GSD vs Alaskan Malmute

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Lara575

GSD vs Alaskan Malmute

Post by Lara575 »

Hi

I am still researching the GSD more and have even decided to help at my local rescue to get to know the breed better.

Today I met a woman walking a GSD and an Alaskan Malmute and she told me her Malmute did not have fearful lissues as a pup like her GSD and that Malmutes still need socialisation but are not as fearful as the GSD.

I was wondering if this is true?

And if anyone can give me any advice on the Malmute as she said Malmute need more exercise but are calmer in the house?
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Nettle
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Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 1:40 pm

Re: GSD vs Alaskan Malmute

Post by Nettle »

Novice owners, no matter how dedicated, do well to steer clear of malamutes. Beautiful as they are, they are difficult dogs to manage. Their nature is totally different from a GSD.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog

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Erica
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Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:35 pm
Location: North Carolina

Re: GSD vs Alaskan Malmute

Post by Erica »

Malamutes are very prone to dog aggression. It can be difficult to motivate them, so they're a challenge to train. I'd recommend a GSD over a Malamute to novice owners - GSDs are more likely to be able to be trained by food or toys. Opal (GSD) is way easier to live and work with than Amadeus (Malamute) in every way. :P Amadeus is sweet to people he likes, but he's a bit of a butthead overall. Really hates other dogs, doesn't care much what people want him to do, only thing he finds to be a potent reward outside is being allowed to run and pull on leash. If he's not in the mood to be pet, he won't tolerate it. If he wants to be pet, there's not much you can do but pet him - he'll walk in front of you, lean on you, and paw at you until you pet him. His family find it difficult to predict his moods and what he'll be like from minute to minute, though I can usually tell from his very subtle body language.

Could many of Amadeus's issues have been avoided with dedication and work? Yes, potentially, but does the average dog owner have that expertise? Probably not!

The clearest way I can put it is a GSD wants to work with you, while a Malamute wants you to work for them or go away.
Delta, standard poodle, born 6/30/14
EstrellasDad
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Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:06 pm

Re: GSD vs Alaskan Malmute

Post by EstrellasDad »

Like Akidas, Malamutes are both genetically and temperment-wise the closest to wolves of all of the standard breeds. You really need to enforce your role with them nonstop. For some reason malamutes also have a cat killing instinct. It might just be the ones I knew, but they bolted after cats and killed them instantly, like terriers with rodents. I am no expert, just sharing my experience.

E.D.
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