We feel as owners of a rescued Alaskan Malamute that we must respond to Nicola Barry’s unbalanced tirade ("Killer dog attack is the stuff of nightmares", The Herald, September 21).
The Alaskan Malamute is not by nature fierce. He can at times be intolerant of other dogs. Characteristics of the Alaskan malamute are a superb temperament, loyalty and affection and strength. They are highly trainable. They can be assertive if they have an owner they do not respect and have a strong prey drive, which is why they are kept on a leash.
They require owners who are responsible and understand the dog’s need to have a leader and a hierarchy.
We have sympathy for the elderly owner of the ill-fated Jack Russell in this sad tale but this dog was not on a lead. The tethered malamute would more than likely feel threatened by this surprise attack and defend itself.
Our malamute has been attacked whilst out for a walk on the lead by a Jack Russell that left its garden, ran across the road and attached itself to our dog’s chest. There was nothing she could do to protect herself.
It is our experience of 30 years of dog ownership that it is usually the smaller dog that instigates such confrontations.
Jack Russells are feisty in nature, with their origins in fox hunting. They are frequently used for ratting.Their energy and aggressive nature make them ideal for this task.
Ms Barry suggests that the malamute in question should be muzzled. Has she ever tried to muzzle a 30kg dog? It is no easy task. Our dog, gentle though she is, would never tolerate a muzzle; better by far to avoid conflict.
It is true that sled dogs and spitz breeds have become something of a fashion statement for some people who may not trouble to research the breed and have been sold dogs by unscrupulous breeders who have not vetted the homes these dogs will go to.
It is not fair to describe these dogs as “deadly” and a “menace on a lead”. Indeed, it is the menace off the lead we should be wary of.
All dogs are descended from wolves, beautiful animals that deserve our respect, protection and understanding. We would suggest that Ms Barry learns a little more about complex dog behaviour before launching an attack on a breed of which she seems to have little insight.
Nick and Lindsay Voigt,
Muirland Cottage,
Arden.
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