Is a Malamute for you?

Before you decide and rush out and buy your puppy there are a few things you must consider! As puppies Malamutes are big bundles of fluff, before you buy one go and visit some adult dogs, either by contacting some breeders or by going to dog shows and rallies, Us owners will be more than happy to talk to you about the breed. The average Malamute is between 38-56 kgs (85-125 lbs) they are also capable of pulling in excess of over 3 tonnes in weight….Yes that’s 1 dog.

Do you have a nice tidy garden with planted borders and a perfect lawn? Would you like it to stay that way?
Malamutes love to dig, and they won’t hesitate turning your perfect lawn and borders into something that resembles a demolition site in no time at all! And they think the only reason you have pretty flowers is for them to pull up and play with, so unless you have a large secure area for them to play in happily, I would give owning a Malamute some serious thought.

Do you have a secure Garden?
Although Malamutes are large dogs they are very capable of jumping, A 6ft high fence should be sufficient to keep them safe however if they really want to get over it they will, but in our experience it will be too much like hard work.

Do you want a dog to protect you and your property?
Well don’t buy a Malamute, although they are big and to some look like a guard dog the worst you could expect to get off your Malamute is a very sloppy kiss.

Are you house proud?
Malamutes loose their coat’s, this is known as "blowing" it starts off with them blowing the undercoat then the top guard coat. You will find swirls of fur all over your house and yourselves just moments after you think you have hoovered the last bits up. Regular brushing does help but you should expect to get at least a carrier bag full out most days for a while. Dogs blow their coats once a year and Bitches twice, one seasonal and once hormonal.

Do you like a nice warm house?
You will find that instead of your Malamute curling up with you at night while you’re watching tv they would rather be laying on the tiled/stone floor or near a door with a nice draft. Most owners of Malamutes tend to have natural floored areas for them, this is also much easier to keep clean.

Do you want a dog that you can walk off lead?
Something you must consider, Malamutes are pack animal’s they are also very good hunters. So when you are out on a country stroll and they see another dog, rabbit, cat, squirrel, even animals as large as cattle they will be off like a rocket and they instantly become deaf, there is also a good chance that if they catch what they are chasing they will kill it. As Malamutes get older some can become dog aggressive towards those they don't consider to be part of their pack, so it is very important to socialise them as puppies.

Do you like exercise?
Yes! That’s great Malamutes love exercise and in all winds and weather, you will need to walk them for at least an hour a day, and during the summer months when it's hot you will need to walk them either early morning or late at night when the temperature has dropped. Just remember that these dogs have a double coat to keep them warm in temperatures well below -20, so during the summer they can overheat or get heat stroke if you’re not careful.

And last of all….
Research, Research, Research you need do as much of it as possible either on the internet, reading books or by visiting dog shows and rallies . A Malamute is a very strong willed large intelligent working dog, they really are not your average pet. If you still think this is the breed for you, I can honestly say owning a Malamute will be one of the best experiences you will ever have, they are the most incredible dogs you will ever come across, every time you go out for a walk people will want to stroke them and talk to you about them so that hours walk…maybe double it!

One thing's for sure if you decide on a Malamute your life will never be the same, but you will never look back!