Thinking of getting an Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky

ORIGINAL: cakana

Also when I was a kid I liked samoyed too, but my friends samoyed barked a lot .

I could never, ever even teach my samoyed to bark.  I thought that was odd, and perhaps it was just her.  She did however howl like a wolf, but she'd only do that if she was left outside when we were gone, so we didn't do that once we knew.  She did whine a lot but my lab-mix does that too.  I guess each dog is different and "general characteristics" are just that, general.

 
It has been a loong time (10 years) maybe I'm mistaken(not likely). But I also remember that his samoyed was very friendly(noisy and friendly).

I have a malamix. I had a malamute before.

If you live in an apt and are dead set on a malamute maybe consider getting an older malamute or husky from a rescue to get your feet wet and they tend to have less energy and it may be easier to keep on in an apt.

My last malamute Yukon was quite old and was FINE in the apt. He was down right lazy!

It has been my experience that Samyoeds bark quite a bit and be careful when choosing one from a breeder (if you go that route) as there are some that have SERIOUS temprement problems.

Good luck!

Paige

Paige has a good idea in getting an older dog.  It will give you some experience in the breed you want while not having to go through all of the stresses associated with husky/mal puppies.  Volunteer at a shelter to help train some of the dogs in basic obedience.  It is always easier to find a home for a dog that knows his manners when visitors come to see him.  You would be doing a great service to the shelter as well as gaining experience.

Candace's advise about training at a shelter is excellent. And, as I've often said before, your dog is at the shelter, you just don't know it, yet. By that, I mean, you will find a Husky or Mal or mix and you will be powerless to stop yourself from taking him/her home. By then, you will have had  "experience." I've noticed that a number of breeds are labeled as not for the first time owner. I think more important than that is simply the level of your commitment. When you find the dog that is meant for you, you will rise to the challenge of caring for that dog. Sadly enough, you will, in fact, find purebred Huskies and Malamutes in the shelter. The closest shelter to me is in Sherman, Texas. I have seen two Siberian Husky mixes and one purebred Siberian Husky in the two times I have visited there. True, they may have been surrendered when the family realized this wasn't the dog for them. Hopefully, we have given you enough info about the temperment so that you are prepared and it is not such an ordeal for you. With study and love for that special dog, you will succeed where others have failed.
 

ORIGINAL: ron2

Candace's advise about training at a shelter is excellent. And, as I've often said before, your dog is at the shelter, you just don't know it, yet. By that, I mean, you will find a Husky or Mal or mix and you will be powerless to stop yourself from taking him/her home. By then, you will have had  "experience." I've noticed that a number of breeds are labeled as not for the first time owner. I think more important than that is simply the level of your commitment. When you find the dog that is meant for you, you will rise to the challenge of caring for that dog. Sadly enough, you will, in fact, find purebred Huskies and Malamutes in the shelter. The closest shelter to me is in Sherman, Texas. I have seen two Siberian Husky mixes and one purebred Siberian Husky in the two times I have visited there. True, they may have been surrendered when the family realized this wasn't the dog for them. Hopefully, we have given you enough info about the temperment so that you are prepared and it is not such an ordeal for you. With study and love for that special dog, you will succeed where others have failed.

 
 
You know what? I like this forum more and more everytime I visit it. Again thanks so much for your great inputs.
 
Well for the past 2 days I am seriously thinking about owning a dog from shelter. Although a small puppy seems charming I think it should not be the main reason for owning a dog. I am not the kind of person to own a puppy and try to get rid of it later. I think there are lots of dogs in the shelter needing a home.
 
Now the only problem is health. How can I make sure that a dog from a shelter has no diseases when it comes to home. I am thinking of taking it straight to a vet before taking it to home but is it enough?
 
 

How can I make sure that a dog from a shelter has no diseases when it comes to home.

 
Talk to friends and find out who they recommend for a vet and then get a thorough exam done.  My lab had kennel cough when she came home (common with shelter dogs) and we were able to clear it up quickly with some antibiotics.  Make sure you either get proof of prior vaccines or get them when you get the check-up.  My girl didn't have any record, so they make the assumption that she needs them to be on the safe side.  Regarding any genetic problems, you take a chance, but guess what?  My samoyed was AKC registered and developed severe hip dysplasia when she was about 8.  So, there's no absolute way to avoid future problems, but you can certainly start off on the right foot with a health check-up.  Good for you for giving the rescue idea some thought []. 
 

ORIGINAL: cakana

How can I make sure that a dog from a shelter has no diseases when it comes to home.

Talk to friends and find out who they recommend for a vet and then get a thorough exam done.  My lab had kennel cough when she came home (common with shelter dogs) and we were able to clear it up quickly with some antibiotics.  Make sure you either get proof of prior vaccines or get them when you get the check-up.  My girl didn't have any record, so they make the assumption that she needs them to be on the safe side.  Regarding any genetic problems, you take a chance, but guess what?  My samoyed was AKC registered and developed severe hip dysplasia when she was about 8.  So, there's no absolute way to avoid future problems, but you can certainly start off on the right foot with a health check-up.  Good for you for giving the rescue idea some thought []. 

 
Thanks, well the main problem is the diseases that can pass to humans, I can deal with the rest of them and won't be complaining. But unfortunately I don't want to risk my or my relatives health.
 
Is a quarantine thing available in vets. I know it sounds stupid but for example a few days under vet observation to make sure there is no such diseases I stated above.

When you adopt an animal from a shelter they usually/should be vet checked anyway. In saying that I would still find a vet that you are happy with and get the animal checked your self when you pick it up. They may be able to do blood tests to check everything and see if it does need any vaccinations but you will have to pay this yourself.

I am thinking of taking it straight to a vet before taking it to home but is it enough

 
That's an incredibly smart thing to do. An older dog may have some health issues, such as hip dysplasia. In Huskies, the main ailments in old age are eye problems. Namely, cataracts and more often, coroneal dystrophy. That just means they have problems seeing sometimes. But it need not keep them out of a loving home, provided you can get them the meds, if needed, or work around his/her disability. I know a lady with a 16 year old Sibe on regular dog food. She can still run fast, only for shorter periods of time. A regular paced average walk is absolutely fine for her.

ORIGINAL: mallymute

When you adopt an animal from a shelter they usually/should be vet checked anyway. In saying that I would still find a vet that you are happy with and get the animal checked your self when you pick it up. They may be able to do blood tests to check everything and see if it does need any vaccinations but you will have to pay this yourself.

 
Nice. Well I can gladly pay, I just want to make sure that there is no risk...

I just want to make sure that there is no ri

 
You're probably talking about rabies, salmonella, e. coli, n'est pas?
 
If he/she's up on vaccs, you don't have to worry about rabies.
 
Dogs can shed salmonella and e. coli intact in their feces and saliva, but it happens in 12 hours or less after an infected meal. More than likely, a shelter dog has been eating whatever kibble can be afforded, rather than raw meat. So, those diseases are unlikely. Still, though, taking a dog to the vet for a check-up never hurts. And obviously, you've already stated the ability to meet the financial requirements, whatever they may be. And you've also put a lot of thought and care into this, so far. I can't see anything but good coming from this.
 
Of course, when you get your forever dog, you will be "dogged" and "hounded" until you post pics, whenever that may be.
 

I actually work at a shelter and it's a very nice one that does not have a lot of typical problems of larger shelters. But we do "import" dogs from other shelters and we see the same diseases repetedly with them.

I would get the dog checked out ASAP for: Kennel Cough (no big deal, really, very common); intestinal parasites; depending on where you live heartworm; coccidia and giardia.

We've been seeing an increase of giardia (so cal) around here and if it's been wet... well, you never know.

There are not too many zoonoic diseases, but you can get giradia and worms so don't let the dog lick any orafices (nose, mouth) and don't put your hands in your mouth after touching the dog w/o washing them as fecal matter could be on them. (and don't eat poo either! )

I also volunteer at my local non-profit shelter. Every dog that leaves there is spayed/neutered and up to date on all shots.
Any dog that is found on the streets (and not claimed) is taken to the vet before being put up for adoption. If an owner wants to surrender a dog, they are asked when the dog last saw a vet, when the boosters are due, etc. If they need to be updated, they are.

The only "sick" dogs I've seen are dogs with the runs because of such a sudden change in diet.
So you may want to find out what the specific shelter's policies are on this type of thing.

But I also highly recommend volunteering some of your time there before you get a dog. You will be exposed to lots of different dogs, and, most likely, will fall in love with at least one (I've personally fallen for about 3 of them in the past 5 months or so - I was heartbroken and happy for them at the same time when they got adopted out).

Good luck with everything []