If you’ve ever laid eyes on an Alaskan Mal, you might think you’re in the presence of a fierce protector. Those large, wolf-like features combined with a formidable strength certainly appear intimidating. But are these giant fur-balls made to be a guard dog?
Think about this: an Alaskan Malamute is big, strong, and it looks much like a wolf. Leaving appearances aside, would it make a good guard dog? Would you feel safer if you had a Mal in your house? Let’s address this mystery and dive deep into the nature and temperament of this fascinating breed. Through this, we might just burst a few misconceptions!
Before we embark on this journey, let’s get our definitions straight. When we say a “guard dog”, we’re referring to a canine that not only alerts their family about potential intruders but also takes an active role in defending the home. On the other hand, a “watchdog” typically alerts their owners about any sort of threat but needn’t necessarily engage with it. Throughout this article, ‘guard dog’ and ‘watch dog’ would be used interchangeably even though they mean different things. Don’t get confused, I promise we’ll sort the knots out!
At the risk of bursting the bubble early, let me tell you this – in spite of their strength and stature, Alaskan Malamutes are not classically considered guard dogs. Shocking, isn’t it? The sheer size and wolfish look give an illusion of them being the security personnel among canines. But in reality, Malamutes are friendly beasts! They’re extremely social and known for their furry love that extends to pretty much everyone, including both family and strangers alike. That being said, does it mean they won’t protect you at all? Let’s explore!
Desperate times often call for desperate measures. While a Malamute might not go leaping at an intruder, they would certainly not sit idle either if their loved ones were in danger. It’s a more of a ‘lovable giant who can get fierce when it’s really necessary’ kind of situation. Let’s dive a bit into the history to know why their nature is so.
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest and most primitive of dogs, their history dating back about 4,000 years or even more! The native Inuit people, Mahlemuts, from whom the breed got its name, raised these dogs for heavy hauling in the harsh Alaskan climate. Unlike other breeds that were raised for hunting or guarding, Malamutes were bred to pull heavy freight. They were a vital part in the survival of the Mahlemut tribe, which explains why they aren’t naturally wired to be aggressive, rather they are calm, patient and long-enduring.
Now you know why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, right? It’s funny how often we associate size with strength, and strength with aggression. However, that’s not the case with Malamutes. These dogs are all about work, endurance, and yes, a lot of play!
However, and this is crucial, all Malamutes are unique, and have their own behaviors, just as people do! While they are not traditionally known to be guard dogs, there are always exceptions. Some Mals could lean more towards being protective and might be perfect for someone who needs a lighter version of a guard dog. And although they are not instinctively positioned to be aggressive, they can be trained to become excellent protective dogs.
Remember that owning a guard dog comes with great responsibility. You need to train them effectively, always assuring that they don’t pose a threat to innocent people, especially children. Such training should only be done by a professional, to avoid developing harmful behaviors in the dog. If not handled properly, protective behavior can easily turn into aggression, which is not a characteristic trait of Malamutes. However, a good dog behavior trainer can teach your Mal how to differentiate between usual and unusual occurrences and react appropriately.
One important thing to note is that Malamutes are pack animals. They love the company of humans and other dogs. They also communicate well. If there’s a stranger at the door, your Mal will alert you. Not with aggression, but with playful barks and howls. So, while they may not necessarily scare off an intruder by appearance or aggression alone, they’ll certainly let you know someone’s there.
If you’re after a guard dog in the traditional sense, a Mal might not be your first choice. There are many other breeds more naturally predisposed to this role, like German Shepherds or Rottweilers. However, if you’re looking for a loyal, friendly and strong companion who would defend you in a crisis and otherwise treats everyone as a friend, an Alaskan Malamute could just be the perfect addition to your family.
In conclusion, no, an Alaskan Malamute is not a guard dog in the traditional sense. However, they’re loyal, lovable beasts that would alert you when there’s someone around. So, while they might not be best-suited for guarding jobs, they are indeed excellent at being the joyful presence that lights up your home and your family’s life!
