Utonagan - 'Spirit of the wolf': A moment in time with 2 Malamutes!

In 2009 I became the proud human owner of Chaska (KC Name Stargazer) He was a large ball of fluff, and isn't much different now! He was full of character from the minute we got him home.

Can I say, they're not the easiest of breeds to train, they are very stubborn. The way to a Mallies heart is definitely through their stomaches! Treat training works well but believe me, if there's something your Mal doesn't want to do....they won't do it! They can be quite destructive if left alone too long or get bored. I've been through a few skirting boards and door frames in my time!

Contrary to opinion they can be let off lead but their recall isn't always great, again stubbornness kicks in. If they see a little critter then they're off.

Unlike their similar breed, Siberian Husky, they are a stockier build and less 'boingy'! They are extremely loving but are most definitely not a one man dog!

Their big hearts have lots of love to give.

Chaska has a very quiet nature, unlike Raven who constantly seems to have her giddy pants on! He'll happily sit for hours on end, unmithering. He likes to run after his ball and will gladly bring it back for you to throw again. For dogs of this size they surprisingly do not need a large diet. A good quality dry food teamed with chicken carcass keeps them happy. Chaska isn't fond of staffies or little dogs if they are yappy! He'd love to catch a squirrel, they're far too fast for him though! They are very powerful (as they were originally bred for heavy haulage pulling, bullion etc) and can be difficult to walk so a good collar/lead is of essence.

Raven happily joined our family February 2012. (KS name Shivas Majestic Melody)

She is a whirlwind compared to Chaska, always ready to play. She loves to sit on the sofa and cuddle up in the evenings. She too loves to play throw and fetch, again treat orientated!

Raven is very inquisitive and doesn't miss a trick, she is very observant and not much gets by her! She is very vocal and will joyfully wooo wooo for you. Raven likes to sit on the sofa in the window just watching the world go by,

She is also a huge fan of Eight Below and Iron Will and loves Paul O'Gradys For the Love of Dogs!

They both love to howl/sing along to our local icecream van. They do not make good guard dogs, however usually their look is enough to ward off many unsavoury people. They do not usually bark, Chaska very very rarely barks, more like a pathetic woof, Raven on the other hand can go all out! She'll bark at strangers walking around our back but not at people we know. They are both very good at giving kisses, paw and high 5's! Overall a fabulous companion that will certainly keep you guessing but be prepared for their traits, once you've owned a Mal you won't have any other! Remember , from day one, YOU are the Alpha! They love to earn respect. Not good for anybody with cleaning OCD as your house can resemble the Wild West with tumbleweed fur blowing about everywhere when they shed. They blow their coats usually twice a year, their fur can be saved and passed to yarnspinners!