I am thinking about getting an Alaskan Malamute for my next dog... Male vs. Female.. What do you think?

Question

I have had dogs my whole life. I am 22 and have taken many animal behavior classes in my recently completed psych major. I am looking for a big active dog. Just unsure about what s*x to get. I want the male because it gets bigger and I have had success with male breeds before. Anyone know of any problems with male or female malamutes. I will get the dog spayed or neutered.

Answer 1

IMO there is no difference apart from the size. Mine live together as a pack in the house, male and female.

The adult Mal requires 2 1/2h - 3h of daily exercise + socialization with other dogs and humans + obedience training.

There is no difference in the training and learning ability of male or female.

They are a working breed and want to stay active, mentally and physically. If they do not get enough exercise they become VERY destructive. For the right person they are the most wonderful breed.

Be aware when looking for a GOOD breeder. If you are in the UK go to the Alaskan malamute.org website and look for reputable breeder. If you are in the US go to the ACK website and look for a breeder in your area.

I would advise to avoid ANYONE who advertises in any kind of free paper or website.

Avoid ANYONE who breeds crossbreeds.

A good breeder should:

- Have all relevant health checks done on the dam and sire of the puppies and the documentation to prove it– i.e. Hip and Eye Scores.

- Have a Kennel Club Affix (although again, anyone can have one of these so just because someone has one doesn't mean they are a good breeder.)

- Have excellent show results with both Sire and Dam

- Not be picked for convenience, just because they are the closest breeder to you.

- Be extremely knowledgeable about the breed, what problems they can have and be able to answer any question.

-Offer live long support and a guarantee of taking the animal back at any age if the new owner is unable to keep the pet.

-Minimum age of the ***** 24 months of age before breeding

- Minimum age of the sire before breeding 18 months.(better older)

Answer 2

Really the only difference aside from size, is the female will bond with you better and be easier to train.  Males also tend to dislike other dogs more.

Since you are accustomed to male dogs and assuming you have done your homework on the Malamute you would likely do fine with either one.  

Answer 3

I love the look of a alaskan malamute. They are so cute.

Answer 4

The only difference is that the male doy with be less expensive to get fixed.

Answer 5

You do realize that a malamute is a working dog right and will need something to do besides be a house/yard dog.

You need to realize to that their coats are not made for warm weather.

They tend to get bad hot spots in warm climate areas.

I know alot of people who own them get them shaved from neck down in the summer months.

A male or female will be ok, but they are BIG dogs and built to have pulling power.

So make sure that you OB train him from a pup.

Answer 6

Males to tend to be bigger, but I also have run into a lot of males that say they have a better bond with a female dog

I live in MN- lots of hunting bird dogs

Answer 7

iv had males and females and i prefer females,more loving and loyal and little easier to train.also if there is a female in heat in your area it makes the males go mad!

Answer 8

have enjoyed every dog i have owned.

BUT the females always seem to be easier to deal with and train. (Talking general behavior nothing complicated or sport specific)

you do give up a little size, but they don't mark like males do,

and if the dog will be indoors, you might want to consider that.

Answer 9

The biggest difference between males/females in the breed is attitude.

If you have experience owning and training a dominant dog, you would probably be fine with a male. The males require a firmer hand; they WILL dominate you if you let them (neutering will help), and they can have same-s*x dog aggression issues.

The females are a little softer. They, too, can be same-s*x dog aggressive, but seem less so than the males.

Both sexes are sweet, and equally independent. Obedience training from puppyhood is a MUST.

The Mal club of America website has tons of info on living with the breed.

http://www.alaskanmalamute.org/wiki/AllP...

Good luck!