Hello,
I am new to the forum and am interested in people's thoughts / advice on selecting an Alaskan malamute.
Both my partner and I have come from dog loving homes with Labradors, German wire haired pointers, German shepherds & English settlers. My family have bred English setters and German wire haired pointers so we are used to long haired breeds (English setters ) and working dogs.
We love the Alaskan malamutes and we are fortunate to have a reasonable sized house (4 bedroomed detached with garden). I work part time and my partner works early shifts so the dog would be on its own for two days of the week until latest 3.30pm. I am hoping to join the UK Alaskan Malamute Club and get a working dog certificate; dog needs to be KC registered to do this. I do not want to breed from the dog and it would be a well loved member of the family. We don’t really mind the colour, more interested in temperament but has to be KC registered.

We have two cats, one of which is elderly but both have been used to dogs. I also have a thirteen year old son. I would like to get a rescue Malamute but know that the prey instinct is strong and easier for them to accept an existing family cat if from puppy.

Here’s the dilemma, my partner would prefer a puppy:
Pro’s - easier to socialise with existing cats and family.
Cons – need to be prepared for ‘baby’ duty again!
- anxious about buying from a breeder as I have always had rescue dogs or ones from family.


I would prefer a rescue Malamute from Alaskan Malamute rescue:
Pros – You never know what dog has experienced and possible socialisation probs.
- Would have to come with papers.
Cons – Get support from Rescue service, feel less anxious using them.

I am also wondering what people’s thoughts are on crate training. I have never done this but my family have crate trained dogs in the past. I am not sure whether it is restrictive for the dog?

Hiya and welcome
Sorry i cant offer you any advice on this but im sure someone will be along soon who can.

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hi there, its great that your thinking of all of the what ifs etc and making a list, the thing is there are steps you can take to prepare for any pup from any background , old or new but the bottom line is yoouu wont know for certain until you have taken that step. I have a fried who has a malamute, they are beautiful creatures they really are, he is two years old and she has not had any major hassles, get on well with her cats and other dog. I know she had to go quite a long way to get him from a reputable breeder, but its sounds as if the breeder knew what she was doing. Training is always a great idea for any dog, there are always the behaiourists if you encounter any other problems along the line. Im thinking new pup, has to be easier , yet rescue dog could be fine too, why not go look at rescue and see how you feel about them take your time. Wish i could be of more help. As for crate training, it can be a great idea for night time, only one of mine has a crate as they were a rescue dog and had been crate trained, he barks all night if i dont put him in it lol but he is only in at night time. Good luck and im sure with all the preperation your doing everything will turn out fine! Good luck!

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Thank you for the advice. I was planning on taking the dog / puppy to obedient classes as the breed is dominant and there can be problems with behaviour if not addressed properly, plus I think it is also good to get the basic commands in. I have even done a bit of research as to where and when classes are held in my area! Sad I know.
Is there any way of finding a good dealer? I have looked at the Kennel Club website and they have breeders in my area but they are not accredited kennel Club dealers. We don’t mind having to travel some distance for the right dealer but don’t really know where to start. Is there like some way of getting feedback about dealers?
Think we will have a go at crate training as I've read it can help the dog feel safe and secure.

hello & welcome to the forum

try contacting the breed club The Alaskan Malamute Club

or if you live anywhere near Leeds theres a big champ show there next weekend, there will be loads of Mals there on the sunday you could meet & speak to breeders

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Hello and welcome!

Hello and welcome to the forum