IS A MALAMUTE  THE BREED FOR YOU?

GENERAL
The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Spitz group of dogs, originating as their name suggests from Alaska. the males range in height from 25-28", the bitches 23-26" and with weight according to size. But please note, the strength of these dogs is quite remarkable.

They are used to this day as a heavy hauling dog, not fast but capable of pulling great weights. They were named after the Mahlemut, an Innuit tribe who bred them and used them extensively.The breed has altered very little from those early days.They generally live to about 12 or 13 years.


Is the Malamute the breed for you?
Malamute puppies are very cute but they grow into large,self willed, dominant dogs. Breeders will want to know whether you can handle their cute puppies when they reach adolecence and beyond.

These questions have been compiled as a rough guide only. The more 'yes' answers you can give the better. Honest answers only. Please read our breed information and as many books on the breed as you can, talk to owners, and see the breed in the flesh before deciding to buy a malamute. One book we highly recommend is:

The History and Management of the Alaskan Malamute by Janet Edmonds
This book is now sadly out of print but if you can get a copy please buy it because it is by far the best Malamute book written, dealing with day to day living with a malamute.

Have you owned a dog before?
Experience with other dogs is important. Knowledge of canine needs and canine minds is a definate advantage.First time dog owners are unlikely to be considered for a pup and guided towards easier breeds

Have you thoroughly researched the breed?
Knowledge of the malamute mind is even better.

Are you aware of the dominant temperament of the breed?
Malamutes are very dominant animals, even towards their family if they are loved.

Can you handle that dominance?
Are you strong minded enough to control the dog or will it eventually control you.

Do you intend to fully train the dog, preferably at classes?
Training and socialisation are important to produce a well behaved dog that fits into family life and into society.

Do you have a garden?
Malamutes cannot live in flats without access to a garden. The garden must not be the dogs sole exercise though. It must be taken for walks.

Is that garden secure and well fenced?
Weak fences will be seen as escape routes.

Are you a proud gardener?
Malamute are BIG diggers and will leave a well laid lawn full of holes in a very short time.

Is someone at home for most of the day?
Malamutes can get very bored left without company.They will either resort to howling all day or destroying the furniture.

Do you have a dog already? Are you prepared to have an opposite sex malamute?
Malamutes will readily fall out with same sex dogs regardless of breed.

Are you sure(within reason) that you can give a malamute a home for life?
Malamutes make strong bonds with their family and second homes are to be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Do ALL members of the family want this large hairy dog? Busy wives and kids? Even frail,eldely relatives that may live at home with you and have had no experience of dogs at all?
ALL members of the family must be aware of how big these dogs can be. Big equals boisterous and clumsy.

Do any family members suffer from hair allergies?
Hair gets everywhere, even in your food...

Are you strong enough to control one of these dogs?
Malamutes are extremely strong, powerful dogs and need an adult strong enough to cope with sudden lunges.

If you have answered yes to all the major questions above and are prepared to work on the minor ones, like getting new fences before the pup arrives, you are on the right track. As we said above these questions are only a quick guide.

Please research the breed before going to see a breeder.

With many thanks to Jayne Hood for allowing us to use this material.

Jayne Hood - Windberg Malamutes