Welcome to The Porter's Malamutes. We are a small home- based breeder located in Whitney, Texas. Feel free to browse the site, look at our pictures, or E-mail us with any questions you may have.

Mallies are great, but if you are a first-time owner or are considering getting one of these Arctic dogs you may have a few questions. We have provided a few of the questions and concerns most often found when considering the purchase of this breed:

How BIG do they actually get?

According to the CKC set standard, males will stand approx. 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 85 lbs. and females stand aprox 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 75 lbs.

Won't a dog that size eat me out of house and home?

Actually,No. The Alaskan Malamute eats significantly less than other breeds of similar size. However, Mals will wolf down almost anything set in front of them and most often careful feeding is necessary.

I couldn't keep it in the house...could I?

Suprisingly, most malamute owners do keep their dogs in the house. Malamutes not only look like wolves, but also show the same pack characteristics in that they realy become part of the family. In otherwords, they are happiest when with their human pack. This being said they are not normally a one-man dog nor are they good apartment dogs. They prefer to be with a family or someone who can be with them almost constantly.

But are they good with kids?

Yes. The Alaskan Malamute is very good with small children and even more so when raised around them. They also are NOT good gaurd dogs. They would more likely show a burgler their favorite toy and want to play than attack them.

Are they easy to train?

The downside to mallies is that they do have a naturally dominamt, and stubborn personality yet is eager to please. If you have ever trained a dog you know that basic obedience is usually a fairly simple process, however more advanced things may take a little more time and stubborness on your part than they normally would with other breeds.

What about all that hair?

Malamutes have 2 coats of fur - a soft, underlying coat that keeps them warm, and a coarse top coat for protection. They do shed their under coat twice a year, and will need to be brushed everyday if in the house to keep hair from ending up everywhere but on the dog. Mals have a naturally oily coat and do not often need baths like most dogs. Another plus is that because of their oily coats that doggy odor is not typically very strong.

I live in a hot place and they are snow dogs, will that be a problem?

Not in most cases.Just like any long haired-breed or one originating in cold climates, fresh water and shade must always be avaliable for dogs living outside. Alaskan Malamutes are very adaptable and can survive in 100 degree weather or in -20 degree weather if needed.

Is there anything else about Malamutes I need to know?

One other important thing you should know is that Malamutes are easily bored and if kept in the house they should not be left alone unless fully trusted. Mallies will chew on just about anything including wood, sheetrock, and anything they might fancy. They are also great diggers and will dig out of their yard or kennel if not properly secured at the bottom by burying fencing or tin. Digging is not always a major problem but it can become a nuisance if it is done in the wrong place.If adequate toys, and attention is given it should not be a problem.