EditInfo for Prospective New Owner
So, you think you want an Alaskan Malamute? This is a very important decision that must be given serious consideration. Alaskan Malamutes can be a gift from heaven, or your worst nightmare, depending upon how well matched your lifestyle and a Malamute's are. This article will give you some idea of how suited you are to this special breed. Please give the points mentioned here, and in the other articles in this series, much thought. They are designed to help you understand what you can expect from your Malamute and to determine whether this really is the breed for you.
EditSome General Things to Consider First
Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred to haul heavy sleds across long distances in harsh winter conditions. This necessitated a dog that had tremendous strength, energy, endurance, independence and intelligence. These traits still define Alaskan Malamutes. A first time Mal owner soon learns what this really means. These dogs have extremely high energy levels which require release in appropriate ways. They need to run, play, and bounce around a lot. Without continuous physical and mental stimulation, they become bored and restless. This will certainly result in destructive activities of the dog's choosing, not yours. Alaskan Malamutes can be quite boisterous and even rowdy, especially during their growing years. They will try to challenge the family for the top or "alpha" role. With a large dog (they grow to 65lbs-85lbs and up) this cannot be allowed to happen. The family must learn how to properly deal with this for everyone's sake.
Please remember, the traits that made this breed so well suited to its original role in the Arctic may or may not make it suitable for your home. Again, please give careful consideration to all the points discussed here!!!
EditSome Specific Considerations
1. What are Your Living Arrangements?
If you rent or share an apartment or home:
How does your landlord/roommate feel about a large, energetic, hairy dog? Even if your current landlord or roommate would welcome the Malamute, this may not always be the case. Renting and sharing arrangements tend to change, and your next landlord or roommate may not welcome such a dog. Most places do not allow tenants to have pets, or if they do, certainly not dogs much over 35 lbs. Those that do allow them often charge a lot more rent and you may not be able to afford it (assuming that you can even find such a landlord).
If you live at home with your parents:
Are your parents willing and able to take care of "your" dog? If you are living with your parents, there is a very good chance that you are out of the house a good part of the day and many evenings as well. It may be school, work, social engagements, or whatever, but if you are not home Mom (or Dad) will be the primary care giver to your Malamute. Since that person has this major responsibility, he or she should be just as understanding of what Mals are like and willing to deal with it. Are you sure that Mom or Dad will want another "child" to raise, one who may mess up the house more than any human child ever did? Will Mom or Dad be physically able to handle a dog this large? You owe it to yourself, your parents, and your new dog to be sure of these answers BEFORE you acquire that Malamute puppy.
If you own your own home:
Do you have a fenced in yard? If not, are you willing to spend the money to have it fenced in? Alaskan Malamutes are quite suited to life in kennels or in houses but they will not be able to live successfully in any situation where they cannot get plenty of exercise. A fenced in yard is the best way to insure that your dog will have a safe environment to burn off all that energy, not be able to run away (they do love to run great distances), be away from the road where it would probably get hit by a car sooner or later, and reduce the chances of a "dog napper" stealing your bundle of joy. A fence also gives you an option for letting your dog go "potty" in the yard if you are not able to take it for a walk. Many people who try to raise Alaskan Malamutes without fenced in yards find that- a) first the house gets destroyed, then b) the family and the dog are at odds with each other, so finally c) the family is searching for a new home for the pup by the age of 6-9 months after the house has been destroyed and everyone's nerves and patience have been totally shattered.
Please do not think that you can always "tie the dog to a tree." Doing this for any length of time, especially if you are not out with the dog, is just plain inhumane. The dog does not have enough room to get the proper exercise, it may break loose from this chain, it is in a very vulnerable position should another dog or human with less than honorable intentions come by and start to attack it, and your dog will probably get frustrated quickly and develop the bad habits of barking and digging.
To steal from the poet Robert Frost, "good fences make good neighbors" (and wonderful places for Malamutes to play inside of.)
2. Do You Have Time for an Alaskan Malamute?
Alaskan Malamutes require a lot of time, energy, and input from their owners, especially during their growth years. Among the things you will have to provide on a daily basis for your dog are exercise, play, training, grooming (brushing and combing), feeding, and socializing. Malamutes will be fine if their owners are away at work during the day as long as they are given enough quality time in the evenings and weekends so that these needs can be provided for. If your lifestyle is one where you are at work all day, and out again most evenings, the Alaskan Malamute is not the breed for you.
3. Do You Have Children Under the Age of 5 Years?
This is a very important consideration for parents, especially Mom who even in these days of liberation is still the one primarily responsible for the care of the household. A lively, boisterous, growing Malamute puppy can be devastating to the young child who is knocked over for the umpteenth time. Small children require a great deal of time and so does a growing Mal puppy. This is a combination that can be deadly for Mom. Think about it! Did you plan to have TWO young children at a time, or just ONE?
4. Is Everyone in the Family Comfortable with a Large Dog?
This seems like it should be obvious, but sometimes it isn't! A very common reason for wanting a Malamute is "My husband/kids love the looks of the breed and love to play outdoors so we are going to get an Alaskan Malamute." In reality however, when actually confronted with a live, active, and growing Mal, the kids (or even Mom or Dad) can be quite overwhelmed and not feel at ease with the dog. If anyone in the household is feeling uncomfortable with the dog, a bad situation is bound to arise. That cute little puppy WILL grow rapidly, WILL get quite large and powerful and WILL be a lot of work. Everyone in the household (without exception) must be ready for that.
5. Will Endless Dog Hair Everywhere be a Problem?
Alaskan Malamutes are quite hairy dogs (remember what they were bred for) and shed it regularly. There is a fine undercoat near the skin and a longer, coarser outer coat. Indoor Mals shed both coats constantly, but twice a year have major "blows" when you can actually see the hair falling off the dog as it walks by. You can expect to constantly find hair everywhere, even places in your house that you do not allow the dog to enter. Continuous vacuuming is part of the Alaskan Malamute owner's life. If anyone in the house has allergies, this hair can be a major problem. If in doubt, get an opinion from your Doctor as to whether this hair will create even more problems for the allergy sufferer at home. Having to give up a dog that your family loves because someone in the family is allergic to it is too heartbreaking to think about. It is better to prevent the situation from even occurring.
Why You MUST Seriously Consider All of these Points
Alaskan Malamutes are absolutely wonderful dogs for the right household. A great many Malamute owners find that they cannot imagine life without one. However, this breed is not for everyone. It is hoped that that the issues raised here will get you to think seriously about your decision. In this modern world where few of us need a team of dogs to pull sleds across the Arctic for us, it is important to carefully consider where an Alaskan Malamute (or any dog for that matter) will fit into our lives. Without this foresight, we are being unfair to ourselves, our families, and the dog. Please think about these things:
A dog is a feeling, living being that does not deserve the poor quality of life that often accompanies its being placed in the wrong household.
You are about to make a HUGE investment of money, time, energy, and emotion. You will never get these back if things go wrong.
Reputable breeders work hard at producing puppies that will have good temperament, and good health. They also put much time and effort into finding suitable homes for their "extended family." You must be certain that you are able and willing to provide the proper environment for the animal.
Consider a Rescue Dog
Okay, you have asked yourself all the questions, done all the reading and research you can, and are certain that the Alaskan Malamute is the breed for you and your family but you do wish that you could avoid the problems with raising a small puppy. There is the messing of the house, the teething, the potty training, the "growing pains" etc. Perhaps a puppy just does not fit into your life right now but you know that you could provide a wonderful home for a dog anyway.
"Rescue" to the Rescue
Taking an adult dog (or older puppy) into your home is not as hard as you may think. These dogs are usually NOT other peoples problems that they discarded. There are many good, legitimate reasons why owners may give up their dogs for adoption. For example, a breeder may have finished a championship on a dog and feels that this magnificent animal would now benefit from being a pampered pet for a loving family. Sometimes breeders keep a promising dog to show then, when the dog does not develop to its fullest, need to find a suitable home for it to become some family's special pet. Other times, wonderful show and pet quality dogs get returned to the breeder because of divorce, illness, or death in the family. Again, the breeder has a responsibility to find another suitable placement for the dog.
Many clubs and individuals offer placement services for displaced dogs. This is called "rescue" and these dogs, more often than not, make great additions to the right family. Rescue dogs are already past the puppy stages, are often well on their way to socialization, training, and being housebroken so you are getting a head start. They can range in age from a little under 1 year old, all the way up to "Lucky" the 9 year old who needed a home when rescued at a recent puppy mill auction.
The trick when considering an adult is to work through a breeder or club to be certain that the dog you are adopting will be suited to your lifestyle and situation. You may go through an extensive interview but remember that these questions are not meant to annoy or discourage you. They are designed to assure that you and the adopted dog are compatible. It may help you to know that the same type of information is also gathered on the dog that is looking for a home. Think about it, if you have 3 children aged 5-10, wouldn't you feel better knowing that the 3 year old, 80 pound Malamute you are adopting has spent much time around children and has proven himself to be gentle with them?
Don't worry about bonding or the dog getting used to your life. These are almost never a problem and most rescued dogs will respond with a lot of extra love for the family that has offered them a good life. There are countless instances where families that adopted an older dog found it to be a loyal, loving pet that has fit in well with the family.
The
ALASKAN MALAMUTE CLUB OF AMERICA will be happy to put you in touch with families that have adopted older dogs so that you can see for yourself what a wonderful option this is. The club will also be more than happy to refer you to sources for rescued Alaskan Malamutes should you chose to go that route.
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