Guide to purchasing a Puppy

Choosing Your Breeder – with care!

Regardless of whether you are looking for pet/companion or show dog, choosing your breeder is very important. Your puppy will spend the rest of its life with you and you can give it the best start possible by going to a responsible and reputable breeder. Just as you must expect the breeder to ask you questions about yourself and your lifestyle, it is also important that you have a list of questions that you need answering. Do not be afraid to ask breeders questions, any reputable breeder will be quite willing and happy to give you honest answers. If you feel something is not right, walk away. Remember this is an important purchase, you need to get it right for the puppy’s sake and your own.

Important points to establish when questioning the breeder are –

1) The breeder is a current member of The Alaskan Malamute Club of the U.K. (if you wish to verify a breeders membership contact the club secretary) - All breeders who are members of this club have to adhere to a strict code of ethics when breeding, such as breeding age of bitches and males, breeding purposes, welfare, selling of puppies etc.
2) Evidence of satisfactory Hip Scores & Eye Tests for BOTH parents

3) A five generation pedigree will be supplied with the puppy

4) The puppy will be registered with The Kennel Club and a certificate provided (this document is not the same as a pedigree).

N.B. It is of utmost importance to ensure the registration IS with The Kennel Club and NOT with any other registration provider.

All reputable breeders will also add two endorsements to their puppies registration certificates (Progeny not for registration & Pedigree not for export), do not be afraid of endorsed documents, they are only put there to help protect the breed and, if you require, will be lifted by the breeder once you have fulfilled their criteria.

Remember – all these points are relevant even if you are only looking pet. If the breeder cannot provide you with ALL of the above walk away and find one who will.

The Alaskan Malamute Club of the U.K., The Kennel Club and all responsible breeders are there to assist you, please don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

All reputable breeders have waiting lists for their pups. Do not be lured by ads offering an 'instant puppy'. Your puppy, supplied with all the correct documentation, who's parents have been hip/eye tested, will be worth the wait.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require clarification of any of the above.

With thanks to Jayne Hood (Windberg)

who provided parts of this guide information.