[JnBCW]

We're getting an Alaskan Malamute/German Shepherd puppy this fall, and I was wondering if we are right for it.

There are three of us in the household (no children), we have four cats, and live in the suburbs. I am willing to walk the dog and pay for toys and such, but I was wondering if this dog would be too aggressive to have around cats, or if the suburbs is not a place for this dog.

Also, any specific characteristics of this specific mix would be very nice to know.


Thank you.


~J/T

 

[rosemaryninja]

I would be pretty wary about having cats in the same household as a Mal/GSD mix... they tend to have strong prey drive.

With mixes, you really never know what you're going to get, so research both breeds extensively. My advice for you would be: prepare for high, high, high energy levels and lots of shedding. Hip problems are worth worrying about so avoid prolonged running or high-impact exercise until the pup is at least 1.5 years of age. Should also be a very handsome pup.

As with all pups, socialization is a must.

 

[skelaki]

I had a GSD/Malamute mix. Of course each dog is an individual but mine was very dominant, testing to see what he could get away with all the time. He kept me on my toes. He had a very strong prey drive with the herding instincts of a shepherd and the strong pulling instinct of a Malamute. He did shed a lot but having had Rough Collies I was used to that. As I said, your pup may be different, but I'd say in general that this is not a breed mix that I would recommend for either first time or soft owners.

Socialization is very important as is early and ongoing obedience training.