Buying A Snowlion Alaskan Malamute
Ch Rmal Snowlion Mystik Zzombe with a neighbor's child
Temperament comes first
Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes are raised to be well-bred companions. Our malamutes are family pets who also happen to sled, skijor, and compete in AKC shows.
These dogs have good dispositions that reflect many years of careful breeding and selection. Temperament comes first since it is vital
to the performance of our sled teams and to the well-being of our household pack.
However, Malamutes are not a breed for everyone. Certain breed characteristics may emerge if these dogs are placed in an inexperienced household where human leadership is weak or non-existent. Many Malamutes have a tendency toward dominance, resource guarding, and are often intolerant of same-sex dogs at maturity. In short, the adult Malamute is not a Golden Retriever, and generally not a candidate for the free-for-all, unstructured setting of a dog park.
Ch Snowlion's Trekn Above T'Clouds with her pups
Part of the Pack
Our puppies are raised in our house and kept with their dam past weaning age for thorough socialization. Moms as well as
other adults ("aunts and uncles") gently correct the pups so they learn manners and submissive behavior toward their elders.
Puppies who are seperated permanently from
their mothers at 4-5 weeks play more roughly and may become aggressive with other dogs. We found it best to let the mother determine her own schedule for weaning her pups.
That is why we tell people every litter is different and within
the litter, some pups will be ready to go before others. Most of our puppies can go to their new homes between 7-8 weeks, but some may need more time.
3 week old pups eating their first blended meal
A
good start in life
We feed our pups high quality foods: goat's milk, kefir, eggs, cottage cheese, lean meat and rice cereal. Our adult mals are fed a combination of premium fish-based
kibble and home-prepared meals comprised of human-grade raw meat, cooked fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and yogurt. Our dogs have lived long,
healthy lives on this diet. We make sure that our pups have the best possible start in life; the rest is up to you.
We are fortunate that none of the malamutes we've raised and kept here have developed cancer. Our dogs drink well water and have minimal exposure to toxins, chemicals and pesticides. We don't use fertilizers, weed killers or any bug sprays
in our gardens and yards. Nor do we use any topical flea or tick treatments on our dogs.
We encourage dog owners to look to natural alternatives for the sake of their
dogs' health. If you must use a monthly flea product on your dog's skin, then please use it judiciously only during the height of flea season. Do not expose your dog to
unnecessary pesticides year round.
Excellent family companions, show and working dogs
A
Solid Foundation for Health
Our dogs have been screened for hip dysplasia (OFA/PENNHIP), thryoid disease, hereditary eye problems (CERF). Our foundation
stock and three descending generations have been screened for CHD (chondrodysplasia) by radiographic exams at Washington State University. At 7-10 weeks, our vet examines the litter
carefully, evaluates the conformation of hip joints and checks hearts.
Puppy buyers also have an opportunity to take the pup to their own vet, during which time, if a
problem is found the pup may be returned for a full refund. In addition, our show puppies are examined by a veterinary opthamologist & receive their first CERF
clearance at 8 weeks.
We provide an "owner's manual" with tips on feeding, housetraining, general care and training and are happy to answer any questions
about your pup. We will take back any Malamute we have bred if owners no longer can care for them. We don't want them ending up in an overcrowded shelter or rescue exposed to disease and the risk of euthanasia.
12 yr old Ch Kali & Ch Zzombe waiting for Birthday treats
House dogs, not outside dogs
Please keep in mind that because of the way they've been raised, Snowlion pups generally do not adjust as well to
kennel life. Our malamutes are happiest living as house dogs, as part of the family-- not as "outside" or full-time kennel dogs.
While our malamutes prefer to be indoors near their people, that doesn't mean they are couch potatoes. Malamutes are a working breed and need a lot of exercise and a lot of
attention.
Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes are high energy dogs best suited for athletic individuals and active families. Remember, a tired dog
is a happy dog.
A 4 week-old red Alaskan Malamute puppy
Selecting a Puppy
Please realize that since we live with the pups, we are in a much better position to evaluate individual temperaments than you will be during your brief visit with the litter.
It is our job to advise prospective buyers which pups will best match their life style, family situation, and also their experience with this and other breeds.
The more
details you provide us, the easier it will be to help you find the right puppy. For more information about the selection process see our Buyer's FAQs (forthcoming).
Shipping a Puppy
Our pups tend to be quite confident and are seldom fazed by plane rides. Most pups can handle a domestic flight at 8 weeks. For
longer journeys (overseas), we recommend waiting until the pup is 10 weeks old and has had two vaccinations. We can arrange worldwide shipping with reliable cargo services and professional pet transporters.
Multiple BIS, BISS Ch Snowlion's King of the Pride WLD
Looking for a Show Dog?
We welcome inquiries from international malamute breeders. If you are serious about showing or sledding, we can help you select the best dog for your breeding program.
We take
pride in selling quality champions and show prospects. The dogs we have exported include a Best in Show dog in Australia, and some group and specialty winning bitches in Europe.
Please keep in mind that we can hold adult dogs here for the AU/NZ quarantine or EU rabies regulations from April to November, but not during our racing season
from December to mid-March. Generally, we will not hold young puppies for the extended rabies quarantine, only adults.
Snowlion Alaskan Malamute Team
Pets are not for Breeding
To preserve the quality of our line, all companion pups going to non-show homes are sold on AKC limited registration and will be spayed or neutered.
Although a puppy may have champion parents, not every dog in the litter will be able to pass on the
parents' desirable qualities. Our policy is to breed only those dogs that are as good as, or preferably, an improvement over their parents.
We do not sell breeding stock except to established show homes with a track record of quality care and a history of finishing champions or competing in sled dog races.
Multiple Breed Winner, 2 yr old Ch Snowlion's Kali Devi
Breed Knowledge and Experience
It takes years to develop an eye for dogs and to understand correct breed type. Taking part in AKC show events and in performance
activities like sledding is the best way to learn about the Alaskan Malamute.
In the process of training a team of sled dogs or attending shows to finish your first champion, you will learn a great deal about the breed; in time, you will
be ready to share your experience and knowledge with other new comers.
And that is how the quality of the breed and its top blood lines are maintained over the years,
generation by generation.