Not recommended in homes with other small pets. Weekly brushing of the coat is needed. Carefully attention should be paid to keeping him parasite free. Sheds in warm weather. Needs vigorous daily exercise and attention.
Obedience training is very important to maintain a well balanced dog.
Learn quickly but, bore easily. Lots of space, does much better in a country environment. Needs cool climate. They had wanted a large, strong, sled-pulling dog that was not a speedster but a heavy hauler so that they could use them as draft animals. During the white man's settling of Alaska the dogs were used for hunting and hauling in large numbers.