hi there, my partner and i are looking to add a new member to our home. we had two samoyeds, one died two years ago and then the other had kidney probs and unfortunatly had to be put to sleep. we are in the middle of moving into a big new house and would love to get a new breed of pup but having spoken to our vets they have told us we may need to put our names on a breeders puppy list. we really want to get an alaskan malamute pup, we have done alot of reading up on the breed and feel that we could give one a good home. we are looking to get a puppy a sometime after xmas as we will have settled into our new house by then. we would like to know if anyone has a litter of pups due in the new year or ready to be homed in the new year.

I can understand you want a puppy now but please be aware that reputable breeders tend to have a waiting list, or at least don't breed until they have a few people interested. There are more breeders now, so the wait is getting shorter but please be careful of people advertising litters or people with puppies already available - it does happen, but not often! Don't buy from the free ad papers, they are often an outlet for puppy farmers

A few pointers to help you on your quest for a Mal pup....

Ensure that both the sire and dam are KC registered - if they aren't, you can't be sure that you are getting a pure Malamute!

Ensure that the sire and dam have been hip-scored and eye-tested and ask to see the results.

Make sure the dam is over 2 years of age and no older than 7 - and has had no more than four litters in her lifetime

Where possible, see both parents and see how friendly they are. Mals should never show fear or aggressiveness towards people.

Ask the breeders whether they show or work their dogs.

Ensure that breeders will take the dogs back should you need to re-home for whatever reason in the future.

All reputable breeders will sell puppies with a contract. This safeguards you as well as them and gives you a chance to return the puppy if a veterinary  surgeon finds a problem. This contract will carry endorsements to stop you from exporting the dog or from breeding unless the puppy subsequently has good hip scores and eye tests. Please avoid breeders who do not sell with a contract.

Try and get to a show and meet some Malamute owners (LKA at Birmingham in December is the next big show with Mals) Most owners are more than happy to talk to people about Malamutes and to introduce you to their dogs

Ask the breeders if they are members of the breed clubs (AMCUK  or AMWA - Alaskan Malamute Club of the UK or Alaskan Malamute Working Association)

Good luck in your search and if I can help in any way, please contact me. There are lots of us owners and prospective owners about who are happy to talk!

There's Midland Counties in Stafford too on October 31st :)

Good luck with the move and good luck with the search!