Hi..

I have been offered a puppy from an expecting bitch with a hip score of 15. The breeder in question ashore me that this is perfectly normal and acceptable for a Malamute bitch, but the Kennel Club info pages state that an Alaskan malamute hip score average is 13.

I have seen the expecting bitch (2 years old) and dog (3 Years old), and they looked (to me at least)
perfectly healthy well natured and loveable.

Am I worrying unnecessarily about this?
Please help.

Shahine..

Hello Shahine , I suggest you read the Champdogs Breed Guide here : Malamutes .

There are a number of very experienced Malamute breeders here on CD and I am sure they will be able to help you further with this :)

Melody

Well I have no special knowledge of Mals., but to breed from a bitch that is 2 above the average would seem OK to me if the bitch was a good example otherwise. You should not throw the baby out with the bath water.

What is the father's hip score. The mother's score of 2 above the average is not too bad if the father's score is lower.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

The last scores issued were in Nov 2001, when 200 or so Mals had been scored, it is possible that the score has gone up or down from that by now. To get a real idea you need not just the Mums but Dad and the grandparents & g grandparents too.

I would try and get to know other breeders/mal owners. You don't have to be approaching them to join one of their puppy lists, you could just introduce yourself and explain your interested in learning more about the breed. I'm sure if you email breeders direct you'll get a clear answer to your questions and probably make some useful contacts/friends too.
If you do a guided search on the Champdogs homepage, select working breeds, then select malamute, then breeders you'll find lots listed showing their locations and contact details.
HTH
Jules :)