Is a Malamute what you really want ?

Malamutes can turn a nice green lawn into a sort of battlefield.
This is especialy true about puppies and/or in rainy weather.

In this section we will try to answer some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about malamutes. Those of you that already own a Mal will find this area of little or no use, but I hope you won't forget that we all have been beginners in everything we do and are beginners in every new project we entail.

The first recommendation to a prospect owner is not to trust those breeders that will try to talk you into getting a Malamute at all costs.
We all are breed enthusiasts of course, but a reputable breeder will always try to screen a potential owner, and that means stressing the downsides and the problems that a Malamute may give you in the future.

If you will own one you will have a chanche to discover the wonderful dogs and companions they are, but it's important that every prospect owner be warned about the potential problems that may arise in sharing your life with a Mal, before they get one.
Let's make one thing clear; the Alaskan Malamute is not a very easy dog, and it's sure not a German Shepherd or any dog of that kind, so:


Is a Malamute what you really want ?
If you want your dog to play with you retrieving objects for hours or you want to teach him to pick up the newspaper and do this kind of tricks, you should choose another breed.
This is not what the Alaskan Malamute was selected for by mother nature.

If you need a guard dog or one to protect you or the people you care for, you should choose another breed.
Malamutes make bad guard dogs and have been selected for centuries not to be people aggressive. There was not much property to watch after in the Arctic.

If you like your dog to follow your commands like some sort of a furred, four legged robot, you should choose another breed.
A well educated Mal will follow your commands, but may decide to do so after he's done with the things he thinks are more important at the moment.

If you're planning to let your dog roam around the neighborhood because you know the neighbors or because you live in the country you should choose another breed (or better not choose a breed at all....).
Malamutes are careless about traffic, but they sure care about cats, chickens, rabbits etc. We doubt the neighbours or farmer would enjoy such cares though.

If you're so proud of your green lawn and your exotic plants and flowers you should choose another breed.
Your Mal will love your garden although he will have a tendency to rearrange it according to his tastes. That's especially true about pups up to 15-18 months, but even adults may occasionally experience unexpected spurts of creativity and decide to relocate that precious plant in a different place.

If you plan to keep your dog indoor but don't like dog fur all over your floor you should choose another breed.
You may wake up someday asking yourself who placed that nice thick carpeting on the floor, only to discover that it's just shedding time for your Mal. Last but not least If you are not so fond of outdoor activities you REALLY should choose another breed.
Malamutes are good companions for active people and they should be exercised daily. Leaving your mal free in a large fenced yard is not enough as they just sit down and nap when you're not around. They will enjoy having fun with you.
So take them with you when you go jogging or hiking, put them in harness so they can pull your bike etc.
They'll love it. They actually wait all day for that moment to come. Don't disappoint them !!!