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The following questions will help you determine if the Alaskan Malamute is an appropriate breed for you. Be very honest with yourself when answering them, because how much happiness and satisfaction you get with your dog depends on it.
PLEASE ASK YOURSELF,
AM I WILLING TO:
1.) Devote the hours and energy necessary to train and socialize this dog?
2.) Spend at least 1 to 2 hours per day exercising this dog?
3.) Comb and brush this dog at least several times each week?
4.) Live with and clean up after this dog, after all the shedding that will occur (at least twice a year)?
5.) Take full responsibility for a thinking, living, feeling creature that will depend solely on me?
6.) Spend an adequate amount of time everday playing with this dog?
7.) Accept the fact that my Alaskan Malamute will probably not be a good watchdog?
8.) Live with a dog that may dig holes in my yard/garden ect...?
9.) Live with a dog that will grow to be between 22" to 26" on average, and weigh between 75 to 100 pounds on average?
10.) Live with a dog that will consider livestock as something to be pursued and to be eaten?
11.) Live with a dog that requires 5/6 cups of food a day as a puppy and slightly less as an adult?
12.) Live with a dog who may howl when left alone?
13.) Live with a dog that may take over your the back seat of your car when you travel?
14.) Live with a dog that will consider just about anything in your home his to gnaw on while teething?
15.) Live with a dog that will take every opportunity to embarass you with his/her comic antics?
AM I ABLE TO:
1.) Provide a clean, healthy and safe living environment for the dog?
2.) Keep the dog indoors, or in a securely fenced in yard or dog run?
3.) Physically handle a very large, powerful and energetic dog?
4.) Spend the money necessary for proper Veterinary care?
5.) Bath the dog as needed or pay a groomer to do this job?
6.) Provide this dog with adequate toys and rawhide chewies ?
7.) Be a fair but firm owner with this dog when disciplining it?
8.) Make this commitment for the next 12 to 15 years?
If you can truly answer yes to all of these questions, great. If however you must answer no or I am not sure to some of them you really need to reconsider whether the Alaskan Malamute is the right breed for you. Remember, just like with any breed, the Alaskan Malamute has characteristics that are not suitable for everyone's lifestyle. You need to find out as much as possible about this breeds physical and personality traits. Should the Alaskan Malamute not be the proper breed for you, it is best for all involved that you discover this before the dog enters your life.
PLEASE GIVE THIS VERY IMPORTANT DECISION ALL THE THOUGHT THAT IT DESERVES!!!
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