Alaskan Malamutes and Bernese Mountain Dogs

[CountryWolf07]

I'm very interested into learning more about these two breeds. I am wanting a medium sized to big sized dog to be at home with me while Mike is out working/traveling. I think I would feel more comfortable and at ease knowing I have a dog that can protect me or at least alert me for any reason. So, any information would be great. I did a recent dog matchup quiz and those were the top two that I was given. The past breeds I've had were mostly Beagle mixes and a Siberian Husky. I have thought about a Husky but, we most likely won't have a fenced in yard as well. I would like to be able to have a dog who can do well off-leash and at least be able to obey and listen at all times. A little distraction would be OK. Then again, any information would be great - if you have owned one of the breeds, please share your experiences as well.

[IRescue452]

A malamute is just as likely to wonder off as a husky. If you've managed with beagles and huskys you should know what you have to do to keep them secured.

As for the berner, unfortunately their average lifespan is now 7 years due to a major increase in cancer in the past decade. That means they finally are solidly mature and trained by 2, and at 4 they are seniors. They are however good for being trained not to wonder off as they are draft and guradian dogs made for sticking around the property. Strong training is a must for this breed. You aren't a first time dog owner, but you haven't had a giant breed, so I think one of the main things you have to ask yourself is are you prepared for hip dysplasia and a short lifespan? If not, maybe a giant breed is too much.

[Karen]

Maybe a German Shepherd would be a better match, as she said, Malamutes are as prone to wandering as Huskies, as they were pretty much bred for the same job! Great Pyrenees also are guard dogs for sheep, but as a giant breed have the shorter lifespan than Shepherds, for example.

[luvofallhorses]

Malamutes aren't really guardy the ones I have met have been big love bugs with all people but can be protective of their family like any dog. Plus, they were bred to run so I wouldn't trust them off-leash...ever. They need a job too, they can't just be cool with walks they need more than that. They are VERY high energy. I wouldn't say they live to just 7 that isn't true, I have seen these dogs live a long time up to 15 even. Cancer is hitting dogs of all breeds more and more lately not just Malamutes and it sucks.

Where are you located? There is a very awesome Malamute Rescue by me that my shelter works with.

[tikeyas_mom]

My grandma was an experienced breeder of Alaskan Malamutes.. She owned 5 adults and had several litters of pups.. She always told me, since I was a young girl, that owning a malamute is like owning a mythical creature.. With a brain of a wolf/dog, but a body and coat like a bear. They make for a VERY interesting breed of dog.. They have a HIGH prey drive, some are okay with small animals, but in a pack setting these dogs may attack and kill other animals.. cats, other dogs, small wild animals, and even deer!!! These dogs cannot be trusted off leash.. UNLESS they are running in the bush.. but keep in mind if they see a wild animal they will chase it....
I would recommend at least a 6 ft high fence, and at least 2 feet of the fence buried in the ground so that they cant dig out of the yard.. I once got dragged down the street for about 45 feet by our old malamute.. ohh yeah full body burn from the cement ....

[CountryWolf07]

Interesting. Nothing yet about Bernese Mt. Dogs? I decided to leave out Alaskan Malamutes. I'm not sure about German Shepards. They have quite A LOT of health issues. I just kind of want to experience owning a new breed, really. Mike is actually encouraging me to get a Chocolate or Yellow Labrador Retriever. (He's never owned any different breeds than Labs) So we'll see what happens.
To answer someone's question, I'm in the Cleveland area. And, I think we may end up with a house we put a offer on - so it has 3 acres - no fence, though.

[timoftelaur]

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