Alaskan Malamute – Dog Breed of The Month
When you first see an Alaskan Malamute, it’s easy to be impressed by his large stature, wolf-like facial markings, and huge plumed tail waving at you. It’s often believed that Malamutes are part wolf. They might play a wolf on TV or in the movies, but in truth they’re all domestic dog.
The Alaskan Malamute possesses tremendous strength, energy, endurance, independence, and intelligence. He was originally sought to pull heavy sleds over long distances as well as to hunt seals and polar bears. Now chosen primarily for companionship, Alaskan Malamutes succeed in several dog sports, including conformation, obedience competition, weight pulling, skijoring, backpacking, and recreational sledding.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Working Dogs
Height:1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the shoulder
Weight:75 to 100 pounds
Life Span:12 to 15 years

- Not recommended for the first time dog owner as their intelligence combined with stubbornness can make them a challenge for someone not savvy in dog behavior.
- Malamutes will challenge for alpha or top position in the household. Everyone who lives with the dog must be able to properly deal with this and clearly establish all family members as higher ranking than the Malamute.
- Alaskan Malamutes are notorious diggers. Any fencing should be buried so they cannot dig out of their yard.
- Alaskan Malamutes are a powerful, independent dog who, if not properly trained or exercised, can become destructive or bored.
- With early socialization and training, Malamutes can learn to get along with other dogs and indoor cats. They’ll view outdoor cats and other small animals as fair game.
- Their high prey drive can cause a Malamute to stalk and kill small animals, including birds, squirrels, cats and even smaller dogs. They need to be properly socialized and introduced to other companion animals.
- Alaskan Malamutes shed heavily twice a year. Their thick double coats are not suited for hot climates.
- Generally a quiet breed, Malamutes rarely bark. They do hold conversations with you, vocally expressing themselves with “woo woo” sounds or loud, extensive howls.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
Giant Schnauzer – Dog Breed of The Week
The Giant Schnauzer was created to be a working dog breed, so he has intelligence and drive The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds. He has a commanding appearance and rugged build. But his stoic demeanor is belied by the twinkle...
Japanese Chin – Dog Breed of The Week
This breed is elegant and dainty, mild-mannered and playful. Jumpin' jiminy! Is that a Japanese Chin on your fireplace mantel? It is! People who live with the Chin often marvel at the breed's ability to leap tall furniture in a single bound. The toy-size...
Bullmastiff – Dog Breed of The Week
While standoffish toward strangers he’s got a soft spot for his loved ones In 1901, a Mr. Burton of Thorneywood Kennels challenged a group of spectators at a dog show to take on the task of escaping a muzzled dog he had brought with him, the prize being...
Cocker Spaniel – Dog Breed of The Week
Beautiful to look at (and labor-intensive to groom), the Cocker’s amenable, cheerful disposition also makes him a treat to have in the family The smallest member of the American Kennel Club Sporting Group, the Cocker Spaniel is the darling of many U.S. pet...
Chihuahua – Dog Breed of The Week
Fully capable of competing in dog sports such as agility and obedience, and is among the top 10 watchdogs The Chihuahua is a saucy little hot tamale and not just because of his association with a certain fast-food Mexican restaurant. He's renowned for...
Bull Terrier – Dog Breed of The Week
The Bull Terrier was originally developed as a fighting dog, these days he’s a family companion and show dog If you remember the late 1980s, you probably recall the Budweiser commercials featuring a Bull Terrier named Spuds Mackenzie, whose sly grin and...
Border Collie – Dog Breed of The Week
He’s a dog with unlimited energy, stamina, and working drive, all of which make him a premier herding dog If you've ever had the pleasure of watching a Border Collie herd sheep, you know you're watching a master craftsman at work, with his intense stare as...
Boston Terrier Dog – Dog Breed of The Week
today, they’re gentle, affectionate companions with tuxedo-like markings that earned them the nickname “American Gentleman.” The Boston Terrier may have been bred to be a ferocious pit-fighter, but you'd never know it today. The little American Gentleman,...
American Eskimo Dog – Dog Breed of The Week
Eskies are lively, active companion dogs who love to entertain and join in on all family activities Perhaps it's his white fluffy coat. Or jaunty personality. Or intelligence. Whatever "it" is, the American Eskimo Dog's got it in spades, and he uses it to...
Beagle – Dog of the Month
Small, compact, and hardy, Beagles are active companions for kids and adults alike Small, compact, and hardy, Beagles are active companions for kids and adults alike. Canines in this dog breed are merry and fun loving, but being hounds, they can also be...