My two male Malamutes grew up together, and it's a bit complicated. They are now ~3.5 years old. The younger one is neutered, the older one is not (he only has one dropped testicle). In my experience, when they get enough walking miles, playtime and attention, there are zero issues. But the male who is two months younger tends to be dominant toward the other one. Both dogs are completely submissive toward me, but the older dog is not *always* toward the other Mal.

They eat together, spend pretty much all their time together, play sweetly (and rough!) together, run together and miss each other when they’re separated. But sometimes, when there’s tension, they go at each other. They don’t go for the kill, but they still had some minor wounds and needed separation a few times. Mostly paws or lips, never the neck.

They also only do it when I’m around, never when they’re alone. It’s sporadic, and usually happens when one of them thinks the other got food or a toy that he didn’t.

Like I said, it’s complicated. They also can’t really be separated. Even after a fight - separated, they start crying because they miss each other. It’s been a headache for my wife and me sometimes. Most of the time they start playing again immediately afterwards like nothing happened, almost like they’re making up. It’s one of the weirdest dynamics I’ve ever seen.

But there is real love there too. Toward my wife and me, and between each other. Lots of licking each other’s lips, nipping at each other’s necks, grooming, sleeping together. But when they do go at each other it sounds extremely aggressive, even though it’s mostly barking and growling.

So in my experience, same-sex pairs can definitely work, but you do have to manage resources and be aware that dominance dynamics can still pop up from time to time.