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Is The Alaskan Malamute the Right Breed for You ?
Need help to determine whether or not an Alaskan Malamute
suits your lifestyle? The facts and questions to follow will help
you to understand what to expect from an Alaskan Malamute and aid in
making the right decision.
A Few Facts to Consider
The Alaskan Malamute was originally bred to survive and
perform in extreme winter conditions. This required tremendous
strength, endurance, intelligence, independence and natural instinct.
Although noble characteristics, these traits can pose a challenge for many
Malamute owners and our modern lifestyles. Considering the
evolutionary need for mental and physical stimulation, it is not difficult
to understand how the lack of either could result in slight disaster !
Especially during adolescence.
The Alaskan Malamute can thrive in a family with an active,
outdoor lifestyle – regardless of the season. They clearly make
excellent "nature exploring" companions. But watch out for those
squirrels!
A Malamute is often guaranteed to attempt to challenge the
family for the “alpha” role. You must learn from the beginning how
to properly handle these situations and teach your Mal who the pack leader
is. Your puppy will rely on you for every need. Do not spoil
your puppy. Regardless of how adorable they are as youngsters, an
adult Malamute can become most unmanageable if not properly raised from
the beginning. The success of your relationship depends on it!
Malamutes have a natural athletic ability that demands
proper and regular exercise. Although malamutes might hog your
entire couch for an afternoon nap, generally they are not couch potatoes.
Before committing to the heart stopping adorability of
a puppy, be prepared emotionally and financially to have
this dog as an integral part of your family for 12 or more years.
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WE HAVE THIS
WARNING IN MORE THAN ONE AREA OF
OUR WEBSITE
BECAUSE IT IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
Which ever breeder you decide to work with, please ask them to show you the Dam & Sire's registration papers, pedigrees and health certificates. Unfortunately some breeders are not forthcoming with paper work. If a breeder has not shown you all the correct papers, we urge you to work with a breeder who will.
At Howling Pines we guarantee you access and copies of all appropriate paper work.
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Please ask yourself the following questions :
1. What are your living arrangements ?
Renters & Those with Roommates : Will such a large
shedding dog be welcomed or allowed in the home? With a dog who has
the potential of exceeding 85 pounds, and can fill several green garbage
bags in one grooming, it is very important to clarify this in advance.
Homeowners : Do you have a fenced in yard? If
not, are you willing to fence your yard? You will need to provide a
safe, adequate environment where your Malamute can get plenty of exercise.
Tying your dog is not an acceptable, nor humane, arrangement.
2. Are all family members comfortable with the
addition of a LARGE dog ?
Believe it or not, an animal can sense when they are not
accepted. Everyone in the household must recognize that your cute
little fluffy pup will grow rapidly and become very powerful, exhibit
great energy, require tons of attention. On a lighter note, in
return he or she will offer endless, unconditional love.
3. Do you have small children ?
Small children and growing puppies require dedication,
patience and a lot of your time. Together they can be very
overwhelming. It is imperative however, that proper socialization
takes place between puppy and each family member, for the benefit of
everyone involved.
Instilling good manners is as important for a developing
puppy as it is for a developing child. Children should be taught to love
and respect all living things. Having a puppy/dog to care for, can
be a fun and exiting way to learn about responsibility, respect and
nurturing. Everyone in the household has a role in making this a
success. These key points can help establish a unique bond like no
other, between your puppy and each family member.
4. Can you spare the time for an Alaskan Malamute
?
Time and patience are requirements to owning an Alaskan
Malamute. Without them you will not be a satisfied mal owner.
With time and patience, the results will be unmistakably rewarding.
Reasonable time is necessary for exercise, play, training, grooming,
feeding and last but NOT least socializing. Guaranteed, this will be
time well spent !
5. Can you handle FUR ? Lots and lots of FUR
?
The Alaskan Malamute has a course outer coat and a thick
woolly undercoat, which are well suited to the harshness of Northern
winters. They are very well equipped for outdoor living year round.
Despite their aptness for handling extreme cold, the Malamute adapts
readily to house life (provided they are given ample exercise).
Having said this, you can expect shedding almost continuously, and can
count on them “blowing coat” at least twice a year. You will not
regret spending the money on taking your mal to a professional groomer on
a regular basis to help minimize the fur in your home.
Giving careful consideration to these facts about The
Alaskan Malamute will lead to an educated decision with regards to whether
this is the breed for you. Depending on your lifestyle and
willingness to commit your time and energy, an Alaskan Malamute can bring
great joy and spirit into your home – or be a complete nightmare.
Help everyone involved by doing your homework !
Find Out More
About Our Male Malamute & Sires
And Our
Female Malamutes |
