Alaskan Malamutes – The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful

Sherry Beliveau – Animal Ark Pet Hospital Phone Receptionist since February 2005 has been owned by two Alaskan Malamutes for eight years.  This is their story…

When we moved into our new house, the first thing my husband said was “I want a dog!”  He didn’t want just any dog, he wanted the breed of dog he had always dreamed of having, an Alaskan Malamute.  And so, the research began.  Two years into our research we felt we were ready.  Even though we both had dog experience, the Malamute was described as being in a class by itself.

The Good:  Malamutes are often confused with Siberian Huskies.   These breeds are very different from each other.  Huskies are smaller, faster dogs bred for speed over long distances.  Malamutes are heavy boned, large chested dogs made for pulling very heavy loads in extreme temperatures and conditions.  Malamutes are extremely intelligent, loving, energetic dogs with amazing personalities that include a wicked sense of humor.  Some perceive their intelligence or stubbornness as being stupid.  They are not.  Malamutes are not fawning dogs waiting to please you.  A Malamute will never ask “What can I do for you”.  She will always ask “Why and what’s in it for me”.  That is their nature.  They are the center of the universe and like being treated as such.  They are opportunists and never pass up the chance for a good laugh or sneaking a good snack.

The day we picked up our 8 week old puppy at the breeder, my husband held her while I drove home.  He turned to me and said “I love this dog”.  He was hooked and no matter what she did from that point on, she was ours.

The Bad: Malamutes are notorious chewers, including carpet, drywall, wood, fencing, you name it.  If they are bored or just get the inclination, they will find a way to entertain themselves at any cost.  They also love to dig including huge holes where you could easily bury many of their “trophies” as they have a very high prey drive.  They may be courteous to your housecat, but anything in their field of vision outside the family can be subject to basic instinct.  I have been brought many interesting parts of rabbits, opossums, birds, moles, and some unidentifiable things.  They cannot be off leash outside a fenced area because even though they know they are not supposed to leave the yard, they may take it into their mind to do so.  People often ask us, “Do they shed?”  Yes!  They shed small amounts all the time; however, they “blow” their coat about twice a year.  This is an incredible amount of undercoat that no matter how much brushing or grooming you do, there is always more.  You must love to vacuum, have sticky rollers for all guests and not mind so much living in a snow globe twice a year. 

The Beautiful:  Most people are drawn to the Alaskan Malamute because of their wolf like appearance.  Malamutes are recognized as one of he oldest breeds still resembling their ancestors in appearance and behavior.  However, they are not wolves and it is illegal to own a dog that has been bred with a wolf.  Their striking markings and proud appearance draw a lot of attention and Malamutes LOVE people, all people.  They are useless as watch dogs, and would give up the family silver for a cookie and a belly rub.  However, their appearance alone can be quite intimidating for some people.  They adore children and are very gentle and agile, although their sheer size should be monitored around small children.  Malamutes need constant training and attention.  Our dogs did not accidentally become good citizens.  They were trained and continue to be trained that way.  Do not give a Malamute an inch, they will take a mile.  If a Malamute is well behaved, it took a lot of training and work.  They must be an intricate part of your family and love being right in the middle of all family activities.  If you can devote 99 percent of your time to them, they like that best!  They need lots of exercise and are willing to do anything physical.  They need quality food, although their systems are very efficient and they don’t eat much.  Brushing and grooming are a must as well as yearly checkups and vaccines.

Ultimately, Malamutes have been the joy of our life.  They fill our home with fun and love.  They are worth the immense amount of work and expense they need and we are forever grateful to them for teaching us what life is all about… Love and Laughter.