Please think carefully before you adopt!

Please, do your research and make sure this really is the breed for you before deciding to adopt an Alaskan Malamute.  Don't risk putting a dog through the trauma of being placed in a home, only to find itself back in the animal shelter or being passed on to someone else.

Are you aware that the Alaskan Malamute is quite likely to:

·  not be friendly towards other pets

·  dig up your lawn and garden

·  require very good fencing and strong gates

·  be difficult to train

·  pull on lead

·  run away if let off lead, doesn’t come when called

·  be too strong for children or the elderly to walk

·  hunt other animals

·  not be friendly to other dogs, particularly those of the same sex

·  require a lot of exercise, obedience training and mental stimulus

·  do just about anything for food (including fighting another dog!)

·  shed massive amounts of hair at certain times of year

·  not require much washing but will need a lot of brushing

·  not be a good guard dog

·  not bark much, but occasionally howl

·  require an owner that understands the breed and is firm but fair.   

Please read the information on this website before you make the decision to adopt an Alaskan Malamute.  If you can cope with a dog that could well do all of the above, then please check out the list of Malamutes needing new homes.
 

On this website:

		Dogs for Adoption:    A list of Alaskan Malamute and Malamute crosses in each State that are available for adoption
		Adopted Dogs:          A list of dogs that have found new homes over the past few years.
		Animal Shelters:       A list of Animal Shelters, animal welfare organisations and rescue groups Austalia-wide
		Success Stories:     Great outcomes for some lucky dogs!
		Breed information:       About the Malamute breed: Temperament, Instincts, Grooming & Feeding
		Malamute Activities:     Information about sledding, backpacking and weight pulling with your dog.

Before you Adopt an Alaskan Malamute

Adopting a dog in need can be very rewarding and provide a happy outcome for an unwanted Alaskan Malamute, but it is a decision that must not be made without a great deal of consideration, research and objectivity.  If you are not going to be able to provide the dog with a caring and suitable long-term home please don't let your emotions get the better of you.

When considering adopting a dog you need to put as much thought into the breed of dog you are considering as you would if choosing a puppy.  Is this breed going to suit your lifestyle, and are you going to be able to cope with the breed's instincts and needs?

So, if you are thinking of adopting an Alaskan Malamute please consider very carefully and be realistic about whether this breed really is the dog for you.  Don't let your emotions get in the way of realistic thinking.

 

AN EASY WAY YOU CAN ASSIST WITH MALAMUTE RESCUE: If you see a Malamute listed in an animal shelter that is not on our website, please contact the arctic breed rescue organisation in your State: VIC:  Arctic Rescue Victoria (ARV) - www.arcticrescue.org.au NSW, ACT  & SA: Alaskan Malamute Rehoming Aid Australia (AMRAA) - www.amraa.org.au QLD:  Siberian Husky & Alaskan Malamute Rescue (SHAMROQ) - www.shamroq.org.au WA:  Husky & Malamute Rescue (HAMR) - www.hamr.com.au

Why are there so many?

The Alaskan Malamute is a very attractive breed and often finds itself in unsuitable homes with owners who have no understanding of the origins, instincts and needs of the breed.  In some cases owners simply find they do not have the time or room for a Malamute, or perhaps are moving or have suffered a marriage break up. 

Whatever the reason, there is a constant need to find new homes for Malamutes.

Why adopt an older dog?

The older the dog, the harder it is for them to find a new home, yet they have so much to offer and have so many advantages.

Older dogs:

• are fully developed so any health or temperament problems have often become obvious by that stage, so what you see is what you get.

• are often less energetic and less likely than a youngster to get up to mischief or entertain themselves by wreaking havoc and destruction on your property!

• often don't need as much attention and may be easier to walk than their younger counterparts.

Dogs that have been through some not-so-good homes or experiences are often more appreciative of a good home, and many are more affectionate than the average Malamute - they seem to appreciate that they are on a good thing and need to stick to it!

And of course with an older dog you don't have to go through the puppy stage with the toilet training and frequent feeds a puppy needs.

Last but not least is knowing that you have saved a dog and given him or her a chance to live out their life with dignity in a caring home.

PLEASE NOTE:
Malamutes most often DO NOT get along with dogs of the same sex - if you already have a dog you should only consider adopting a Malamute of the opposite sex.

1. This allows you (and your dogs) to meet the new dog to make sure everyone will get along before you make your decision.

2. You can then take a dog for a trial period (which we strongly recommend) and easily return the dog if it does not work out.

3. This will avoid the need for long distance travel which may be difficult to organise and may be traumatic for some dogs.

  Visitors to Malamutes 4 Adoption:

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