in your area who enjoy a good reputation in the breed. You are looking for an established breeder with outstanding dog ethics and a strong commitment to the breed. New owners should have as many questions as they have doubts. An established breeder is indeed the one to answer your four million questions and make you comfortable with your choice of the Alaskan Malamute. An established breeder will sell you a puppy at a fair price if, and only if, the breeder determines that you are a suitable, worthy owner of his dogs. An established breeder can be relied upon for advice, no matter what time of day or night. A reputable breeder will accept a puppy back, should you decide that this not the right dog for you.
FINDING A QUALIFIED BREEDER
Before you begin your puppy search, ask for references from your veterinarian and perhaps other breeders to refer you to someone they believe is reputable. Responsible breeders usually raise only one or two breeds of dog. Avoid any breeder who has several different breeds or has several litters at the same time. Dedicated breeders are usually involved with a breed or other dog club. Many participate in some sport or activity related to their breed. Just as you want to be assured of the breeder’s qualifications, the breeder wants to be assured that you will make a worthy owner. Expect the breeder to interview you, asking questions about your goals for the pup, your experience with dogs and what kind of home you will provide.
When choosing a breeder, reputation is much more important than convenience of location. Do not be overly impressed by breeders who run brag advertisements in the canine presses about their stupendous champions and working lines. The real quality breeders are quiet and unassuming. You hear about them at trials and shows, by word of mouth. You may be well advised to avoid the novice who lives only a few miles away. The local novice breeder, trying so hard to get rid of that first litter of puppies, is more than accommodating and anxious to sell you one. That breeder will charge you as much as any established breeder. The novice breeder isn’t going to interrogate you and your family about your intentions with the puppy, the environment and training you can provide, etc. That breeder will be nowhere to be found when your poorly bred, badly adjusted four-pawed monster starts to growl, chew up everything in sight and pick fights with the family cat!
Choosing a breeder is an important first step in dog ownership. Fortunately, the majority of Alaskan Malamute breeders are devoted to the breed and its well-being. New owners should have little problem finding a reputable breeder in their state or region of the country. The breed’s national parent club, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, and its regional clubs, along with the AKC, are trusted sources to refer you to ethical breeders. Potential owners are encouraged to attend conformation shows or performance events to see quality American Alaskan Malamutes in action, to meet the owners and handlers firsthand and to get an idea of what Alaskan Malamutes look like outside a photographer’s lens. Provided you approach the handlers when they are not busy with the dogs, most are more than willing to answer questions, recommend breeders and give advice.
Choosing a breeder is not always easy. If possible, observe adult dogs of the breeder’s bloodline to see if you like how they mature.
Once you have contacted and met a breeder or two and made your choice about which breeder is best suited to your needs, it’s time to visit the litter. Keep in mind that many top breeders have waiting lists, so be prepared to wait for a puppy. If you are really committed to the breeder whom you’ve selected, then you will wait (and hope for an early arrival!). If not, you may have to go with your second- or third-choice breeder. Don’t be too anxious, however. If the breeder doesn’t have a waiting list, or interest in his puppies, there is probably a good reason.
The temperament and personality of the dam will be reflected in her progeny. Like begets like, and if you don’t like the dam, you likely won’t be happy with one of her pups.
Since you are likely choosing an Alaskan Malamute as a pet dog and not a working dog, you simply should select a pup that is friendly and attractive. While the basic structure and temperament of the breed has little variation, individual personality varies from pup to pup. Beware of the shy or overly aggressive puppy; be especially conscious of the nervous Alaskan Malamute pup. Don’t let sentiment or emotion trap you into buying the runt of the litter.
The sex of your puppy is largely a matter of personal taste, although males grow up to be a bit larger. Coloration is not a grave concern with this breed; the color pattern you choose in a pet dog is based on your personal preference. Alaskan Malamutes are beautiful dogs with striking markings, and color does not affect their potential as a pet or working dog. Remember that these dogs were bred primarily for working ability, not beauty; Malamutes are natural beauties whose form was intended for their function.
Breeders commonly allow visitors to see the litter by around the fifth or sixth week, and puppies leave for their new homes between the eighth and tenth week. Breeders who permit their puppies to leave early are more interested in a profit than in their puppies’ well-being. Puppies need to learn the rules of the trade from their dams, and most dams continue teaching the pups manners and “dos and don’ts” until around the eighth week. Breeders spend significant amounts of time with the Alaskan Malamute toddlers so that they are able to interact with the “other species,” i.e., humans. Given the long history that dogs and humans have, bonding between the two species is natural but must be nurtured. A well-bred, well-socialized Alaskan Malamute pup wants nothing more than to be near you and to please you.
A SHOW PUPPY
If you plan to show your puppy, you must first deal with a reputable breeder who shows his dogs and has had some success in the conformation ring. The puppy’s pedigree should include one or more champions in the first and second generation. You should be familiar with the breed and breed standard so you can know what qualities to look for in your puppy. The breeder’s observations and recommendations also are invaluable aids in selecting your future champion. If you consider an older puppy, be sure that the puppy has been properly socialized with people and not isolated in a kennel without substantial daily human contact.
It’s not easy to select a puppy from a litter of healthy, happy and well-bred Malamute puppies, as one is as cute and irresistible as the next!
A COMMITTED NEW OWNER
By now you should understand what makes the Alaskan Malamute a most unique and special dog, one that will fit nicely into your family and lifestyle. If you have researched breeders, you should be able to recognize a knowledgeable and responsible Alaskan Malamute breeder who cares not only about his pups but also about what kind of owner you will be. If you have completed the final step in your new journey, you have found a litter, or possibly two, of quality Alaskan Malamute pups.
SIGNS OF A HEALTHY PUPPY
Healthy puppies are robust little fellows who are alert and active, sporting shiny coats and supple skin. They should not appear lethargic, bloated or pot-bellied, nor should they have flaky skin or runny or crusted eyes or noses. Their stools should be firm and well formed, with no evidence of blood or mucus.
A visit with the puppies and their breeder should be an education in itself. Breed research, breeder selection and puppy visitation are very important aspects of finding the puppy of your dreams. Beyond that, these things also lay the foundation for a successful future
