Meet Mal: The Giant Arctic Pup Who Rules His Neighborhood!

Mal, an Alaskan Malamute living in Bourne with his owner Amy Sharp, has become something of a local celebrity due to his impressive size and friendly personality. When Amy first chose Mal as a puppy, she was drawn to his fluffy ears, tiny paws, and adorable eyes. She had always been around large dogs, but she never expected Mal to grow as much as he did. Now, at five years old, Mal weighs 13 stone, or about 82 kilograms, making him more than twice the average size for his breed. He is so large that people often compare him to a Shetland pony.

Alaskan Malamutes are a breed originally used by Inuit tribes in Alaska for pulling sleds over long distances. They are known for their strength and endurance, as well as their thick double coats that keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Mal, however, lives a much slower and more relaxed life than his ancestors. Amy says that Mal's strength is still very noticeable, especially when she takes him for walks. People often stop and stare, and she is frequently asked, 'Who's walking who? ' because Mal is so powerful that it sometimes seems like he is the one leading Amy.

As Mal grew, Amy found it increasingly difficult to keep up with his needs. His collar is as big as a person's belt, and he quickly outgrew his harnesses and collars. Grooming Mal became a challenge, as his thick coat requires regular brushing. Amy had to reach out on social media for help after her previous groomers could no longer manage Mal's size. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of people expressing their amazement and offering assistance. Eventually, Amy found a groomer who was excited to work with Mal simply because of his breed.

Mal is known for his gentle nature, but he can also be stubborn. After walks, he sometimes sits down and refuses to move, and Amy cannot budge him because of his weight. Neighbors often come out to try to help, but Mal will only get up when he is ready. Despite these challenges, Amy has no regrets about choosing Mal. She encourages others to research large breeds before getting one, but she feels that her life is richer with Mal in it.

Living with Mal means dealing with his fur everywhere—on clothes, in the bed, and even in food. Amy has learned to accept this as part of life with a giant dog. Mal loves cheese cubes as treats and is known for his loud 'back-chatting. ' Amy describes him as a gentle giant and says, 'It's Mal's world and we're all just living in it. ' Mal's size and personality have made him a beloved figure in the community, and Amy is proud to be his owner.