If, and when, I get another dog it will be a Mal.

When I was a wee tyke, I was gifted with a silver/gray beauty named Nikki. Damn dog loved to do three things: howl like a wolf, dig holes, and chase skirts. Boy could dig a tunnel through solid granite without panting and never slept in the same hole twice, much like Hussein. Must have been a Muslim.

Nikki would follow me to school and lay outside the door until I came out, either with or without permission. If I didn't get out soon enough for him, friggin' quack turned into White Fang, wailin' and snarlin' at whoever was dumb enough to cross his path.

Boy loved the babes and the babes loved him. Usually the dog is the wing man, but in this case he was top dog and I was just along for the ride. Dude knew how to get tail.

Cute girl: What's his name?

Nikki: What are you asking him for? He flunked English.

Me: His name is Nikki *big smile on face*

Cute girl: Who's talking to you! Hi there baaaby!

Nikki: Let's say you and me go did some holes?

Cute girl: What about him?

Nikki: He can find his own way home...I think.

Me: Hey assho....

Nikki: Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Me: I think there a nice plot of land over there. Enjoy!

Nikki: Don't wait up, fool!


Frankly, that's not far from the truth. Independent doesn't begin to describe this freak. The only person he listened to was me, and that was only if he thought there was something in it for him. Still, he was one special dog and he took special pride in kicking every German Shepherd's ass in the city. Never lost a fight, which is more than I could say for myself.

The exact opposite of Jason, my second dog. Think Buck from "Married...with Children". A dead ringer for him and dumber than dirt. More on him later.

These dogs are crazy. I have one, he hates other dogs and he bites everyone and everything. He also loves to jump our 5 foot fence and run away for no reason. I take him for wallks everyday and he is so loved but he is still a horrible dog. I love Pit Bulls.

They are an amazing breed. Require much attention. Very intelligent. Love to talk. But aggressive? I'm going to disagree with most of these reviews. The dog as a pure breed is NOT a good watch dog nor are they aggressive. Quite the opposite considering their history. Now they revolve around the whole Alpha stance and will try to find out where it sits in your "pack". They have received a bad rap over the years with insurance companies and KOA campgrounds. I can only assume it is due to mixed breeding with wolves, breeding with other large dogs to make giants (which is a terrible thing to do as it causes hip problems) or general mistreatment. Malamutes join with your family as another child and will compete for attention. They are quite strong and can knock people over. Not out of malice, but due to sheer size and strength. Also, do not expect them to walk along side you. They are working dogs and like to pull. Give them a tire or sled full of children to pull. I was deathly afraid of dogs after being mauled by a German Shepherd as a child. Years later, a woman brought in a Malamute to a local Kinko's and everyone was utterly fascinated by this animal. I HAD to find one. Plan on looking for awhile and spending some money. But even better, adopt one. There are TONS given up for adoption (really common). Most dog owners who are looking for an animal to keep in the garage while they work will be severely disappointed (and shocked to see what bored Malamutes can do). Yes, when they get worked up (like another dog "coming after" it) they will bark so powerfully it will shock you- not surprising. But I don't see Mals and Huskies instigating attacks not at any of the many dog parks we go to. We also walk him three times a day. And yes, he has a giant back yard! And there is nothing better than following an ambulance and have them stick their head out the window and howl. Mine loves to talk to other drivers in traffic or at drive-thru restaurants! He has a fake "growl" where he shows only his front teeth and it is weird. He also adds a guttural sound to this "growl" as he is being loved. If you walk away, he woos and paws you to come back. Then it repeats. They truly have their own language. I love my Mal- goes EVERYWHERE with us. Even church. Stick with reputable breeders or adopt. Don't mix breeds- you'll miss out on why these dogs are so amazing! BTW, let me add that the techniques used on television (hint, hint) will not work on these breeds (nor should humiliation and pain be used regardless). We have had a ton on animals- snakes, chinchillas, potty-trained house-roaming rabbits, cats, iguanas, mice, etc. and everyone is amazed on how social and wonderful they all are. Secret? We just love our animals as we do each other.

My daughter has one & he's absolutely gorgeous, but not good around small children.  He's the smartest dog I've ever seen & the best watchdog ever.  When he starts howling or seriously barking, it can make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.  He's very protective of her & I never had to worry about her when he was with her.  He's a digger also & has a high energy level.  Apparently these dogs need lots of exercise & probably wouldn't do very well in an apartment.

They are very loyal but tend to be on the aggressive side. Love them though.

Sled dog but not really a good family pet. This might be a good anti-dingo guard in the right area.

Absolutely beautiful animal.

My parents own a 2 year old mal, and he is the best dog ever. He is funny, mostly obedient, playful and just a joy to have. I have as a child, had another mal, and he was the most loyal and great dog ever. His bark actually scared away an intruder in a bad neighborhood I used to live in. Overall, a great breed, great with kids, a little overprotective, but its part of their charm!

We got Kieva from the pound when she was about two. Strong willed and independent...not easily trained but excellent basic personality. Knows if she does not have a leash on, I cannot enforce a command and it is therefore optional in her mind. Tests limits continually. Loving, loyal, playful, energetic and will pull anything (has broken two chains meant for a dog twice her size).

i've heard these dogs are very independent...dont know cos i never had one, but i like their look and they are for sure very smart also like every dog this size

Great dogs. But they tend to jump around a bit when they get excited(a 100 pount dog jumping around waving it's tail back and forth at 200 mph...). Even though they rare to bite someone, a paw in the face of a young kid could still be a danger.

I've never owned one, but I do think they're very beautiful dogs.

I got a malamute two weeks after my son was born, She was very loyal to him but one day she decided to bite him and give him two stitches then come after me....I had to put her to sleep.