Before you buy an Alaskan Malamute, there are some important things you need to establish about the breeder and their dog/s to ensure the puppy you buy is purebred and has minimal risk of developing hereditary health disorders.

Dedicated breeders are trying to eradicate hereditary diseases by screening their dogs before using them for breeding, ensuring that the puppies they produce are as healthy as possible.

Some diseases can't be tested for, so a dedicated breeder will research the dogs in their pedigrees to ensure they aren't effected with any serious diseases. 

Some questions to ask yourself before buying

an Alaskan Malamute

Are you prepared to......    

·      Take full responsibility for this dog and all its needs for the next 10-14 years? This is NOT a task that can be done by children!

·    Have the patience to accept responsibility for the dog despite inevitable life changes such as new babies, kids going off to school, divorce, relocation, or returning to work?

·    Invest the considerable time, money and patience it takes to train the dog to be a good companion? This does not happen by itself!!!

·    Always keep the dog safe: no running loose, riding in the back of an open ute or being chained outside?

·    Make sure the dog gets enough attention and exercise? Remember, Malamutes are WORKING dogs and must have something to occupy their minds.

·    Live with shedding and howling? Malamutes shed profusely twice a year and require weekly grooming to manage their thick double coats. Howling is music to a Malamute lover's ears but can drive you crazy if you're not used to it. It's just how they communicate.

·    Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including but certainly not limited to: annual heartworm, intestinal worm, flea and tick preventive, vaccines, spaying/neutering?

·    Become educated about the proper care of the breed, correct training methods and how to groom? There are many good books available, why not invest the time to read a few now?

·    Keep the breeder informed and updated on the dogs accomplishments and problems?

·    Take the questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional before they become problems that are out of hand?

·    Resist impulse buying, and instead have the patience to make a responsible choice?

·    If you answered yes to ALL of the above you are ready to start contacting breeders. Start early because most responsible breeders have a waiting list ranging from a few months to a couple of years. Remember, the right puppy or adult dog IS worth waiting for!