Have you got something to say about this particular breed that might help our other members? We welcome all comments. All submitted opinions are screened and edited before publishing, so please allow up to 7 days for publishing.
Browse All Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Opinions (4 Total)
Added on Jan 1st, 2008 By Melodyjace - Greencastle, PA This is a wonderful breed of dog that needs an experienced owner or the dog will dominate the household. Very smart, quick to train, and smart enough to realize that it doesn't necessarily want to do what you want it to. Must be socialized as a young pup so that it can get along well with other dogs. Do not try to put an adult dog with any small breed animals unless they were raised as pups with them. They have a very strong kill instinct towards small animals. Wonderful and patient with strangers and children. Do not get this dog as anything besides a visual deterrent. Will guide a burglar right through your house licking his hand the whole way! Very lovable, loyal, and energetic. You can't find a better dog alive!
Added on Jan 1st, 2008 By Jennifer - Star Valley, Wyoming At maturity, this can be a wonderful dog. Be aware that they expect to be "alpha," and are not easy to train. The effort is worth it. Mine truly prefers snow and cold, shunning a doghouse entirely.
Added on Jan 1st, 2008 By Beth & Kerry - Colorado We owned an Alaskan Malamute, Jake, for 11 years. He recently passed away from extremely old age and cancer. He was a very devoted, loyal, trustworthy, patient companion to our entire family. He was wonderful with kids!!! He was very friendly with everyone, hence not a good watch dog. You need at least a mid-sized yard or bigger, fenced, for this type of dog. Rarely barked, only "talked" (think Chewbacca from Star Wars). He was very attentive to his human companions' emotions (could quickly detect sadness) and would come to the rescue. He didn't care for the water and was not a swimmer, but loved the mountains (better in cooler climates!) and could climb and hike very well. Malamutes do not like warm weather! They suffer immensely. We wouldn't recommend having a Malamute in the out of doors in warmer climates. On the other hand, they tolerate extreme cold very well! Expect to see them digging snow caves, prancing around in the snow or just sleeping in/on the ice/snow. Expect them to bring this snow inside with them, as it will pile up and not melt on their "guard" hairs (outer coat). They can trek amazing distances with little effort, just keep them hydrated. They are just as comfortable being an outdoor dog as an indoor dog (provided they get exercise and attention). Expect to lose lots of shoes to chewing when they're puppies. And let's not forget the hair. Yes they technically "shed" twice a year, but expect to find Malamute fur in your house year round. Shedding "season" being the worst of it. Get a good vacuum and brush them often, particularly when they're puppies to get them accustomed to it. Do not trim any of their hairs when having them groomed. They require all their hairs for temperature regulation. Brushing daily/no trimming is best, to keep the shed fur to a minimum. If you are looking for a larger, active dog that is just as comfortable outdoors as they are indoors and is good with kids, consider an Alaskan Malamute.
Added on Jan 1st, 2008 By Tariesa Reine - Massachusetts I have a 6 month old Alaskan Malamute - This breed is a very INTELLIGENT breed - they are like having a small child around. They are curious about everything and will get into anything if you don't watch them. They are not aggressive dogs - they are playful and friendly - working is what the LOVE to do, so if you get this breed make sure you have the time to give them the exercise the need. (Fenced in yard is a MUST).
![57%](/images/polls/pollpixel1.gif"){kind=tracking}
![43%](/images/polls/pollpixel2.gif"){kind=tracking}
