Buying An Alaskan Malamute

The following text is intended as a guide to help you buy an Alaskan Malamute. It is not exhaustive by any means and in all purchases a "buyer beware" attitude is recommended. The AMCUK holds a breeders list on this website of club members who have agreed to adhere to the code of ethics of the club and would of course suggest that you contact these breeders first when looking for a puppy but appreciate that there are reputable breeders who are not on this list. In every case, it is the responsibility of you as a purchaser to make relevant checks when purchasing a puppy from any source.

Kennel Club Registration. Kennel Club (KC) registration isn't just a piece of paper, nor is it only needed for breeders or show dogs. KC registered puppies ensure that you are getting an Alaskan Malamute and not a crossbreed. These papers give you assurance that you are buying a purebred dog. The Kennel Club is the ONLY registration body in the UK for purebred dogs, do not accept registration with any other organisation as proof of pedigree. You should be able to see the registration papers (or copies) for both parents and these should also show the health test results of the grandparents. The document will also show that there are no breeding endorsements on either parent. NEVER buy a puppy without Kennel Club registration.

Health Testing. It is important that you check with the breeder of your puppy that they have health checked both parents. Alaskan Malamutes are required to have been hip scored and been eye tested for hereditary cataracts before breeding. Ask any breeder to show you the BVA hip score paperwork for both parents which with a combined total score should not be over 26 (twice the breed average) and ask to see the clear eye test certificates for both parents which should be dated within the previous 12 months (eye tests should be carried out annually).

Age Requirements. A bitch should not be bred from before she is two years of age, a dog should not be used at stud before he is 18 months old.

"I want to breed from my puppy in the future". If you have any intention of breeding in the future, you must tell the breeder of your puppy before purchase. They will explain to you any breeding restrictions on your puppy and the circumstances, if any, that they would be willing to lift those endorsements allowing you to breed. As a minimum, expect to have the puppy hip scored and eye tested and be considered by your breeder to be a good specimen of the breed. Some breeders may expect you to show your puppy or work it before considering it suitable for breeding and some breeders may not lift breeding restrictions at all so it is very important that this is discussed at the time of purchase.

"I want to look into showing my puppy". If you are interested in showing you should discuss this with the breeder to ensure that they are aware you are looking for a top quality puppy, one without any obvious conformation flaws and one with a personality to show potential for the ring. It would be advisable to look for a puppy from a breeder who shows themselves, has some idea of the requirements for showing and will be there to guide you as you start out. It is imperative to remember that any puppy can only be sold as "show potential" and nobody can be certain that any puppy will enjoy showing or be a winning dog.

"I am interested in taking part in working events with my puppy". There are many activities that Malamutes can take part in such as agility, rallying, weight pulling, backpacking and cani-cross. Any well bred Malamute should have the capability to work, although with anything some are more keen than others! There are plenty of breeders who work their dogs in different disciplines and are able to give guidance when starting out. Ensuring parents and grandparents are health tested will reduce the chance of your puppy developing a physical problem such as hip dysplasia which would stop it taking part in activities. It is worth noting that many of the working organisations now only allow Kennel Club registered dogs to take part in their events.

"I only want a pet. Is this all really necessary?" In a word, yes! When you buy your puppy you look forward to a long, healthy life together of 12 years or more. By buying from a breeder with Kennel Club registered puppies, with health tested parents and with a known health test history in the pedigree, it is far more likely that you will get a good quality puppy that will remain healthy and in turn you will avoid costly veterinary procedures down the line. Don't assume that because you want a pet you have to settle for second best because even top show and working kennels have puppies in their litters that are maybe not quite the right temperament, too laid back and would be better suited to a pet home.

If, at the end of this you feel that puppy purchasing is a complete minefield, have you considered one of the many rescue dogs that come through Malamute Rescue every year? They come in all sexes, colours, sizes, ages and with a vast number of different requirements for a loving family! If you want to take a peek at the work of Malamute Rescue, click here! http://malamuterescue.org.uk/