About Malamutes

Before you adopt your new best friend we want to ensure you know a little about the breed and what you might be able to expect.

What to expect from a malamute:

Malamutes aren't your average dog. They aren't guard dogs, nor will they listen to your every command. Malamutes are strong willed, friendly, intelligent and extremely powerful. Malamutes enjoy being active and having new experiences. When left to their own devices they become bored, which can lead to them being destructive.

How to be successful with a malamute:

Malamutes make great family dogs, they want to be loved, explore, play and cuddle. Devoting time to your new furry family member will make the transition easier for you and your mal. Most mals need a secure 6 foot fenced-in yard and not all are great with cats or children. Before adopting a new family member be sure to research their background and decide what's best for your situation.

Choose to rescue a Malamute:

Otherwise known as second hand dogs, they give first class love. Rescue dogs have sometimes been through their fair share of hard moments in life. They are often dumped or lost, and their owners don't check for them or pick them up from shelters. Many of our rescue dogs have been pulled from shelters the day they were scheduled to be euthanized. Sometimes they are mistreated, many times they are neglected. Many people feel that a "wreck" like that would be incapable of love and could never fit into a home environment given their past. Almost always just the opposite is true. These dogs want nothing more in life than to give and receive love. They love their owners with all their heart and because they know what it's like to be neglected they appreciate love given to them all the more.

A dog is not a status symbol, toy or whim. A dog is forever. No dog should ever go unloved but the sad reality is too many Malamutes are bought for the wrong reasons, by unprepared owners. Think long and hard before you bring that puppy (of any breed) home. They have feelings too--sadly, sometimes more than their owners.

A Poem about Malamutes:

I'm a Malamute.
I'm not a Husky!
I'm bigger, I'm stronger!
My eyes are the color of chocolate, never blue.
My tail curls over my back; huskies and wolves hold theirs straight.
I'm built for strength and power, not speed.
I can pull many hundreds times my own weight.
I'm not a wolf! I'm my own proud ancient breed.
Yes I'm nice, if you are. I am very intuitive.
I'm big and love to lean on people. This is affection, not aggression.

Yes I will bite, if hurt or scared.
Yes I shed - a lot! Your yard, furniture, floor will be covered in fluffs. Brush me often to keep my coat luxurious!
Yes I love the cold, -20 is good, +32 is warm. It's not mean to let me stay outside.
But I love the company of my people so don't abandon me out there.
Yes I can bark, but I prefer to woowoo you!
I'll howl along with sirens. And wake you with a song as the sun rises.
If I don't agree with you, I'll be sassy and talk back. WoooooWoooo!
No I don't need to eat a lot, nature gave me an efficient metabolism.
But I'll wolf whatever is in front of me and take yours too.
I prefer the company of people over the company of other dogs.
I'll chase a ball and maybe retrieve it a few times, then I'm bored of that dumb game.
My ancestors were wanderers. So am I. Keep me safe on a leash, always!
I'll bull through wood and vinyl fence, I'll even rip chain link.
I can jump high and dig deep. My play area must be secure.
My ancestors chased critters for food. Little fuzzies are my prey even if they're your friends.
I'm very intelligent but stubborn. I won't do your bidding unless there's something in it for me! Reward me!
If you don't want me to chew up your furniture and dig up your lawn, exercise and entertain me!
I can happily sleep on the patio or even in a crate, but I'm happiest if I can be near you, preferably snuggled in your bed.
Love me, and I'll love you for life!

By Joyce Epperson

Ready to Adopt a Malamute?

Find the perfect Malamute for your household! We have a ton of loving malamutes up for adoption. What are you waiting for?