If, after very considerable research, thought and discussion, everyone in the family agrees that an Alaskan Malamute is an appropriate dog for you there is one more important decision for all of you to make.
Most people immediately think of a puppy when they consider acquiring a dog.
They can train the puppy from the start, watch it grow, and dogs are very cute at that age. Working with a puppy can be a lot of fun, very rewarding, but also a lot of work and very nerve wracking. Sometimes an older dog is more appropriate. A dog that is past its puppy stage will not have as much need to chew on furniture, will already be housebroken, will have learned some basic commands, and will be past some of the illnesses puppies go through while waiting for their immune systems to fully develop. Older dogs usually adapt very well to their new homes and make fantastic additions to the family.