My wife and I are toying with the idea of getting a furry new addition to the household.

We are very keen on the idea of choosing a dog within the “wolf like” breeds. I love the idea of a Siberian husky or an Alaskan malamute but have heard and read many horror stories about them running off to never be seen again if you let them off the lead. I hope this is not true.

We both have grown up with dogs in our respective families before we met but neither of us knows anything about the temperaments and traits of the many wolf/husky/Inuit or similar type breeds.

Please be gentle with me on this as it is only a fact finding mission at the moment.

Ideally we would like a dog that we were not afraid to let off of the leash in open spaces. By this I mean if we went hill walking or generally in the middle know where or where there were no other dogs. Around other dogs I think I would prefer to keep my dog on a lead. We would be planning to take our dog to obedience classes as soon as he/she is old enough.

Although some of these dog breeds can look intimidating we really do not want a guard dog. Just one that would lick you to death! We don’t have kids and definitely have no plans to, so the dog would be our baby! We are moving into the country soon so hopefully we can give the dog plenty of exercise. I plan to take the dog to work, as I work in an Industrial unit with only one other person. So hopefully the dog would rarely be left alone for long periods. On that note, what would be an acceptable amount of time for a dog like this to be left alone if we had to?

So in summary, what breed should we go for in respect of the questions below?

1. What breed would be ok to let off the lead in open spaces that would come back when called (if trained correctly)?
2. Which breed would be good for just a friendly companion that hopefully won’t show aggression to other dogs or people?
3. How long could I leave the dog on its own for? Only if I really needed to and what would I need to take into consideration?
4. We would like a dog that is generally obedient that won’t trash everything in its path. But presumably if trained correctly it shouldn’t anyway? Would we be right?

Sorry if I am asking a lot here but we just need to get a feel for the breed of dog that hopefully will be right for us.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome to the forum.
It is true about Huskies that if they are loose they might hear something in the long distance and will run off to check what it is. They do it in a manner that results in them getting lost and being unable to find their way back home, thou they want to come back.
A dog should not be left alone more than two hours at a time, according to the book.
Really, in getting a friend and partner for life, like a dog, I would go about it with emotion (love at first site) more than planning like buying a commodity.
I would adopt an older dog from someone who knows their personality and needs. You will make a creature of God in misery very Happy, it will be greatfull and show you its respect and appreciation forever!!!

Thanks for the reply Anubis. After a bit of research I am looking to find out a bit more about Northern Inuit's. My main concern is finding a breed that I can let off the leash and not worry that it is going to run off never to be seen again. If anybody else has any experience of keeping this breed I would be very interested to hear about it.

hmm from my own experience huskies are good dogs for the friendly aspect that you are looking for. my husky is 4 years old ive just adopted him and he's a fun to have. but when he is trouble... he is >: ( haha its probably because i spoil him. anyways they have a big problem with running off. truely. im working on off leash training myself. and proper training with not leaving the house unless with me.
and honestly... THEY HAVE seperation anxiety lol. my dog goes crazy when im not home. or with him he will try in his power to get out... i think thats my fault though. anyways... this isnt much of a discouraging message but more of a encouragement. when you get past their mischievous side they are amazingly sweet and loving animals. they love other dogs. atleast mine does. and is super friendly with kids.

in all im very happy with him even with his flaws. i recommend you get one at a puppy stage so it will be accustomed to you more better. or as the guy above stated get an older one that you will be able to know its personality from the owner. if you adopt from the pound. you should take it for a walk if they allow. anyways...

another thought is a labrador retriever. from what ive seen around my area... everyone lets them off their leash and they respond very well to come. of course necessary training is required. but i guess these arent wolf like?
anyways theres my 2 cents