Alaskan Malamute????

horseloverinVA · 11-19-2007, 01:00 PM

As far as large outside dogs go, I have had several. 2 Goldens Retrievers, 2 Black Labs, and 1 English Setters. They are all fairly similar dogs in their habits, life styles, and needs. All have lived mostly outside. I have a 15x40 dog pen that they stay in when I'm not home and approximatly 50 acres between our farm and my grandpa's farm when I am home to run and play. So there is plenty of room to run and play. I have 2 black labs now and I want to make sure the dog I get is compatible with them.

I have decided that I really want to get an Alaskan Malamute, but I don't know much about them...could anyone enlighten me?

Mvernese · 11-19-2007, 02:01 PM

A neighbor of mine had one and he was the sweetest dog ever. A real family kind of dog; this one was.

If I remember correctly they dont bark. But Im sure you already knew that.

horseloverinVA · 11-19-2007, 02:05 PM

Yes I knew about the barking thing. A woman that used to live down the road from my grandpa had one when I was much younger, he's how i became attached. i am just now getting to the point that I am settled and have the space, facility, and time to get one. They don't really bark but they do howl and whine like wolves, or at least hers did.

Slim Pikkens · 11-19-2007, 02:54 PM

A friend breeds some of the finest Alaskan Malamutes in Canada. She breeds for temperment and tests for dwarfism and all are slit-lamp tested. These are working dogs, bred to pull heavy sleds. We often don't meet their needs by not putting them to work. Their hearing is acute and you may find the late night serenading allows for little sleep. If they get into a fight they are ferocious fighters with their coats offering protection that the others don't have. If you get one you may as well arm yourself with a pair of pliers for pulling all the stuff that clings to it's coat. These dogs require more than occasional grooming or the coat mats something terrible. They were meant for snow.

recklesshoundog · 11-19-2007, 02:58 PM

They are working breeds not far removed from the time they actually worked so they are very energetic if not working.

They aren't quiet layaround at your feet dogs until they get their exercise and playing on their own isnt really going to do it. If your a runner or they come with you on ride times then they will be happier.

Faceman · 11-19-2007, 03:10 PM

Unfortunately, my son is into malamutes - he currently has 2 and has had others before.

I say unfortunately, because even though people all over have them, they are really and truly a cold climate dog unsuited for warm climates.

In the spring they shed - and shed - and shed - and shed - and shed...

All of the ones he has had, and they have come from different breeders, have had knee problems. My assumption is that this is from excessive inbreeding over the years.

They are nice dogs from a pesonality standpoint, but I can't recommend them based upon my experience. I certainly would not have one - unless I lived in a very cold climate.

horseloverinVA · 11-19-2007, 03:31 PM

My dogs go with me riding everyday and romp on the farm, so the exercise shouldn't be a problem. We also go trail riding for miles in different locations on the weekends, and the dogs always go.

I have health certificates on both the parents that we plan to get a puppy from. They have had 3 litters from the 2 dogs that we like and none have had problems to date. He will include a health certificate for 5 years garanteed against any genetic disease or disorder.

As far as the shedding, we are used to that...my cousin has several husky's that do the same, shed out several trash bags of fur each year, and so that won't be a huge issue.

We live in a secluded area and have learned to sleep through the constant barking and howling at everything that moves, so as long as I don't have to worry about irrate sleepless neighbors I will be ok with that as well.

My main concern is, do these dogs make good watch dogs, for my house and horses? Also are they good with other dogs that they are raised with?

Plus, if I get married in the future, I will most likely move to Northern IL for family purposes, they have a fair amount of snow there.

A J · 11-19-2007, 04:15 PM

Well, I'm not sure on the Malamutes, but if they are anything like huskies they will:

Shed like you have never seen
Dig out of their pen
Run (as in not stay home)
Run (as in not come unless they feel like it)
Escape from darn near any enclosure
Need mental as well as physical stimulation (ie work)
Howl at the: sirens, coyotes, other dogs, and who knows what else
Kill small animals (cats, racoons, chickens, etc)
Only listen if they feel like it

If you don't care about your landscaping, have a 6-8' fence that cannot be dug out of (and may need a roof), and don't mind having a dog that completely ignores you unless it feels the need, and you don't mind the occasional small animal massacre, then you should be fine.

The personalities can be great, they are amazing dogs, highly intellegent. Some, if raised in the house with LOTS of obedience will (kind of) learn to come and leave the smaller animals alone - however, most will not completely get over it, and the occasional kitten or chicken may be found in the dog's mouth. Coming when called is still a personal choice as they see it, and they really need to feel it's worth their while - and may on occasion decide not to bother.

From the types of dogs you describe as having had, I'm guessing you may not be as happy with a Malamute. They were bred to pull, and they love it - anything less in their minds is just that. If raised around other dogs and spayed/neutered they would be less likely to fight, but if they do....look out. The prey drive can be nearly impossible to eliminate. You really can't just let these types of dogs run loose - they will take off unless you spend an exorbatant amount of time teaching them not to.

Then again, you may love a Malamute! I loved the Huskies when I raised them, and still kind of miss having them around. Just realize they are not going to be anything like what you have dealt with!

Horses&Soccer · 11-19-2007, 04:16 PM

I'm afraid to ask - but what is slit lamp testing?

Dusty's girl · 11-19-2007, 04:23 PM

My neighbor where I grew up bred them, I remember that they are very strong pack animals, get along with other dogs they are raised with but def into sorting out the pecking order like horses do. Not really big barkers but howl and whine, but if your other dogs start doing it, he may attempt to follow their noise. That's the only time I ever remember them barking, when our lab would bark. Or dinner time.

Other then that they are really smart, working dogs like everyone said. Trust me if there is a way to escape that kennel, the malamute would be the one to find it. I neighbor had to pad lock the kennel finally cause one of them would chew on the latch til it popped open.

Oh and def be careful with the small animals, if they are raised with them I think you should be fine, but I had a cat that escaped and didn't survive its run in with the pack.

DoBeSassy · 11-19-2007, 04:23 PM

i was wondering the same thing

horsey-gal · 11-19-2007, 04:23 PM

I have a Siberian husky. He is NOT a guard dog at all, too friendly. However, he is somewhat protective of myself and the kids. We have cold winters and can have real hot summers ( not as hot as some places ) and my boy does fine in both. We exercise ALOT in the summer and even more in the winter. He is tied when outside now, until we fence our yard in.
Great family dog, has NEVER killed a cat, but has killed moles.
I would definately own another Siberian or Malamute in the future.
JMO

WalliBoy · 11-19-2007, 04:28 PM

If you go around, sniffing out malamute rescue's they can cleary tell you, in a section of their page,whether or not a Malamute is for you. I, never had a malamute,but volunteer for a siberian husky rescue, and let me tell you, they are HUGE shedders[especially living here in the south florida climate] and loud mouths and sometimes are NOT dog-friendly[had a fight between a hyper and a older husky, end result no one was hurt but a fight was enough to get the picture], or when they are bored[locked up or out roaming] or are together as a pack. Clearly these dogs need STIMULANTS, they need a job, not just run around and act like your ordinary dog. Sledding,Agility, anything involving human and dog together is what best is recommended. Not just a stroll around a forest where there is a lot of potential of the dog[husky/malamute] running loose and never coming back, it has happened to a person here in this part of town in the horse area part, the husky got loose and never came back. It would much spell disaster, if you never owned one or experienced hands-on with these breeds.

Just look into the rescue/akc website(s). Always research before you buy a dog that you've never had or experienced. I was a first-time basenji owner 4 1/2 years ago, and let me tell you, this dog destroyed and chewed $1000+ in furniture,carpet and beds.

stupid[ my way of saying I love him] dog never learned. He was a F5 tornado, that came thru my home every single day...

now I learned never ever get another basenji unless I have chew-free furniture and carpet.

99horses · 11-19-2007, 04:32 PM

I have Husky/Akita females and they are smart, not diggers, did fine in the summer with the heat just give plenty of water and shade. They are great with my kids but one is not fond of strangers the other is fine. One kills cats and mice the other will only killl her toys. Which is odd because the one who hates strangers is not the cat killer. It all depends on the dog. The cat killer can be left out to run and she will come when called the other can't she would run off, but they are both great dogs and we love them. Mine also howl and vocalize more than barking.

BeverlyM · 11-19-2007, 05:03 PM

A neigbor of ours had one & he suffered awful in the summer. I don't think they're made for this Va heat..My sister raised them & when the pups were full blooded they were very nice but when the female crossed with another dog including a hound who for the most part are very gentle dogs her pups turned out MEAN...We had one & it was by a German Sheperd & it would even have bit me if provoked...She would kill birds or anything when she had a litter of pups she was nursing even though she was fed good. I guess it's just the prey instinct in them....Myself I'd like to have a boxer

Anyone know about them? Need lots of exersise etc?

mlh619 · 11-19-2007, 05:33 PM

www.dogbreedinfo.com
Here is a site that has many different breeds on it and I have found to be fairly accurate. They have all the common breeds, rare breeds and many that I have never even heard of!

horseloverinVA · 11-20-2007, 07:13 AM

I have checked with rescues and gotten the info already. They basically say if the dog is raised and trained right that they can be perfect pets. I have done lots of research. I even had a breeder come to the farm and check everything out to see what he thought. He also brought one of his dogs and she played wonderfully with my 2 labs, and my Chiuahua. I don't have a cat at present so no way to test that. She also did well with the horses and listened impecably. She was not quite 2. He also said he would help me train a puppy if I was interested. i just wanted to know if anyone other than the breeders I've talked to had any advice. He did mention that he had never had a dog kill an animal or attack anything but they are in fact pack animal hunter type dogs, and we're raised in the company of children and other animals and learned to respect them.

I have also checked into Huskies, because my cousin has 2, and they are the best dogs ever. he trained them and they are beautiful and smart. Never escape, killed anything, and live inside...sleep on the couch

. My nephew ride them like ponies.

I just wanted a heartier dog for the farm.

rubysmom · 11-20-2007, 07:26 AM

I have a Husky and a Malamute. I love them, but boy are they escape artist. We can never let them off leash. Ever. I have a kennel and the Husky digs out or she even rammed her head into the door until it broke. These kinds of dogs are known for running. They love it. When on the rare occasion mine do get loose they stay just out of our reach. Making a game out of it. My Malamute does obidence and agility 4-h showing with my son. He loves it. He also has 3 best friends who are cats. He will lay with them all day. My Husky tries to make snacks of them. Good luck with finding the dog you want. I personally would own no other kind of dog.

HighHorse · 11-20-2007, 08:18 AM

It sounds like you've made a decision????

horseloverinVA · 11-20-2007, 08:25 AM

I had already like 90% decided, but just wanted some input and additional info on the breed because most people around me that have huge dogs have St. Bernards, Newfies, and GP's. So I just wanted some outside info from people who may have had personal experience with the breed other than my breeders.

I have a while before his next litter is due so it's not a totally pressing decision yet.

11-19-2007, 01:00 PM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,226	Alaskan Malamute???? As far as large outside dogs go, I have had several. 2 Goldens Retrievers, 2 Black Labs, and 1 English Setters. They are all fairly similar dogs in their habits, life styles, and needs. All have lived mostly outside. I have a 15x40 dog pen that they stay in when I'm not home and approximatly 50 acres between our farm and my grandpa's farm when I am home to run and play. So there is plenty of room to run and play. I have 2 black labs now and I want to make sure the dog I get is compatible with them. I have decided that I really want to get an Alaskan Malamute, but I don't know much about them...could anyone enlighten me?

11-19-2007, 02:01 PM
Mvernese Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 626	A neighbor of mine had one and he was the sweetest dog ever. A real family kind of dog; this one was. If I remember correctly they dont bark. But Im sure you already knew that. __________________ www.fullcircleranch.us

11-19-2007, 02:05 PM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,226	Yes I knew about the barking thing. A woman that used to live down the road from my grandpa had one when I was much younger, he's how i became attached. i am just now getting to the point that I am settled and have the space, facility, and time to get one. They don't really bark but they do howl and whine like wolves, or at least hers did.

11-19-2007, 02:54 PM
Slim Pikkens Greenbroke Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,004	A friend breeds some of the finest Alaskan Malamutes in Canada. She breeds for temperment and tests for dwarfism and all are slit-lamp tested. These are working dogs, bred to pull heavy sleds. We often don't meet their needs by not putting them to work. Their hearing is acute and you may find the late night serenading allows for little sleep. If they get into a fight they are ferocious fighters with their coats offering protection that the others don't have. If you get one you may as well arm yourself with a pair of pliers for pulling all the stuff that clings to it's coat. These dogs require more than occasional grooming or the coat mats something terrible. They were meant for snow.

11-19-2007, 02:58 PM
recklesshoundog Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 2,549	They are working breeds not far removed from the time they actually worked so they are very energetic if not working. They aren't quiet layaround at your feet dogs until they get their exercise and playing on their own isnt really going to do it. If your a runner or they come with you on ride times then they will be happier.

11-19-2007, 03:10 PM
Faceman Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Arkansas Ozarks Posts: 7,260	Unfortunately, my son is into malamutes - he currently has 2 and has had others before. I say unfortunately, because even though people all over have them, they are really and truly a cold climate dog unsuited for warm climates. In the spring they shed - and shed - and shed - and shed - and shed... All of the ones he has had, and they have come from different breeders, have had knee problems. My assumption is that this is from excessive inbreeding over the years. They are nice dogs from a pesonality standpoint, but I can't recommend them based upon my experience. I certainly would not have one - unless I lived in a very cold climate. __________________ Read what I said, not what you THINK I said...

11-19-2007, 03:31 PM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,226	My dogs go with me riding everyday and romp on the farm, so the exercise shouldn't be a problem. We also go trail riding for miles in different locations on the weekends, and the dogs always go. I have health certificates on both the parents that we plan to get a puppy from. They have had 3 litters from the 2 dogs that we like and none have had problems to date. He will include a health certificate for 5 years garanteed against any genetic disease or disorder. As far as the shedding, we are used to that...my cousin has several husky's that do the same, shed out several trash bags of fur each year, and so that won't be a huge issue. We live in a secluded area and have learned to sleep through the constant barking and howling at everything that moves, so as long as I don't have to worry about irrate sleepless neighbors I will be ok with that as well. My main concern is, do these dogs make good watch dogs, for my house and horses? Also are they good with other dogs that they are raised with? Plus, if I get married in the future, I will most likely move to Northern IL for family purposes, they have a fair amount of snow there. Last edited by horseloverinVA : 11-19-2007 at 03:33 PM.

11-19-2007, 04:15 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,479	Well, I'm not sure on the Malamutes, but if they are anything like huskies they will: Shed like you have never seen Dig out of their pen Run (as in not stay home) Run (as in not come unless they feel like it) Escape from darn near any enclosure Need mental as well as physical stimulation (ie work) Howl at the: sirens, coyotes, other dogs, and who knows what else Kill small animals (cats, racoons, chickens, etc) Only listen if they feel like it If you don't care about your landscaping, have a 6-8' fence that cannot be dug out of (and may need a roof), and don't mind having a dog that completely ignores you unless it feels the need, and you don't mind the occasional small animal massacre, then you should be fine. The personalities can be great, they are amazing dogs, highly intellegent. Some, if raised in the house with LOTS of obedience will (kind of) learn to come and leave the smaller animals alone - however, most will not completely get over it, and the occasional kitten or chicken may be found in the dog's mouth. Coming when called is still a personal choice as they see it, and they really need to feel it's worth their while - and may on occasion decide not to bother. From the types of dogs you describe as having had, I'm guessing you may not be as happy with a Malamute. They were bred to pull, and they love it - anything less in their minds is just that. If raised around other dogs and spayed/neutered they would be less likely to fight, but if they do....look out. The prey drive can be nearly impossible to eliminate. You really can't just let these types of dogs run loose - they will take off unless you spend an exorbatant amount of time teaching them not to. Then again, you may love a Malamute! I loved the Huskies when I raised them, and still kind of miss having them around. Just realize they are not going to be anything like what you have dealt with! __________________ Try not, do. Do or do not. There is no try.

11-19-2007, 04:16 PM
Horses&Soccer Started Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Warrenton, MO Posts: 2,922	I'm afraid to ask - but what is slit lamp testing? __________________ When life gives you lemons - find someone to throw them at!

11-19-2007, 04:23 PM
Dusty's girl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 269	My neighbor where I grew up bred them, I remember that they are very strong pack animals, get along with other dogs they are raised with but def into sorting out the pecking order like horses do. Not really big barkers but howl and whine, but if your other dogs start doing it, he may attempt to follow their noise. That's the only time I ever remember them barking, when our lab would bark. Or dinner time. Other then that they are really smart, working dogs like everyone said. Trust me if there is a way to escape that kennel, the malamute would be the one to find it. I neighbor had to pad lock the kennel finally cause one of them would chew on the latch til it popped open. Oh and def be careful with the small animals, if they are raised with them I think you should be fine, but I had a cat that escaped and didn't survive its run in with the pack. __________________ All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he\'ll listen to me any day. ~Author Unknown

11-19-2007, 04:23 PM
DoBeSassy Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 5,206	i was wondering the same thing __________________ There is none so blind as she who will not see

11-19-2007, 04:23 PM
horsey-gal Coming two Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Valley, N.S Posts: 1,758	I have a Siberian husky. He is NOT a guard dog at all, too friendly. However, he is somewhat protective of myself and the kids. We have cold winters and can have real hot summers ( not as hot as some places ) and my boy does fine in both. We exercise ALOT in the summer and even more in the winter. He is tied when outside now, until we fence our yard in. Great family dog, has NEVER killed a cat, but has killed moles. I would definately own another Siberian or Malamute in the future. JMO

11-19-2007, 04:28 PM
WalliBoy Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 1,260	If you go around, sniffing out malamute rescue's they can cleary tell you, in a section of their page,whether or not a Malamute is for you. I, never had a malamute,but volunteer for a siberian husky rescue, and let me tell you, they are HUGE shedders[especially living here in the south florida climate] and loud mouths and sometimes are NOT dog-friendly[had a fight between a hyper and a older husky, end result no one was hurt but a fight was enough to get the picture], or when they are bored[locked up or out roaming] or are together as a pack. Clearly these dogs need STIMULANTS, they need a job, not just run around and act like your ordinary dog. Sledding,Agility, anything involving human and dog together is what best is recommended. Not just a stroll around a forest where there is a lot of potential of the dog[husky/malamute] running loose and never coming back, it has happened to a person here in this part of town in the horse area part, the husky got loose and never came back. It would much spell disaster, if you never owned one or experienced hands-on with these breeds. Just look into the rescue/akc website(s). Always research before you buy a dog that you've never had or experienced. I was a first-time basenji owner 4 1/2 years ago, and let me tell you, this dog destroyed and chewed $1000+ in furniture,carpet and beds. stupid[ my way of saying I love him] dog never learned. He was a F5 tornado, that came thru my home every single day... now I learned never ever get another basenji unless I have chew-free furniture and carpet.

11-19-2007, 04:32 PM
99horses Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,307	I have Husky/Akita females and they are smart, not diggers, did fine in the summer with the heat just give plenty of water and shade. They are great with my kids but one is not fond of strangers the other is fine. One kills cats and mice the other will only killl her toys. Which is odd because the one who hates strangers is not the cat killer. It all depends on the dog. The cat killer can be left out to run and she will come when called the other can't she would run off, but they are both great dogs and we love them. Mine also howl and vocalize more than barking. __________________ Janet I'm your huckleberry.-Doc Holliday Last edited by 99horses : 11-19-2007 at 04:35 PM.

11-19-2007, 05:03 PM
BeverlyM Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Va Posts: 248	A neigbor of ours had one & he suffered awful in the summer. I don't think they're made for this Va heat..My sister raised them & when the pups were full blooded they were very nice but when the female crossed with another dog including a hound who for the most part are very gentle dogs her pups turned out MEAN...We had one & it was by a German Sheperd & it would even have bit me if provoked...She would kill birds or anything when she had a litter of pups she was nursing even though she was fed good. I guess it's just the prey instinct in them....Myself I'd like to have a boxer Anyone know about them? Need lots of exersise etc?

11-19-2007, 05:33 PM
mlh619 Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sask, Canada Posts: 516	www.dogbreedinfo.com Here is a site that has many different breeds on it and I have found to be fairly accurate. They have all the common breeds, rare breeds and many that I have never even heard of!

11-20-2007, 07:13 AM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,226	I have checked with rescues and gotten the info already. They basically say if the dog is raised and trained right that they can be perfect pets. I have done lots of research. I even had a breeder come to the farm and check everything out to see what he thought. He also brought one of his dogs and she played wonderfully with my 2 labs, and my Chiuahua. I don't have a cat at present so no way to test that. She also did well with the horses and listened impecably. She was not quite 2. He also said he would help me train a puppy if I was interested. i just wanted to know if anyone other than the breeders I've talked to had any advice. He did mention that he had never had a dog kill an animal or attack anything but they are in fact pack animal hunter type dogs, and we're raised in the company of children and other animals and learned to respect them. I have also checked into Huskies, because my cousin has 2, and they are the best dogs ever. he trained them and they are beautiful and smart. Never escape, killed anything, and live inside...sleep on the couch. My nephew ride them like ponies. I just wanted a heartier dog for the farm. Last edited by horseloverinVA : 11-20-2007 at 07:19 AM.

11-20-2007, 07:26 AM
rubysmom Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: michigan Posts: 213	I have a Husky and a Malamute. I love them, but boy are they escape artist. We can never let them off leash. Ever. I have a kennel and the Husky digs out or she even rammed her head into the door until it broke. These kinds of dogs are known for running. They love it. When on the rare occasion mine do get loose they stay just out of our reach. Making a game out of it. My Malamute does obidence and agility 4-h showing with my son. He loves it. He also has 3 best friends who are cats. He will lay with them all day. My Husky tries to make snacks of them. Good luck with finding the dog you want. I personally would own no other kind of dog.

11-20-2007, 08:18 AM
HighHorse Started Join Date: May 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 2,960	It sounds like you've made a decision???? __________________ There is so much good in the worst of us, And so much bad in the best of us, That it hardly becomes any of us To talk about the rest of us. ~EW Hoch

11-20-2007, 08:25 AM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,226	I had already like 90% decided, but just wanted some input and additional info on the breed because most people around me that have huge dogs have St. Bernards, Newfies, and GP's. So I just wanted some outside info from people who may have had personal experience with the breed other than my breeders. I have a while before his next litter is due so it's not a totally pressing decision yet.