Malamute puppies

Post to TxMals:

Hi, E.
How lovely that you're going to invite a new pup into your life!
Others on the list with experience in breeding & puppies will be able to give much better advice. I'm just in rescue and don't know anything about breeders (except for the sad end of things when dogs come into rescue), but my advice would be to:
1) absolutely go visit the home and observe how the people and dogs interact, their condition, etc. Of course you know to run screaming from anything like cough, splayed feet, gunky eyes/nose, tapes, fleas, etc., but just as important are how the pups and the parents are socialized.
2) absolutely insist on vet clearances for hips and eyes for the parents, at least. Do Sibes have thyroid? Heartworm, vax record, any other vet issues, and vet phone #. Then call the vet for a good long chat.
3) Re: description: there's nothing wrong with a mix/mutt/all-American, but if you get the feeling that this breeder is completely clueless and/or dishonest, beware.
4) Houston is sadly one of the areas in Texas where unscrupulous backyard breeders are selling adorable Mally puppies that turn out to have horrible hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, early glaucoma, thyroid, bad temperaments, and more. The gene pool is thoroughly muddy :-(.
If it were me looking for a puppy, I'd either: a) go to a highly recommended and thoroughly reputable breeder and pay the big bucks, or b) go to rescue. So far, I've been delighted with all my Mallies from rescue. (okay, the boys are baaaaaaad, but that's part of their charm ;-)).
I esp recommend a lady Mallie from rescue, preferably one a couple of years old. She will be way too intelligent, but will fill your heart with joy and keep you on your toes ...

Let us know what you decide!
Best
Connie

Puppy Mills on Oprah

Investigating Puppy Mills: http://www.oprah.com/world/global/slide/200804/global_20080404_101.jhtml
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200804/tows_past_20080404.jhtml

Some good material here -- hope people read it!!

Awfully depressing to know that there are Mal breeders just like that here in TX ... hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, early blindness, hypothyroidism -- the problems that plague our Mallies are genetic, and only extremely careful and conscientious breeding will eradicate them ...