ALASKAN MALAMUTES

Malamutes are very smart and being a working dog, they require a stimulating environment. Therefore, when training a Malamute, the trainer must always work with positive reinforcement/reward-based training.  Malamutes are generally very food driven, which can be to your advantage during training. Being a Northern Breed dog, they shed heavily twice a year.

Malamutes are also masters of digging. If you value a perfect looking yard, the Malamute is not the dog for you.  The Malamute is extremely social and thrives on being a “family member”. They will go looking for social contact if it is denied them at home.

Malamutes, like most Nordic breeds, can have a predatory nature.  Especially if they are not socialized very early to smaller animals. However, anecdotally there appear to be more small animal tolerant Malamutes than Huskies. Malamutes are sometimes not dog friendly with dogs of the same sex. This is something that can become apparent at social maturity (between 1-3 years of age). Many Malamute owners find success with opposite sex pairings if there is more than one dog in the home.  In this way they generally differ from Huskies (who often do well in multi-dog homes).

Malamutes, in general are friendly with people.  Being a large dog, it is very important that they be socialized in a positive manner with children.  If you want a dog that will alarm bark or further protect your property or person, the Mal is not the breed you are looking for. If you want a dog that will be happy to see visitors and new people, including delivery people, prowlers, meter readers and the mailman – the Malamute can have what it takes!