So my fiance has decided that he wants a "big dog" and we have been talking about getting another so Kota has a friend when we are both away at work, but I want a dog that is similar in breed (or better yet, another husky) but my fiance wants a bigger dog since Kota is on the smaller end. So we have came to the compromise of possible adopting a Malamute. We want to adopt because we don't want to go through the "puppy" phase again so soon, and would like some that is similar in age to Kota. I personally am a huge fan of rescues, since my last GSD was a rescue and holds a very very special place in my heart, but there are very few rescues around this area that I have been able to find. So we started looking at breeder that possibly have older dogs that they are re homing, but I guess I wasn't thinking when I was looking at breeders for adult... since most all of them are retire dogs used for breeding.

Has anyone ever adopted a "retired breeding dog" because I have not, and though the one that we have been looking at obviously is a very reputable breeder I just don't know about all that. I guess its a good possibility that is what I would get from a rescue anyways, but just thought I would see what everyone elses thoughts are.

We were also very curious if a Mal would even been a good suit for a husky, since I know they are prone to aggression problems. We are planning on finding a male because I have read a lot that most Mal's are aggressive mainly with same-sex dogs, and well Kota's a female. I would personally just love to get another husky but for the sake of making the fiance happy I thought I would humor the idea of a Malamute. Do not get me wrong, they are beautiful dogs, and from what I read are similar to the husky breed as in care, and things of that nature.

I just want to make sure I weigh all possibilities getting a new fur-baby. I know that I won't have much trouble out of Kota because she is super social and loves just about every dogs we have ever introduced her to, but I have never had a Mal, and again just am not sure if it would be a good match, despite the hours of research I have done.

Hi there,

We have a Mal and Husky pup, 9 and 7 weeks respectively. The mal was on his own for a week with us and he did well, we've just introduced the husky yesterday. My husband loves Mals where I have always had a soft spot for huskies. We also went with a male mal and female husky for the reason you mentioned, the female mals are a lot more aggressive than males. They are very similar, he is going to be a huge boy, I think they will learn when playing has got to rough. Good luck with what ever you choose, but I think you would be fine.

What are your concerns with retired breeding dogs? I have 2 and they are really just like any other dog, just because they've been bred doesn't make them any different. Now a retired/rescued dog from a puppy mill is a whole different story and they can require quite a bit of work.

I think jbealer's Sierra is a retired breeder, wait a day or two and if no response send Jenn a PM.

Husky mum wrote:

Hi there,

the female mals are a lot more aggressive than males.

No it is actually the males. There can be same sex agression in females but it is not as common. I have a female mal she is very sweet to all dogs. I think maybe because she has been well socialized and loves all dogs.

Quote :

It is more of a problem with male to male but there are many female dogs too that display aggression towards the members of the same sex.

This is from http://www.alaskan-malamutes.org/Aggression.htm.


I am a mal lover. I love huskies however I think I will only own mals.

All I've ever seen is dominance posturing from the males. The females I've dealt with personally ARE legitimately aggressive dogs. I own one. The worst fight I've ever had to break up was Coco and another loose female Malamute. Once divided and Coco removed from the area, that dog was the friendliest thing around. Even to the rest of the dogs.

I'm sure socialization will make a huge impact on it, but female mals are not to be taken lightly. Finding a calm confident female from rescue shouldn't be a problem though. Personally I think you're on the right track thinking a male. My male Malamute is the pack ambassador dog. He's very good at meeting new dogs no matter what their disposition is.

I think it also does depend on the dog. Maybe I have the calm, confident female. I just think being around a mal rescue and my work, I just never had a problem with the females. I didn't say it doesn't happen because it does, I just always had a problem with the males. I just think it depends like I said socialization. Mals are really suppose to to be calm go lucky dogs.

I agree though you should be okay with the male, because there is the risk. Just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Unless the mal is like maggie, I wouldn't risk a female.

Thank y'all so much for the advise. I guess I just tend to over think the situation a bit. I think we are going to go meet a couple of the retired Mals the weekend after next. The breeder told me to bring Kota along to test the waters but I think it would be best for our possible new dog to be okay with us before we introduce Kota, since my girl sometimes tends to pester other dogs with her high play drive.

The breeder also has a couple of year old Mals from a past litter that they had kept so we are also going to take a look at them too. I'd love to rescue but finding one is harder in my area than it looks.

Again thanks so much and we'll keep ya updated. Hopefully we find one that is a good fit.

I would take the breeders advice and bring Kota along. You can leave her in the car (or a safe area at the breeders) if necessary and go meet/pick a mal that you are interested in. Then after you have an idea which one you want, have it meet with Kota to make sure they get along also.

Looks like lots of adoptable mals in the area.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=&pet_breed=malamute&location=45662&startsearch=Search

Snow is a rescued puppy mill breeder. She is the biggest sweetheart and has been one of the best additions to our family. If you are able to give a retired breeder a chance at family life I'd say do it!!

Lordbroll wrote:

Looks like lots of adoptable mals in the area.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=&pet_breed=malamute&location=45662&startsearch=Search

now I have second dog fever!

I rescued a breeder German Shepherd. She was a handful when I got her, but after a month of work with her, she was one of the best dogs I have ever had. It is such a huge reward when you know the life they come from, and get to enjoy the life they have. Best of luck with your search and I hope the dog fits right in with your pack.

Thanks guys.

There has been a slight change in plans. I posted a dog on here that had made her way to the GSD Rescue of NC/SC/VI that was looking for her new home. I was unable to take her because they only adopt out to those 3 states, but my parents who are still a huge part of the organization just left the annual GSD picnic and got to meet Skyler (the Husky) and her foster mom. After talking to a few people the rescue agreed to let me start the process of adopting Skyler because she wasn't "technically" part of the GSD Rescue. So I think we are going to go ahead and try and bring this little girl home.

Though I still see us getting a Mal in the near future because that it truly what the fiance wants, we are going to wait a little while and go after this girl, who desperately needs a home. We are excited, but thanks so much for all the advise. It will be good knowledge when we re-start out search for a Mal.