Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Guard Dogs? (Not Really, But They Can Fake the Part)

On the surface, the Alaskan Malamute is a large, scary-looking breed that is wolf-like in appearance. If you were out in the wild, and you suddenly came across one of these dogs, you’d probably think it was time to run for the hills. But does this mean they are actually good guard dogs?

Alaskan Malamutes certainly look the part of a guard dog, but in actuality they are not cut out for that line of work. They are a friendly breed that loves people. Even though they do not have the personality of a true guard dog, they can still intimidate strangers, and they make a great family pet. Continue reading to learn more…

Why Alaskan Malamutes Are Not Good Guard Dogs

A true guard dog has to be more than just scary looking. They also have to be more than a dog that simply barks a lot at strangers. They need to be willing and capable of protecting you and your property no matter what.

For example, I have a Foxhound-mix who doesn’t look intimidating – she’s actually quite cute – but I know for a fact that if a stranger gets too close to me, my wife, or our property, she will attack them. When she barks or growls, she’s not just putting on a show; she’s letting you know she means business.

The Alaskan Malamute is pretty much the opposite. Again, they look scary, and they may even bark a lot when they’re behind a gate or a closed door; but let yourself in anyway, and they’ll immediately become your best friend.

They can still be an effective deterrent, however. Most people are afraid of large dogs, especially if they’re barking, regardless of the breed. Furthermore, your average burglar isn’t likely to be an expert on dog breeds. They aren’t going to know that the big Malamute on the other side of your fence is actually a big baby.

Nevertheless, when it comes down to brass tax, you shouldn’t count on an Alaskan Malamute to protect your or your belongings. In the video below, you can see how a particularly defensive Malamute behaves:

Why Alaskan Malamutes Make Great Family Dogs

So, Alaskan Malamutes are the best protectors, but they do make for a great family dog. That’s because they have the appearance of a guard dog without the risks that can sometimes come with owning a real guard dog. In other words, it’s highly unlikely they’ll ever attack a member of the family or anyone else for that matter.

The Alaskan Malamute loves being part of a family unit, as these dogs were originally bred to be sled dogs, and are used to being members of a large pack. They are very affectionate, smart, and fairly easy to train.

They are a high-energy breed that need a lot of exercise, and they love to play. This can be a really good thing if you have kids and/or other dogs, and a lot of open space for them to run around, like a large fenced-in backyard or a ranch/farm.

Conclusion

To recap, if you’re looking for a dog strictly for protection, I’d recommend a different breed. But if you’re looking for a good family dog that might also intimidate would-be intruders, the Alaskan Malamute is a great choice.

References:

Dogtime.com. Alaskan Malamute. Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/alaskan-malamute#/slide/1