Checklist for Choosing a Puppy
When going to buy a puppy, there are certain things that should be investigated by the purchaser
before a final decision is made on which dog to bring home.
This list of questions, broken down into four categories, is meant to help you remember all the
things to check for. Please feel free to print a copy of this list and bring it with you when looking
at puppies to buy. A reputable breeder should be more than willing to review this list with you one
question at a time.
Health
1.
Are the puppies clean and do they appear healthy?
Puppies should be active, bright eyed, and have an outward appearance of good
health (good skin and coat, no unusual odor, clean ears, etc.)
2.
Have the puppies been checked for worms?
Be certain that the puppy has been examined for worms and that it will receive at
least one vaccination before it goes home with you.
3.
Have the parents been x-rayed for hip displasia?
This is just one of several genetic disorders that Alaskan Malamutes can be prone
to. The breeder should be aware of hereditary diseases that can affect Mals and
should be actively trying to breed sound, healthy dogs with stable
temperaments. Be sure to have the breeder discuss with you CHD, OFA,
CERF, and if his or her dogs have been certified in these areas.
Early Socialization
1.
Are the puppies friendly and attracted to people?
Puppies should be outgoing, begging to be picked up, competing for attention, and love being held and played with.
Beware of the very timid puppy.
2.
Is the mother friendly and attractive?
By the time the pups are 6 weeks old, the mother SHOULD NOT be aggressive
or overprotective of her young. If the father is present, is he willing to make friends with visitors? DO NOT buy puppies whose parents have poor
temperaments. TEMPERAMENT CAN BE HEREDITARY!!!
3.
Are the puppies old enough to leave the litter?
Puppies should NEVER be taken away from their litters before 6 weeks of age. They need to interact with their littermates for at least that long. Seven or eight
weeks is even better. However, there is a limit. A puppy that is kept with its
littermates past the age of 10 weeks may have become "dog dependent."
4.
Did the breeder start to socialize the puppies?
If the breeder has given each puppy the individual attention, care, and training that
it needs during the first 6-8 weeks of its life, it will be obvious.
The Breeder
1.
Is the breeder experienced with Alaskan Malamutes?
The breeder should be able to answer your questions about the dogs and help
you with any problems that arise. This is one of the reasons you are buying from a
breeder and not a pet shop (or someone that raises puppies commercially) whose
prime motive is profit, not the well being of the dog.
2.
Were you told about both the good and bad characteristics of Alaskan Malamutes?
Every breed has its good points and bad. No one breed is perfect in every way.
The breeder should be honest with you about the drawbacks that there are to
owning an Alaskan Malamute. Beware of the hard sell. If you are being
pressured into buying the puppy WALK AWAY.
3.
Did the breeder insist that you take the dog through obedience training?
Responsible breeders often make this a requirement for sale. There is good
reason for it. If you want your Alaskan Malamute to be a pleasure to own, it must
have at least some basic obedience training.
4.
Did the breeder discuss dog crates with you?
He or she should be explaining the importance of crate training, stressing how
helpful they are, and talking about how to use them.
5.
Will you get some kind of "starter kit"?
The breeder will probably give you some materials to take home with the puppy
to get you started. This "kit" will probably include some dog food, instructions on
the care and feeding of your pup, a list of necessary supplies to have at home,
dog care books, and some information on Veterinarians and dog training schools.
6.
Is the paperwork in order?
You should receive a contract (signed by both you and the seller), and a
pedigree. Most responsible breeders sell their puppies on spay/neuter contracts,
which means that you will receive the registration application only AFTER your
dog has been spayed or neutered. This should be explained in the contract.
(Note: You should not have to pay extra for the pedigree).
Your Responsibilities
1.
Are you willing to make a long term commitment to this dog?
Upon the purchase of this puppy, you are making a very serious, long term commitment to the health, care, training, and love of this dog. You should have this animal with you for a dozen years or more and it is your responsibility to do
everything possible to keep it well, and happy for its entire life. A dog is not an
object to be discarded when it no longer fits your life style!!! If you have any
doubts that you can make this commitment, you need to seriously reconsider your
decision to get a dog at this time.
2.
Do you feel like you are adopting a child?
You SHOULD be feeling this way!! Buying a puppy is a very serious act that
involves great responsibility. DO NOT TAKE THIS RESPONSIBILITY
LIGHTLY.
Thinking of buying an Alaskan Malamute?
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