Selecting a Pup
Keep in Mind ...Good puppies come from good breeders
Good breeders do not sell their puppies to pet shops to be resold. Pet shops generally get their dogs from “puppy mills”
who mass produce litters with profit being their only motive. These dogs are often less healthy and more prone to
hereditary diseases than properly bred ones. The inferior quality of many of these "puppy mill/pet shop" animals will only
lead to heartbreak and large Veterinary expenses for the families that buy them. Purchasing your puppy from a reputable
breeder will insure that you are getting a dog that has been carefully bred in a loving home environment. For your sake,
avoid "farm raised" puppies and limit your search to "home raised" ones instead.
An impulse decision is usually a bad decision
For some things in life, impulse buying can be fun. When it comes to selecting a puppy, however, impulse buying can lead
to major problems for you, your family, and your dog. A good breeder will be sure that your puppy selection is given a lot
of thought and will help that thought process along by asking you lots of questions before selling you one of his or her
pups. Many people consider this "interviewing" as a threat or an insult but it is only an attempt to match the dog's
personality and physical characteristics with the needs and desires of the family looking to buy it. This screening and
"matching up" process gives you a wonderful opportunity to end up buying a puppy that you will be happy living with. Too
many sad stories can be told of families that bought a puppy on impulse (such as from a pet shop window) only to have the
entire household heartbroken when they found that the dog did not fit their lifestyle and had to be given up for adoption (or
worse.)
Breeders are the best judge of Pet quality vs. Show quality
A breeder is best able to help you distinguish between a pet quality and a show quality dog. The good breeder will match
you up with the best selection depending upon your wishes. If your desire is to get involved with dog shows, no one is
better able than a good breeder at helping you find a puppy that has great potential. If this is not your plan, pet quality dogs
are equally wonderful household companions (and will cost you less.) In either case, be sure that you get what you are
paying for. A Malamute breeder is a specialist in the breed and thoroughly understands the breed standards. This kind of
expertise is just not available elsewhere.
You are starting a long term relationship with your dog
When selecting a puppy, you are not buying a disposable item such as a toaster or a shirt. You are beginning a relationship
with a living, animal that will be very dependent upon you for its entire life (possibly 10-15 years). Be sure that you, and
the entire family, want this. Don't get a puppy as a gift or a pleasant surprise for your "kids" who may not want, be able, or
be ready to make this long term commitment. When a puppy joins a family, the ENTIRE family must be ready to take on
the responsibility. This is true for all breeds, but especially so for Alaskan Malamutes who are large, require enormous
amounts of exercise in a safe environment, need to be combed and brushed quite often, and must have good, consistent
obedience training. If in any doubt, hold off on your decision to get a puppy.
You are starting a long term relationship with the breeder
You would not buy a new car without insisting on dealer service and support after you drive the car off the lot. You would
also insist on a guarantee against defects.
It is the same with a puppy. A good, reputable breeder will not only be around to answer your questions for years to
come, but will want to keep up with your dog's progress through life. Remember, this person values his or her reputation
among other dog people and wants to keep it impeccable by selling only the best possible dogs that are certified to be free
of many genetic defects. Breeders also want to be sure that their puppies (whom they consider to be extended family) are
being well cared for by their families, and in turn, that the dogs are taking good care of their new "pack mates" (your
human family) These breeders will be around for years to come to offer you support, and advice based on their knowledge
of the breed in general, and the dog's "bloodlines" specifically.
Puppies do not become good dogs by accident
Good dogs are bred and raised to be good dogs. They come from healthy, attractive, good tempered parents who were
bred together to produce even better offspring. The dam and the pups were correctly fed, had proper veterinary care, and
received lots of handling and attention. The breeder carefully interviewed potential buyers to find the right homes,
instructed the buyer on how to raise a wonderful family pet, and was always available to help. The dog buyer listened,
asked questions, followed the instructions and put lots of time and work into the pup. The dog grew up to be a joy to his
owners and the breeder was proud of the results!
Thinking of buying an Alaskan Malamute?
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