upload photos oh the puppies, but they probably won't be with me until early next year

Hi There,
I agree with the many replies above in general. The Malamute is like no other dog I have had in 30 years, and I've had many.
The Malamute is a very special dog, and not for the light hearted. Very Strong-Willed, as to be expected, making them a challenge to train...but they can be trained very effectively. They are quite independently minded, and driven to achieve their objective whatever that may be at the time. A Pro Trainer once told me "you never really 'train' a Malamute....you just come to a mutual understanding with them"
The Malamute I currently own is likely the most intelligent animal I've ever known. And resourceful...this dog can operate the power windows in my truck, open a closed door (with the handle), extract himself from a closed crate...and close the crate after himself..and has very heightened senses. He is fast, powerful, and adamant...but trained well.
Also, one of the most powerful breeds in existence pound-for pound, and they can be destructive especially when left alone or 'bored', but this can be controlled with crate training as endorsed by many Vets and Pro Trainers. Destruction is not their general nature...they just need to be occupied otherwise.
They require a good bit of exercise and also a significant time and energy investment for training, but if you have the dedication and can spend the time, they are a very rewarding animal in so many ways, and physically beautiful and loyal.
Also, all Malamutes are 'alpha' oriented in general, although females tend to be less so.
They can exhibit male to male aggressiveness with other dogs, particularly in the same household, but less so with females.
They also have some idiosyncrasies...I have to tell people never to 'stand over' Balto or look him directly in the eyes (although I can do this without problem) as the breed is hard wired to consider this a 'challenge' and will growl or even snap. Generally,very friendly with people (especially children) but can be male-dog aggressive, especially on their own territory.
Also, if you have other dogs, this dog considers everything to be 'his' property...the other dogs toys/bones/etc....but not the reverse. It's the nature of the wolf like breed. This has to be controlled, mainly by avoidance of confrontation.
As beautiful as this animal is, this is not the dog for you if you cannot spend a significant amount of time with him/her and have a special room for him/her especially as a pup. We live near the Ocean and so Balto gets a run on the beach for miles nearly every day, and loves it. The snow is his favorite. There is a detectable difference in his demeanor when he has not been exercised on a given day. He has a large tiled room in our 'downstairs' area by the pool/yard where his crate is. He likes the cold floor. That's where he eats (away from the other dogs) and sleeps. I have a TV in the room to keep him 'company' when I'm not in the room with him. He prefers to be around people, not alone.
If you go on vacation, it is best to have someone who knows him and is comfortable with him stay at the house and dog/house sit...since we have 3 dogs this is how we've always done it.
In summary, the Malamute is for the seasoned, dedicated, and patient owner/master, and requires daily exercise, attention, and company. Training 'difficulty' is about a 9 out of 10....but they are highly intelligent.
Good luck with your search....I have two Goldens which sound like a much better match for you...you really can't go wrong with a healthy Golden.
Mark

Lovely dogs Mark. Goldens were my first love - and to me, yours are a true colour!
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