Golden Retrievers Vs Alaskan Malamutes

annnd, I have to post this!! Isn't this the cutest puppy? She's at NorCal Golden Rescue, and there are TONS more gorgeous puppies needing good homes in SoCal and shelters all over the state.

http://www.golden-rescue.org/adopt/d...otos/p6411.jpg

Lily is the sweetest, cutest little 15 week old pup. Lily is afflicted with ichthyosis (dry flaky skin) which is a genetically inherited condition. Puppies with ichthyosis have dry skin which shows up as dandruff on their fur. Although it is not curable, ichthyosis is manageable. In fact, by bathing Lily once a week we've been able to get rid of all of Lily's dry skin. Lily is healthy otherwise and is up to date on shots. Lily a very bright dog who walks well on a leash, rides great in the car and already knows how to sit. Lily also comes (most of the time) when called. Lily is well socialized with other dogs and loves kids. Lily is doing great with her potty training - she lets me know when it's time to go outside. She is an all around sweet and kind dog.

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Originally posted by GoldenAngel
Ok, I think that is a very good idea to look for a GOlden retriever club that my husband and I could participate in with our new dog.
How would I GO about finding one in California?
Can I do an online search for them or use the phone book?
At what age can the puppy be involved in the activies from this kind of club?

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Get your pup learning from the second you bring her home! Be careful not to get her around other dogs until she has her second set of vaccinations (usually around 9 weeks of age). After proper vaccination, take her around as many dogs as you can just to get the pup socialized in a non formal setting. The better you socialize your dog when it is a pup the better off you and the dog will be when it is an adult!

This link will take you to the GRCA listing of Golden Clubs in California.
http://www.grca.org/localclubs.asp?state=California

If you go to the GRCA home page you can search almost anything and everything you want to know about Goldens. A lot of really knowledgable people have contributed to the site. As a member of the GRCA myself and a friend of many others who are members, I can testify that the information on their site is accurate and very informational.

That being said, can I stress.... don't limit yourself to only one club. Most all breed clubs do wonderful work with many dogs and offer many more opportunities for your dog to explore. The AKC lists many clubs that may offer you other possibilities and perhaps may be closer to you than a Golden club. Here is the link to follow for the AKC searching for specific clubs.

http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm

Your other questions have been addressed so all I can say is Happy researching! Between the wonderful GRCA information and the link to AKC clubs in your area.... you should be on your way to a fun future with your new pup!

To everyone, thank you so much for all of your advice and helpful information.
bckrazy- Those two puppies are truly adorable....but we are already in the process of buying our new pup. Next time, I really think we will rescue a puppy for our second dog.

I went out yesterday and bought so much stuff...I think I might have overdone it. But to me this is a very big deal....It's our first dog since my husband and I got married and really it will be our first baby in a way.
I abosolutely love dogs and I think I went too long without one.
Well, I will talk to you all later.

Well, I am late in posting, but, I wish you and your husband good luck!--Post MANY pics;)

Steph and Jes

Malamutes can be a great dog breed if raised around other dogs/animals.. Socalization is key with this breed..
I would prefur to get a malamute rather then a Golden, but thats just me..
My parents bred malamutes, and my grandparents bred them for around 15 years. they are GREAT family dogs, and DONOT have any wolf in them ;).

Research both breeds well, find whats best for your lifestyle :)>

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What is the best product to clean out their ears? I had a cocker spaniel a few years ago and after she was about 2 years old, because of her long hair we needed to clean them out.
Also, while I'm at it, by your own experiences, what is the best and healthiest way to control fleas? I hear about so many methods but which one is the safest and most effective?

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At my work (grooming parlor) we use this liquid called "Blue Thunder." It works great at drying out the ears. Never ask the vet to clean out the ears for you. They use oily junk that causes buildup.

Personally I like to use natural prevention rather than chemicals when dealing with parasites. Try finding a holistic vet in your area who can help you find a product to your liking. :) You can feed fresh garlic (only up to one clove a day) to help repel fleas, and there are many natural oils that help to repel insects.

Are you sure the breeder you are getting a pup from is reputable? Make sure that her dogs are health certified for hips, eyes, heart, thyroid, and VW. She should be able to show proof of certification. If she can't, you are in trouble! Goldens are quite an unhealthy breed these days due to backyard breeders. You will end up spending tons of money on vet bills (in fact, goldens are one of the worst breeds for health problems that come into my work. Almost all of the ones we get need hypoallergenic shampoo and are in absolute terrible condition). Make sure her dogs have pedigrees, papers, and are involved in some sort of activities. Conformation, field, dock diving, agility, flyball, etc, are all good sports for goldens. A breeder should be involved with her dogs in order to know which ones are suitable for breeding. A breeder should only be breeding for the better of the breed! :)

Good luck! I hope you come back and update on your puppy. I'm getting my puppy next year and I just can't wait! It's so exciting, isn't it? Are you going to do any special things with your dog? I hope you stick around Pet Talk. :) I've learned alot being here, and I am better prepared to get a puppy now. It might work out the same for you.

Jordan :)

Thanks Wolfsoul...and everyone else for posting here.
Yes, I will update on my new little puppy. We don't get her until the 3rd of August. I promise to post pictures. She is very cute. I'm sure that the person I'm buying the puppy from is reputable. I talked to her on the phone and she told me that a vet's certification will come with the puppy. I know she is health guaranteed but it never crossed my mind to ask about the eye, hip, and etc....guarantees. So, thank you. I will ask.
I will most definitely be active with my dog. Right now, she is only 7 weeks, so I don't think she could do much exercise and activity but as she gets older I will do plenty with her. I can't wait to train her and everything.

Don't Wanna be a party pooper, but I have some questions?

Why do you think this breeder is reputable?
Have they done the proper health screening on their dogs (Hips, Elbows, Eyes, Thyroid, etc?)
Do they breed for show, field, or "just for pets"? (Just for pets is a HUGE red flag).
How many litters a year do they breed?
How many sets of shots do they get? Wormings?
Do you have AT LEAST a two year hip guarantee in the contract?
IS There a contract? (there should be).
Will the breeder take back the dog at anytime should you no longer be able to care for it? No matter how old it is?
Can you get references from this breeder?
Have you seen the (possible) kennel and conditions the dogs are kept in?

These may seem like instrusive questions, but you should know the answer to all of them ^_^

As stated, Mals have no more wolf in them than any other breed of dog... They've been registered with the AKC since 1935 and the stud book was closed (however, later it was reopened, but that's really just a historical mal story... no wolf was added). :rolleyes:

If you socialize your mal properly, they'll probably be fine with other dogs. Intact same-sex groups aren't smart, but with some people they work. My boy, Rien, is having some problems with dog aggression now. He's convinced that the whole ISLAND that my dad lives on is his territory and no other dog belongs on it. We're working on that.

However, he lives with two small furries (one at a time... both are cats, at seperate houses) and one aging mutt. He has no problems with the animals in his pack, and once a dog is introduced to him (which sometimes takes longer than I would like and is sometimes a hell of a task), he is very friendly and sweet.

IMHO, you need to do a LOT more research before adding any dog to your home, and I'm very glad that you've "started" with a golden rather than a Mal.

Someone mentioned that you might want to rescue a Mal, but that might take a while to find a dog that will fit into your situation (a dog friendly mal in rescue is sometimes hard to find).

Please, please, PLEASE, if you do decide to add a Mal to your family any time in the future, do TONS of research and I would NEVER advocate purchasing from a breeder of "GIANT" mals (there are many in California, where I hear you live).

Of course, after what seems like listing all the bad traits of the Mals, I couldn't live without my Riri. <3 He's my heart and soul, and I love him dearly, but even after a year of research before getting him, I could've stood to do more. I'm STILL researching the breed after having had Rien for almost two years.

But I can see why your husband wants one, I mean, who could resist this face?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...en72205019.jpg