Thank you from the AR09 Dogs!

Originally Posted by MrsT

nah - its just that we have no outside space at mo - in a flat and wanna have a garden for it to run around in - we r thinking more husky or malamute at mo. Any advice on breeds?

Malamutes and Huskies are very hard work, we can only speak from the Malamute point of view as we own them, but we do have a little experience through close frineds who keep huskies.

They are a true working breed, very demanding and will take advantage of anyone who they feel are "weak" (they know how to wrap anyone around their "litte" paw). Malamutes need a lot of socialising with other breeds and you need to be careful around other dogs of the same sex as they can be same sex aggressive. Ours go to obedience classes and have both done very well, but that is only because Sam works from home and can give them the time they need to achieve their kennel club good citizens awards (Silver Level and currently training for Gold). They also get shown weekly so have got used to other breeds of dog.

They are worked in harness over winter and require training in harness several times a week, plus walking and general obedience training, they are a full time dog. They are highly prey driven and will hunt anything small and furry (squirrels being a fave with Mina!). We can not let them off the lead unless they are in enclosed spaces, we only let them off for agility, or in obedience class when they know they are working and even then they are under very close control. They are also not a one man dog, so will not bond to one person, they are stubborn, strong minded and strong in body and intelligent. Being pack orientated they do not do well to be left at home all day and without the proper stimulation they can become destructive.

Mina pulling 750lb she went on to pull just short of 1000lb but got distracted - She is now pulling this weight easily! Lucien is now also in training.


Mina running in harness:


Lucien left and Mina right:


Not to mention the mess they make - digging, chewing etc... but twice a year they shed their coat, if you think your dog moults badly... owning a husky or malamute will give you a new definition of moulting! Mina is currently losing all her summer coat ready for winter and there are white fluffy tumble weeds everywhere!!

Lupo when he started moulting (the pile of fur was just 5 minutes of brushing!):


They are however a very rewarding breed and when you get a good one from a good breeder (we waited nearly a year for Mina and went back to the same breeder for Lucien), they are loving, and work 110% and if you like a challenging dog then a malamute or husky is perfect for that, if you want an easy dog to train (in comparison) then maybe a retriever or collie type may be better for you.

[gruntygiggles]

Lupo when he started moulting (the pile of fur was just 5 minutes of brushing!):


They are however a very rewarding breed and when you get a good one from a good breeder (we waited nearly a year for Mina and went back to the same breeder for Lucien), they are loving, and work 110% and if you like a challenging dog then a malamute or husky is perfect for that, if you want an easy dog to train (in comparison) then maybe a retriever or collie type may be better for you.[/QUOTE]


Rigor, that gave me a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye

He was such a beautiful, beautiful boy. Please Say hi to Sam, Lucien and Mina from me, Stretchie and the dogs xxx