If you've ever own a Malamute... - Page 1

Oldworld, I've owned Malamutes for 36 years now. I many ways Malamutes are a lot easier to live with than GSD's. First, they are not nearly as needy when it comes to requiring a lot of human contact. They like to be with their owners, but they do not demand attention. In that respect, I think they make better kennel dogs than do GSD's. Breeders are now paying a lot more attention to breeding Mals that are easier to train that were the dogs of the past. The breed now holds many advanced OB, working dog, and agility titles.  Mals are every bit as trusthworthy in public places as are GSD's. The majority are very friendly and outgoing, not at all suspicious of strangers. However, some can be quite dog aggressive. If you have another dog, I'd not recommend buying a Mal of the same sex. It might work out OK, but IMO the odds are against it. When Mals fight, they are very serious in their intent to gravely injure or kill their opponent. The females are worse than the males; most bitches will fight another bitch to the death. I would not recommend getting a Mal unless you have a secure fence. Generally speaking they do not stay around unless you have a fence.  I think most Mals can be trained to come when called.

Just like the GSD, they have their own individual personalities and quirks. If you decide to buy one, I would suggest you go to a breeder who is breeding Mals that have a good record for being obedient. There are still some stubborn lines around, so you need to be careful.  Also, do not be shocked if you see s pedigree with linbreeding or inbreeding. It is commonly practiced in the breed and not considered taboo as it is with GSD's. I would be happy to give you some references. One more thing, an adult male Malamute is very, very strong so it's important that whoever is going to train and handle the dog is physically fit.  This is not a breed you hand over to a 10 year old kid until it is trained 100%.

You might want to log on to the Alaskan Malamute Club of America's website - do a google search. There is a ot of information there.

OldWorld, email me at blitzengsd@comcast.net. I'll be out of town until Monday; will send you some names and a a good book to buy after I get home. The Malamute NS is in Mid -October in Wisconsin. Might be too far for you to drive, but if you can make it I can introduce you to a lot of breeders in your area.

I can't really speak for Malamutes, but you mention northern breeds, so this is what I can say:

Huskies will often find a way to escape from a fenced backyard if you do not keep an eye on them... they dig, climb and jump.  Some will say that can be trained to be reliable loose... but others have trusted thier Husky for years just to have them decide to not listen one day.  They are bred to run and few things can keep them from trying.  Some are intelligent and will pick up obedience very quickly, possibly quicker than many GSDs, but I have never seen one take obedience seriously... there has to be something in it for them and they think it is a game and they don't have to listen.  They tend to be soft as far as corrections go, and will shut down when they think you are no longer playing.  They scream, not quite a bark, more like "whawhawoowoowooo" and it's loud.  They tend not to be too needy, but they do like affection.  Most seem to be social and even get along with other dogs, kids, and sometimes cats.  But they tend to like their space... not a big cuddler with other dogs.  Also, they seem more sensitive about having their paws and tails touched.  They are truely big babies and never seem to grow up... but they are almost always smiling and remind you not to take things too seriously.

Besides being smart, they are polar opposites of many GSDs, but they can be great companions.  I appreciate how GSDs will stay with you when off-leash and often seem to have a desire to please their owner.  With the Husky you should never allow them off-leash (just the responsible thing to do for this breed) and you should expect that they would care less about pleasing you but are in it for themselves.

I had a gorgeous malamute for 10 years. His full name was "Love of My Life" (I bought him when I was in college and he was the only male I could trust! LOL) and he was the best dog I've ever had that wasn't a GSD....and believe it or not, the easiest to train! I taught him to giblaut in under 5 minutes!...and that's not easy for a howler! ;)

Never owned one but recently got bit by one that insists on attacking my GSD's every time we meet on a walk (mine on lead) this dog can run across 3 football pitches in a split second and when fighting is in it to win it!!  Have had to get police involved since I got bit, it's only 18months old so still a baby and my dogs have not had to much trouble showing it who is boss, don't think that will be the case when it's 3 or 4 years old.  But sadly don't think it will be around that long as the owner has no control over it whatsoever and it's rarely on a lead.  On the upside it's a beautiful dog, very striking looking and seems very friendly with people when there are no dogs about.  Would be a smashing dog in the right hands.

Huaso, your GSD will never be a match for the Malamute when it has reached maturity. I think you are right, that dog is an accident about to happen. Too bad the local authorities don't enforce your local dog laws.   If they are like most, there is probably a law against allowing a dog to run free. I tell everyone who asks about Malamutes - more often than not they are serious fighters. I've owned about 25, 30 Mals over the years and can count on one hand the ones that would not start a fight with another dog. I'd have rather lost a puppy sale than sold one to a buyer with no fence or multiple dogs.