From: Stacey Curtis <sec@csc.canberra.edu.au>
Subject: Re: ALASKAN MALMUTE     PLEASE HELP
Organization: University Of Canberra
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 92 01:16:52 GMT

In article <1556@eagle.ukc.ac.uk> J.Mitchell, jm6@ukc.ac.uk writes:
>	I think I have made up my mind on which dogs I would like to provide
>a home for, it's an ALASKAN MALAMUTE. They are so beautiful and to me
they are
>'real dogs', I am willing to put a lot of time into training it and
looking 
>after it but I have a few questions specifically about them. So if you
have had
>one or have one now could you reply to me thank you.
 
I have two Alaskan Mals and one Siberian Husky, and associate with many
owners of Mals and Sibs.  Congratulations on choosing this magnificent
breed.  Your life will never be the same again ;-).

>1) What is the minimum daily exercise it will need ( I hope to give it
more )?

We walk our dogs for about an hour a day.  When starting to walk your
puppy don't take it for long treks, but rather short walks around the
area where you live so that if your pup gets tired it's only a short trip
home.  Increase the length of the walks  to the median between when you
get tired and when your dog tires.  Both of you should enjoy the walk.

>2) Does it have a tendancy to wreck a room if left inside with nobody
around 
>	like I have been told the Samoyed does(NO FLAMES PLEASE)?

Hell, yes.  They are a breed that needs companionship.   The books you've
read should have specified that they are not a one-man dog, but are
better suited to a family.  Either adopt a family or be prepared to adopt
another dog (Siberian Huskies are extremely compatible).  If you are
planning on leaving your dog alone be prepared for howling, if no other
destruction occurs, and make sure that that howling won't disturb the
neighbours.  Mals are not the dog for you if all your after is a
goodlooking yard dog.  They are not content to be ignored.  The frame of
mind of most Mal owners I know is to treat the dog like a toddler.  Most
toddlers smother you, then ignore you; know better but do naughtly things
anyway; look cute, act cute, embarrass you severely.  You are effectively
getting a toddler that will stay with you and control your life for the
next 10 to 15 years.  Like having a human toddler, you accept the
situation, and get on with your life.  Their great.

>3) If you were to dispersuade me from taking on this task what would you
say?

Are you really prepared for such a time-demanding dog, with such high
intelligence and  strong will.  Will you be able to cope with it for 10
to 15 years.  

>4) How hard is it to train this breed and do they enjoy learning and
playing 
>	games ? How well can they do in obedience tests ?

Mals are highly intelligent.  They are easy to train, but getting them to
do what you know they know can be a battle of wills.  You could find that
you have a dog that behaves excellently at obedience class but then won't
do anything you ask at home.  Mine look at me as if I'm crazy and the
look is just asking the question "Why should I?"
Give them a reason, ie a biscuit, a walk, if you don't you'll be very,
very sorry (one of my favourites, used in a very sinister voice).  They
love playing games, but only when it suits them.  You can throw the ball
for them and they'll watch it and go back to sleep, sniff the ground
around you, do anything but chase the ball.  Then again, you could be
sitting watching TV, asleep in bed, reading etc, and the dog will bring
you the ball and annoy you until you either play ball or cause physical
bodily harm ;-).

>5) How high a fence do I need to stop a dog escaping ?  ( for its own
good ! )

We have never had a problem with our Mals jumping.  They are excellent
diggers though.  All yards that have dogs should be as escape proof as
possible.  If you can raise your fence, raise it.

>6) How much do they moult and when ?

They lose a lot of coat, twice a year, for an average of three weeks. 
Don't tell the dog this though or just to annoy you it will moult
continually.

>7) Which are more common the wolf grey or the black and white markings ?

Wolf grey seem to be more common in the show ring, in Australia anyway. 
There are quite a few blacks starting to show though.  Neither is rare.

>8) Is there anything SPECIFIC TO THE BREED that I should look out for
which is
>	not in the FAQ ?

I don't know.  Visit a few shows in your area and talk to other Mal
owners before you commit.  Get as much information from them and breeders
they recommend.  Don't buy a dog specifically on the way it looks.  Also,
 they are NOT suitable to guard work.  They will not protect your house
but will protect you only if you really need them.  Don't attempt to
train them to be aggresive, protective etc.  To do so is extremely
dangerous.  
Treat them with gentleness at all times and do not hit them with
anything.  I know stories of dogs that had to be put down after attacking
children who picked up a garden hose, afterwards it was revealed that the
dogs owner regularly beat (he called it disciplined) the dog with the
garden hose.  If you have a loving relationship with your dog, your dog
will look after you better than if you force it to do so.  Remember also
that an adult Mal is extremely powerful, start with the puppy training
for the dog.  If you don't want your monster dog sleeping on your bed,
don't let the puppy.  Think ahead.

>
>If you can answer any of these questions from first hand experience I
would 
>really appreciate it. I have read the only book I have found dedicated
to the 
>breed and a few others which have a small section in them but they don't
asnwer
>these questions.
>Thanks in advance

Best wishes.  I would never own another breed after owning my Malamutes. 
They are trully wonderous.

Stacey, Kodi, Malibu and Pernod.
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs