Giant Alaskan Malamutes and Alaskan malamutes are not the same thing. By definition, a giant Alaskan malamute is a malamute that exceeds 100 pounds in weight. There are two kinds of malamutes: M'Loot malamutes, which are larger and come in a vast variety of colors, and Kotzeblue malamutes, which are smaller and only come in wolf-grey. Giant Alaskan malamutes are bred from M'Loot malamutes.http://www.alaskamalamutes.com/about%20malamutes.html Size is achieved through careful selective breeding of the largest of litters. The result? While a basic male malamute averages 85 pounds, and a female 65 pounds, a giant Alaskan malamute weighs closer to 125 pounds for a male and 100 pounds for a female. Some male giant Alaskan malamutes exceed 170 pounds.http://hudsonsmalamutes.com/hudsons-malamutes-faq-large-malamutes-recorded-weights.html These are the gentle giants of the working dog world.http://www.destinyranch.com/DestinyWebb_files/Page295.htm

Not letting a giant Alaskan malamute "work" is a very bad idea. If tied in a back yard separated from the "pack", or your family, with nothing to do, a giant Alaskan malamute will sing its remorse in loud mournful howls while destroying anything within reach. Malamutes also love to dig and can be very destructive when bored.

Giant Alaskan malamutes are a very pack-oriented breed, which makes for easy training at an early age. While giant Alaskan malamutes may be big, playful babies, they in no way lack intelligence. They are very stubborn and should begin obedience training immediately. That training should not include guard dog duty. Why not? Although impressive and intimidating, giant Alaskan malamutes love everyone. Guard dog activities are against their nature. They'll greet a burglar just as amiably as grandma. This is not to say that they are useless as home defenders. A giant Alaskan malamute will protect the pack if it perceives a threat. (For example, if someone is actively harming you or your family.) They also will "sound the alarm" for visitors, whether it's a greeting or not. That greeting will likely be in a Chewbaka sort of way as well. Giant Alaskan malamutes are not barkers, but that does not mean they are quiet dogs. They will "talk", howl and communicate in their own wolf-like malamute way.

As far as dogs go, the giant Alaskan malamute is a wonderful choice for families. They are friendly and playful into old age, shed very little (except for twice a year when they will shed seasonal coats), love children, and can share in the work load. They even make fabulous "running mates" if you are out for a jog.

Who shouldn't own a giant Alaskan malamute? Those who live in excessively warm locations or small apartments. A big dog + a small space = a bad idea. Those who have no time for a dog who need a hands-on companion, or those looking for a guard dog, will not be pleased with a giant Alaskan malamute.