Question about Dog Compatibility...

[erinlovesmarc]

Didn't want to hijack the other dog thread...

Last week we brought our pup for his first obedience class. I totally trust the school because it was recommended by 2 officers in K9 that DH knows and some of the dogs actually do some of their training there...so to the question, we asked the trainer if a husky would be a compatible dog for a labrador because we plan to get another puppy this summer...he said that a malamute would be better and better to get the opposite sex...it didn't occur to me to ask why then and now I am curious...anyone know why a malamute would be a better match than a husky - I mean they ARE quite similar dogs...I can understand the opposite sex thing because of the dominance issue but....

Anyone have any idea?

[Grace]

I don't know the difference between a malamute and a husky, but I have 2 labs, and they're both female and they get along famously. I had the first one for three years before we got the second one. We got the second one as an 8 week old puppy and it was very obvious to the second one that the first one would be dominant and there was never once any confusion about that (no fighting, etc.).

Not sure if you just don't want another lab, but even if you get a different breed dog, I don't think there's any problem with having two females. My older female is very dominant anyway, and I don't think she would have taken kindly to a male dog trying to dominate her. Our second lab is very sweet and docile and likes being dog #2 just naturally. She's a big, cuddly little chicken, so it worked out great for us.

[linsleyd]

I have a german shepherd and a lab and they are both females and have a great time together. They established dominancy, the shepherd, and they play and lay together and are fine together. Good luck!

[syzygy]

You might find these links helpful:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/siberianhusky.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/alaskanhusky.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/alaskanmalamute.htm

[Triathlon13]

Hi! I am just speculating here why he would suggest it, but I think it might be because a husky is more aggressive than a malamute and a husky is bigger too. I think a malamute and lab might be more suited for each other in personality!!!!

Good luck, how fun-I envy you-living in the city and working too much isn't helping me get a dog (well that and a boyfriend that "hates" dogs---oh well hope he can get over it because I WILL get a vizsla!!!)

Good luck!!!

[erinlovesmarc]

Thanks everyone...I just put myself on 3 lists for litters in 2007 for malamutes...

One of the breeders near where I live had 2 of his dogs in the Disney movie "Eight Below"....pretty cool! :D

[engineer]

Hi! I am just speculating here why he would suggest it, but I think it might be because a husky is more aggressive than a malamute and a husky is bigger too. I think a malamute and lab might be more suited for each other in personality!!!!

Former sled dog racer (kennel of 20) and general dog enthusiast here. Sorry Mal's are bigger. Think the difference between a power lifter and a sprinter. The Malamutes are used in freight pulls and weight pulls where as you'll see more sib's in racing. However, there are two distinct lines in sibs - racing and showing. The show dogs tend to be shorter legged and 'rounder' while the racing dogs have long legs and lean muscular physiques.

As far as aggressive personality that's really the dog. I've seen big babies and pretty dominant type dogs in both breeds. Oh and the problem with two males can be when they get to be around two they sometimes push to be leader of the pack which can lead to some very nasty fights - especially if there is a female near by in season but that doesn't necessary have to be.

Most dogs can get along if the proper guidelines/behaviors are put in place. Just my 0.02 worth.

[erinlovesmarc]

Former sled dog racer (kennel of 20) and general dog enthusiast here. Sorry Mal's are bigger. Think the difference between a power lifter and a sprinter. The Malamutes are used in freight pulls and weight pulls where as you'll see more sib's in racing. However, there are two distinct lines in sibs - racing and showing. The show dogs tend to be shorter legged and 'rounder' while the racing dogs have long legs and lean muscular physiques.

As far as aggressive personality that's really the dog. I've seen big babies and pretty dominant type dogs in both breeds. Oh and the problem with two males can be when they get to be around two they sometimes push to be leader of the pack which can lead to some very nasty fights - especially if there is a female near by in season but that doesn't necessary have to be.

Most dogs can get along if the proper guidelines/behaviors are put in place. Just my 0.02 worth.

Wow...a sled racer!!! I'm so jealous...the 2 times I was in Alaska we saw so many dog sleds but I was too young and my parents wouldn't let me go with my cousins for rides on the sleds with the dogs...I think that is why I have always had a fascination with malamutes and huskies...childhood memories! Sigh....

[LakeMartinGal]

And another $.02... we have 2 males, golden retrievers, and they get along great, though it was a bit of a rocky start. The older one is dominant, but soooo patient with the younger one (now!). Both were from breed rescues, and adopted at different times.

We had two huskies, not at the same time, and both were females... As a matter of fact, we had the first huskie before our first DD was born! The huskie taught DD how to walk! And was so patient with her!

[erinlovesmarc]

Check out the CUTE malamute puppies! OMG I want one so bad now! :D

http://www.nordiclightmals.com/english/album_en.htm

[erinlovesmarc]

awwww....

http://www.myatok.com/pages/chiotspag.html

[ErinM]

...because I WILL get a vizsla!!!



What the heck is that?

[mcgee]

What the heck is that?

I was wondering the same thing and did a search. It is a Hungarian Short-haired Pointing Dog:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/vizsla.htm

[Krysia1031]

---oh well hope he can get over it because I WILL get a vizsla!!!)

A close family friend has 2 of them. They are adorable and very fun-loving...but also a tON OF TROUBLE. They spend alot of time indoors and let me tell you, they really tear the place up. My friend has had to replace 2 leather couches already (both were chewed up pretty bad), a few pillows, books, table edges, even her wood kitchen stool. These dogs are SO ENERGETIC and they are definitely chewers.

Being that your name is Triathlon13 though, they could definitelty accompany you on long bike rides and runs, (heck with all their enegery maybe even the swim part too!);)

[ErinM]

Interesting. They remind me of Weimeraners.