We are considering getting an Alaskan Malamute puppy. Can anyone tell me about this breed?
Thanks in advance!
They need a ton of exercise, shed like crazy and are stubborn to boot. They can be great dogs, but they are not for everyone. Very headstrong, and not one I would recommend for a first-time dog owner. They are happiest in frigid cold weather, maybe even pulling a sled. Not a dog I would recommend having in Texas.
Alaskan Malamute's are WONDERFUL dogs...
They NEED cold.
They NEED LOTS of exercise.
They NEED lots of attention.
They are TOTALLY faithful and attentive breed.
If you are in Texas, I'm sorry - I wouldn't consider a Malamute...they really do best in cold climates....snow and ice.
My college housemate had one and he was terrific. That said, this breed needs tons (I mean TONS) of exercise and must be in cold weather. We lived in Montreal & 3 of us walked him 2 hrs each per day. Eventually they moved to a farm in a rural area....I definitely wouldn't recommend this breed in Texas. The temps would be sheer torture for the dog.
You probably don't want to hear this, but it's too hot here for a Malamute. They are awesome dogs and the first I would have if we lived in a cooler climate. They are a working dog, so they need tons of exercise. It would be torture for them to be in a house all day and torture to be outside in our type of heat. Good luck in finding the right puppy!
You need a lot of yard, and they need a lot of exercise.
Well, I had a Siberian Husky for 16 years, they are similar, and I can tell you this much: year round shedding, mega chewers as puppies, not so much smart as sneaky, very independent and requires a TON of regular, daily exercise, LOVES the colder weather...not sure about Texas--this is not a "sit in the house with the AC on" kind of dog.
Not to be discouraging, I did truly love my Siberian....but not the easiest dogs on the planet. Quite a commitment.
they shed incessantly, require and thrive in extreme cold, need daily grooming, smell really bad, and destroy the house with fur-other than that-really nice dogs
They need A LOT of stimulation, or they get very destructive. If you can't take them on a strenuous hour walk daily, play time, and keep them mentally stimulated, they will destroy your house. And, NOT just a back yard. Walks. Every single day. Seriously. They can tear apart entire couches. They are sometimes hard to house break. If they don't get proper training they can be dangerous, because they are basically giant rambunctious puppies...when they reach adulthood.They are runners. Even the most trained malamutes will dart out the door or yard, if they really feel the need to. They have a very strong drive for prey. They are diggers, and can dig underneath fences.
They are GREAT dogs for the right owners. They are loyal, affectionate, protective. They are pack dogs, so they require lots of closeness. The wrong owner would be one who can't commit to rigorous exercise, lots of physical closeness and attention, consistent training from day 1, and mental stimulation. If you can't provide that, it will not be a good fit. They are also LARGE and need to be groomed often. Especially, in warm climates.
Require a lot of time! They need exercise, love to be outside because they love the cold. You are in Texas. I would not do it. They are beautiful dogs.
Was recently in Alaska and spent time with them. Not a dog I would get
for a house pet. Sorry.
You have gotten alot of good information. We have had Malamutes or Husky's in Texas for over 30 years. They are great family dogs. We LOVE our Malamutes (we have two right now) Yes, they need excerise and they prefer cooler temps but if you take the right precautions they do well in here. You have to be dedicated to having a malamute. FIRST understand - they are LARGE dogs - where the Husky is traditional smaller - Malamutes average for 70-100 lbs They are very intelligent and will require alot of attention and training during puppyhood. But they are the best family dog! They are "pack" dogs which means they have to be part of the family - you can not just leave them in the backyard and go out and play with them once in a while - they need to be incorporated into the family. They are very social dogs. Here are two great websites - http://alaskanmalamute.org/ - for the Texas Malamute Rescue - http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/tamr.html We got our "Little Man" (80lbs) thru TAMR 6 years ago! I love the breed but they are not for everyone. Please read up and ensure that you have a total understanding of the commitment that will be involved with having a Malamute. They are truly wonderful dogs but can be trying if you are not prepared. It has to be a family commitment! Best of luck!
One thing to think about.... with their thick fur, think how hot that pup will be in Texas....
The heat is bad on them. And if I recall correctly, they are roamers (runners). They don't feel territorial about where they live and if they get out will go off and don't return. Now, my GSD (and some other breeds) are very aware of "home" and don't run off and wander. I can let her out and she will just sit on my sidewalk out front and wait for hubby to come home. Or hubby lets her out and she waits for me and the kids to come home. Not so with the huskies and I think the malamutes. The door opens and they can be GONE.
Check out this website. http://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/Alaskan-Malamute
The site deals with rescues and has tons of great information.
It is WAY too hot in Texas for that type of dog! How are they supposed to get exercise (which they need TONS of) in the summer? Not a good idea. Please adopt a dog that is better suited for hot weather. Your local shelters will be full of dogs in need of a loving home. Feels good knowing you saved a life as well (:
We had a samoyed, which has a similar coat and temperament. We had to shave him, because he was getting heat exhaustion. Northern breeds do best in a cold climate. When I got him we lived in Wales, so it was great for him.
My neighbor actually has a malamute, and temperament wise he is fantastic, although he chases my chicken like crazy! I think as long as you shave him in the summer, or take measures to keep him cool you will be pleased
A friend in college had one. Wonderful dog! What you need to know is they are independent and smart. Need a lot of exercise (think Iditarod). Also, as Malia says, they have thick fur which can probably be thinned out with grooming (another time consideration). May be okay, but you need to know what you're in for ;-)
we have a Siberian Husky, we think might be part Malamute. (She was a rescue dog).
1. Shedding. Serious shedding. There are days that we have to vacuum twice a day or it looks like it snowed in the house. I have brushed her and ended up with 1/4 trash bag full of fur and she still shed for two months afterwards.
2. Mine is very smart. She has figured her way out of every harness she has ever had. She figured out how to unlock and slide our patio door. Which is why they are also very successful escape artist.
3. Mine will hunt. This means no cats, birds, fish, hamster, etc is allowed in our house. They will be her next dinner eventually. She has even tried to stalk another dog once.
4. Mine is fantastic with my daughter...and always has been.
5. We got our dog in Missouri, which can get very hot. We now live in Florida and I am surprised to see so many huskies. They do need exercise, but when it gets very hot, they can only tolerate short walks. We were lucky that ours isn't very hyper, so we never had too much of an issue, but I have heard horror stories about them being inside too long and causing havoc.
6. She definitely has the most personality of any dog I have ever had. She is a great dog, and I wouldn't change it for anything. But, I am also not sure that I will have another husky, she has been A LOT of work! :)
