"WARNING" Due to the new Disney movie "8 Below" and the dog show, snow dogs are high demand. Although I love the breed and couldn't see living my life without a Malamute in it, they are definitely not a breed for just anyone. Please, I beg of you, don't buy a Malamute or Husky unless you have researched the breeds or have owned one in the past. Buying one on impulse or because your kids really want a snow dog, leads to more of these breeds in shelters because they are not what you thought. The portrayal of the two breeds in the movie is pretty darn close, they are pack oriented, but you also have to remember, the dogs in the movie are highly trained. You will also not find one under the age of two in the movie and there is a definite reason for it! You will not get a Mal or Husky to act like that at home unless you are a professional trainer! Another way to tell if you truly want a Mal...Another Mal lover once said it all in one sentence.
"If you don't like dog hair in your morning coffee, don't have a Malamute!"
If you need more information on what's it's like living with Mals go to the STORIES page, you will read some stories about their personalities and see what all we've lost due to their puppy chewing. (They are pups until they are about two years old.) If you have ever watched the movie Snow Dogs (the comedy) where Cuba Gooding Jr. first meets the dogs and they literally destroy the cabin. "That's about the extent of your first two years." A little exaggerated, but not by much.
If you insist on having one of these breeds, please check to make sure that the breeder you're buying from is reputable. If you need help, I'll point you in the right direction or help you find a rescue Mal that is in need of a home.
Beauty is always seen in the eyes of a Malamute!
Malamutes are beautiful, loving and strong. There is a saying....."You can never really own a Malamute!" They choose to stay with you as your friend, companion and your equal!
Mals are very intelligent, but very stubborn. If they don't feel like doing something, there is no way to get them to do so! They also have opinions and will voice them. "YES" Mals do talk! Like children, they talk back! Many people believe that Mals are not protective, I strongly disagree! Living with Mals in a pack environment, I have come to realize Mals don't care about what is in your home except for you (their pack). If you are not home and an intruder walks into your home, say good-bye to your things, but if you are home and an intruder walks in, a Mal will protect it's pack! In that pack, there has to be an alpha (leader of the pack). That alpha position must be held by whom ever is home the most! If a Mal believes they are the alpha of the pack they will become unruly and disobedient! Mals will also challenge for this position. Never give up your alpha position!
Once you bring a Malamute into your home you are no longer "a family" you are now "a pack."
Please come meet our Pack!
Unusual? Yes, but it's our pack!
To the Ones Who have left us Behind (Dedication pages)
Roxanne
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