CAT S asked:
How well do you think one would fit into my situation? I have two children aged 3 and 8. Live in an okay sized cottage with large garden close to beach, fields and woods. I also have two cats. Experience with collies, GSD’s and Vizsla’s.
The garden is not 100% enclosed but I would be happy to build a run for any time the dog would be outside which would be a maximum of two hours a day. Other than that there is always someone at home so he/she wouldn’t be left alone very much. They would live indoors with us not left out in the run all the time. They would be neutered, trained, vaccinated etcetc. Do you think male or female would be better. There are a lot of dogs in our area and I know they are not good with other dogs of the same ***. I have been looking at various websites and hope to visit a breeder in 2 weeks but wanted to hear others opinions.
How well do you think one would fit into my situation? I have two children aged 3 and 8. Live in an okay sized cottage with large garden close to beach, fields and woods. I also have two cats. Experience with collies, GSD’s and Vizsla’s.
The garden is not 100% enclosed but I would be happy to build a run for any time the dog would be outside which would be a maximum of two hours a day. Other than that there is always someone at home so he/she wouldn’t be left alone very much. They would live indoors with us not left out in the run all the time. They would be neutered, trained, vaccinated etcetc. Do you think male or female would be better. There are a lot of dogs in our area and I know they are not good with other dogs of the same ***. I have been looking at various websites and hope to visit a breeder in 2 weeks but wanted to hear others opinions.
Females are easier to train. But remember they need alot of exercise or if they are board they will destoy things. It is also bread into them to dig holes so your yard might look like a land mine. If you can deal with this then buy one and love it.
I think since you have experience with other strong breeds (GSD’s are no doubt, but what most people don’t know is that Vizslas are usually very strongheaded and stubborn) that a Mal would do well in your home. I don’t think *** is an issue as long as you socialize the dog with dogs of all sexes as a pup. There is a myth that males don’t get along with males and females don’t get along with females. This is a myth perpetuated by people who very strongly compare domesticated dog behavior with wolf behavior. This is a dangerous way to look at dogs. They have been domesticated and although same *** fights can occur, most of this is personality clashes and improper handling. If a dog is under absolute owner control and is shown from the start that PEOPLE, not dogs, are dominant, this never becomes an issue. And even though Mals are very strong and can be dominant, Ive been around MANY that have been very well trained and very laid back. When you do meet with the breeder ask their opinion about which one of their pups would be best for your home. They would know their personalities and which would thrive in your care.
You’ve obviously done your research but the person who says male/male female/female agression is a myth is very wrong. The Malamute Club themselves say that Mals do not always get on with the same *** and that is true for most of the large Spitz breeds – obviously there are exceptions.
On the whole, b1tches are easier to train but personally I find the dogs much nicer! If you find a reputable breeder, go with their advise as to which would be better for you.