Most husky and sled dog owners will tell you they rushed into buying their first puppy. It is so easy to fall in love with the first puppy that you meet, but choosing your puppy carefully may save you a lot of heartbreak in the long-run.
You really have to let your head rule your heart when you go and talk with husky breeders about taking on a puppy.
Difficult as it is to be sensible, please remember ALL PUPPIES ARE CUTE, especially husky puppies, and you will want to take them all home! It's all too easy to just dive in and buy a puppy without figuring out why that puppy was bred, and how it will turn out as an adult dog.
The bottom line (for us, anyway) is that we want to know for certain that any puppy we take on has been bred from parents that were owned by loving, experienced husky owners, who know the breed well enough to be critical of their own dogs. We don't want a puppy from someone who breeds their dogs just for the hell of it, and especially not to make money.
We want to buy from owners who would rather not breed, as they are aware of the risk they put their bitches at by doing so, and care enough about them to only put them at such risk because they are such all-round good, healthy, sound dogs that they feel compelled to breed them, not to make money, but to make a positive contribution to the future of the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute or other breed they own.
We've all seen the 'show dog' specimens on the TV and in movies, and pictures of successful racing huskies in established kennels.
These dogs are a reflection of the careful breeding practices of 'good' breeders, which are shown in their majestic appearance - well proportioned, balanced, attractive, athletic, and awe inspiring.
More important than physical appearance, temperament and good genetic health must be key factors for breeders who decide to produce a litter.
Today, thanks to the growing popularity of huskies and sled dogs, these qualities are unfortunately often overlooked. Large scale 'commercial' breeders and money orientated 'hobby' breeders tend to breed whatever dogs they may have, rather than taking the time to consider carefully just why it is that they are breeding them.
Responsible breeding, in this age of rescue centers full of unwanted dogs and puppies, should be based on more valid reasons than the all too often heard:
....and so the list of excuses goes on.
A good dog breeder will not need to use any such excuses to justify breeding, nor will they focus on the 'cute puppy' stage as a selling point for their dogs.
Instead they will be keen to explain to you the qualities of the parents that made them decide to produce the litter, and what they hope the puppies will be like as they grow up.
They will show you the dog's parents (or if the male is from another kennel, show you pictures and tell you lots about him).
You should look carefully at the Mum and Dad, and other relatives, and ask yourself if they are what you want in a husky, as they are the best indication of what that cute little puppy will turn into.
No dog breeder should be pushy about selling you a puppy.
In fact, they should be a bit reluctant to let them go. They should question you at length to ensure you will be a suitable 'parent' for their puppy.
Be suspicious of any breeder who seems especially eager to let you have a puppy without thoroughly vetting you first.
It is likely that a 'good' breeder will want to visit your home to check it is suitable for their puppy.
They may also ask you for character references.
Although this may all seem a bit intrusive, you have to realize that it is just a reflection of the breeder's love for their dogs and concern for their welfare.
Would you rather buy a puppy from someone who was primarily concerned about collecting your cash or about the welfare of their dogs?
Concern over where the puppies end up is usually a good indication of the amount of thought that will have gone into the breeding of the litter, and concerned breeders breed healthy dogs of sound temperament.
Breeders who breed for 'other' reasons are much more likely to sell you a puppy with a questionable temperament or with underlying health issues.
Sled dogs in general have few notable health issues, although there are a few specific problems that affect these breeds and that owners should be aware of.
Some are thought to be largely genetic, and passed down through generations.
These include Hip Dysplasia, and eye problems including Glaucoma and Cataracts.
The genetic complexity of these conditions is not yet fully understood, but evidence strongly indicates that they can be passed down through several generations without actually 'showing up'.
Breeding two dogs that both carry the genes may cause the problem to show up again, even after several generations of unaffected dogs.
At present, genetic testing for these conditions has not been developed.
Hip scores and eye exams can detect problems in the individual dog, and it is extremely important that any dog that is to be bred is HIP SCORED and EYE TESTED before the mating takes place.
These tests will only detect problems that have emerged in these particular dogs, and will not show whether there are any problems 'hidden' in the genes that may show up in the next generation.
This is one of the reasons why it is really important that breeders know the family histories of their dogs -
not just some names on the dog's pedigree, but information about the dogs and their health status.
For more useful information, you should buy a book about puppies, and at least one that focuses your chosen breed. Buy these before you go and visit breeders and their puppies.
If you are interested in Siberian huskies, Try The Complete Siberian Husky,
For more information on Alaskan Malamutes, try Alaskan Malamutes (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
If you haven't already done so, we suggest that you join an internet forum or discussion group that focuses on your chosen breed.
These sites can be invaluable in helping new and potential owners of huskies and other sled dog breeds.
Also, do not be afraid to approach the relevant breed clubs. They will be happy to give you advice and help.