So you want a Malamute?
If you have got the time, patience, determination, strength of character, aerobic capacity and above all else total honesty with yourself about the aforesaid Malamute owning attributes, then read on.
Well where do you start? If you own a computer it's like system overload and it can be really difficult sorting out the wheat from the chaff. To be honest I feel quite sorry for most prospective Malamute owners. When I first came into this breed there was probably only about half a dozen breeders around at the time and out of those there were only about 3 or 4 who were breeding regularly, and when I say regularly I mean 1 or occasionally 2 litters a year. Back then there seemed to be a lot more respect for the breed and potential owners were rigorously vetted for suitability, and had to wait on a breeders list for up to a year or more. This tended to put off a lot of people; but then again if you were really serious about owning a Malamute, then in my opinion it was worth the wait.
However, nower-days you can get your hands on a Malamute at the drop of a hat. Once demand outstripped supply but recently there has been a sudden surge in puppy farms and backyard breeders trying to cash-in on this very special breed. A lot of these individuals have no real experience or interest in the breed and therefore can offer no genuine after-care advice to the first time owner. Some of these breeders may own multi-breed kennels. They may even be very experienced and/or successful with one of their other breeds on the show circuit. In most of these cases malamutes are classed as the 'bread and butter dogs', where by pups are bred without much in the way of concern for type or temperament. Unfortunately it's more a case of 'bitch X dog = ££'s'. Their dogs are nothing more than breeding machines, I feel such anger and sorrow at the lives some of these poor 'battery' dogs must have.
A reputable breeder does not necessarily need to own dozens of Malamutes you do come across the odd genuine enthusiast who may only have 2 or 3 dogs. There have been some outstanding Malamutes produced by such 'hobby' breeders over the years. Just because these breeders are not breeding regularly, does not mean to say they have not got the knowledge to produce a quality pup. One of the main benefits of buying from a reputable breeder (whether they are hobby or professional) is that you will get a lifetimes backup and genuine experience backed knowledge, and with such a specialist breed as Malamutes you will need it. That is why I am not using this space to talk about choosing or, raising and training puppies, I'll leave that to the 'reputable' breeder. Personally I believe that anybody breeding Malamutes should have raised at least one puppy of each sex to full adulthood and maturity. If they have only ever owned one female Malamute (the puppies mother) or have acquired adult breeding stock (like in the cattle trade), how can they possibly advise you on any problems you may encounter with a male pup? You can not get experience out of a book it has to be earned! Believe me the differences between males and females can be enormous. However I do know of a few people who actually bred the first male that they owned, and they seem to have done a decent job. I would tend to be a bit cautious of non-male owning breeders' only keeping females from their litters or those who never keep any pup's at all. After all the whole idea behind a good breeding program, is to constantly strive to improve the breed, so each litter should be another step up on the ladder of perfection.
The best place to go if you are serious about owning a Malamute is either a dog show (preferably with Malamute classes) or a sled dog rally. At either of these venues you should find genuine 'Mal people'. Don't be afraid to approach them and ask about their dogs, this way you can find out which type of Malamutes you like (yes! They come in all different shapes, sizes, colours and dispositions.) You may also meet some breeders there. A good breeder will be keen to know about you, so as to assess your suitability for Malamute ownership. Most breeders encourage people to come and visit their kennels. This gives them a chance to see you around Malamutes, and it also gives you the chance to be with Malamutes close up in a relaxed environment. Some people who have only ever seen Malamute in books (most of which show loads of really cute puppy pictures) are quite taken aback when confronted with a large adult who wants to lick them to death.
There are also lots of dog related Internet sites, which have breeders list's on them. Some of these breeders are very responsible, however there is no criteria or code of ethics for people included on most of these sites, therefor you can almost guarantee that you will also get the 'quick buck' merchants on there. There are also a lot of chat rooms and forums offering advice on all things doggie including Malamutes. To me it seems there are a lot of advice givers out there who thrive on preaching to would be owners about the pro's and con's of the breed (says me on my soap box). However, it is worth bearing in mind that in the faceless anonymity of the Internet that you really don't know if your adviser has any real experience, or weather they are just plagiarising some book or magazine, or even just repeating some second hand information to you. On the subject of books, make sure you read as much as you can. The AMCUK web site is becoming a good source of information. As well as having a club stall, It also offers a list of recommended reading, these books range in price from about £6 to £50, most of these books are well worth the money, after all you wouldn't buy a VCR without an instruction manual would you?
There is also another theory floating around that Malamutes should only ever be bought from members of the AMCUK. I would agree with this in some part. However, I do know of a few breeders who gave up on the club along time ago due to the clubs ceaseless political wrangling, and the fact that they felt at the time the club was doing nothing to promote the well being of the breed. There are also a few club members who seem to always have pup's available, and I would be tempted to question their ethics.
Also at the AMCUK web site you will find a rescue page. It is well worth considering a rescue dog if you are struck on Malamutes, but perhaps feel that a puppy is not right for you.
Checklist.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the current breed average for hip scores, and ensure that the parents are within this range (a point or so over doesn't usually give rise for concern providing that it is only one parent with a slightly high score). Breed mean scores can be obtained here BVA.
If the breeder is not willing to supply any of the above, simply walk away. It is your money and therefor you have the right to vett them also. Any decent breeder will respect this approach, as they should have nothing to hide, and it also shows them that you have done your homework.
The do not checklist:
I hope that this page has been of use to you, and if you are still tempted to buy from a breeder who you feel may be less than honourable. You are probably going to use the excuse that you will be doing the pup a great service by rescuing it from this place or person. Please, please, please, do not kid yourself you are just ensuring that this person will keep on breeding and breeding the poor dam until she is no longer of any use to them. If they can not sell the pup's they will stop breeding! Well actually they will find another breed to exploit and the cycle will start all over again (oh! I'm such a cynic), but at least the continued exploitation will not be because of your ignorance.