Alaskan Malamutes are friendly, intelligent dogs that love people. Because of this they are not good guard dogs and cannot be attack-trained (although their size and appearance makes them an effective visual deterrent). They are, however, as strong-willed and determined as they are friendly, and must have obedience training in order to be under control at all times. If Malamutes make up their mind to chase something, they are frequently impossible to call back until they are ready to return.

What's more, their friendliness does not extend to other dogs - especially those of the same sex. Malamutes can, and often will, take the opportunity to scrap with other dogs, and have been known to hunt down and kill other animals, especially cats, possums and farm livestock. They will also dig up gardens and plants with equal vigour.

Malamutes are not one-man dogs - rather, they use their independence and intelligence to establish relationships with people they come in contact with, whether they are family members or strangers. These dogs make superb companions as they are anxious to please and eager to take part in an active and exciting life.

The breed is known for showing aggression towards other dogs.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Alaskan Malamutes need a large amount of exercise and will take as much as you can provide. The mental stimulation gained through regular exercise is also important, as a bored Malamute can easily remodel your garden - good fences are essential.

These are hardy, robust dogs capable of enduring extreme cold, yet also able to deal with the heat of an Australian summer, provided that they are given shade, plenty of cool water and the care of an owner who is aware of the dangers of them overheating.

Malamutes need surprisingly little food, being extremely efficient eaters. However, they will eat anything they can lay their paws on - having a survival instinct that leads them to believe that any meal could be their last. This breed also drops hair constantly, all over the house, car, clothes and furniture and they have a major moult at least once, sometimes twice, a year.

Please take note:
The breed's size and amazing strength makes it unsuitable for many people - these dogs are simply too powerful to be left under the control of children or the elderly. While the fact that they do not bark can often be an advantage, it should be noted that they have a daunting howl.

IDEAL OWNERS

Unless you are a person who enjoys getting out and involving yourself and your dog in a wide range of activities, this may not be the breed for you. Likewise, if having a dog that likes to look you in the eye (usually by putting its paws on your shoulder) does not appeal, look elsewhere. However, for those people seeking a dog whose lovable nature and good looks is matched only by its intelligence and personality, an Alaskan Malamute can offer a lifetime of enjoyment and fun.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Alaskan Malamute is the dog for you and you are prepared to have your garden "remodelled" occasionally by this fun-loving animal, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Tiffany Evans	VIC	Contact
Jenn Lawrence	WA	Contact
Phil and Michelle Wolfenden	SA	Contact
Penny Lord	NSW	Contact
Bob and Joanne Bob	NSW	Contact
Joanne Heard	SA	Contact
Carol Flenley	QLD	Contact
Dean Daly	WA	Contact
Sandra Mullay	NSW	Contact
Joanne Heard	SA	Contact
Nicky Nyp	SA	Contact
Shellie Shewring	VIC	Contact
Rodney Surawski	QLD	Contact
Karen Hilan	QLD	Contact
Olivia Ciguenza	NSW	Contact
Jenny Jones	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Dogs New South Wales PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.dogsnsw.org.au (Details current as of 22/11/11)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tasdogs.com/ (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)