Adult rescue Malamutes readily bond with their adoptive owners. The versatile Malamute is happy to pull a sled, but is equally glad to accompany the backpacker or the casual walker. In cold weather, the Malamute makes an ideal running partner. Large and powerful yet remarkably agile, Malamutes sometimes enjoy retrieving tennis balls and Frisbees. Virtually all Malamutes find their greatest joy in human companionship and are perfectly content to join their owners in watching television.
Malamutes take an alert interest in their surroundings and are excellent company.
As a competitive Obedience dog, the Alaskan Malamute is more legendary for crowd-pleasing antics than for good scores. Each year, however, Malamutes earn American Kennel Club Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, Utility Dog, and Tracking titles, and the breed is tremendous fun to work with, if not always a joy to show in the Obedience ring. In contrast, the Malamute is easy to train as a well-mannered pet. An Arctic dog, the Malamute may live outdoors in a sturdy kennel with a high, strong fence, but Malamutes also make splendid, almost odorless house dogs. Under no circumstances should a Malamute be allowed to run loose or be kept on a chain, tie-out, or trolley.