Breeding

Alaskan Malamute Club of Gauteng
(KUSA AFFILIATED)

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General

If you would like to be included in the Breeder's directory and/or Stud Dog List, please write down all the relevant information and send it together with copies of pedigrees, HD certificates and current eye certificates to the Club Secretary. Full details can be seen on the home page.

Note to Breeders

In order to prevent the proliferation of generically inherited diseases, we recommend that you please ensure that you have your dog's eyes tested annually and ensure that hips are X-rayed before breeding. It may be a recommendation to include for elbows being X-rayed. As Alaskan Malamutes are essentially working dogs and therefore be should be capable of working in some manner, be it sledding, pulling, freighting, etc., it particularly important that the dogs are healthy with a clear X-ray reading. This will also reduce any possible Chronic Hip Dysplasia problems prevalent in some other breeds.

Eye Specialists: Dr. I. Venter & Dr. A. Goodhead at +27 (0)11 465 1237 in Fourways, Gauteng and bookings also made for clinics at Onderstepoort, Pretoria, Gauteng.

Veterinary Radiologist: Dr. R.M. Kirberger at +27(0)12 529 8000, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Pretoria, Gauteng.

Also: Please issue diet sheets, general hints on bringing up puppies and TAMC membership forms to all new owners. For more information, contact The Secretary .

Responsible Breeding

Tips for the novice owner when considering breeding and looking for a stud dog

The Alaskan Malamute Club of Gauteng has a stud dog list that can be faxed to any member looking for a Stud Dog. For more information, contact The Secretary.

(Any member who has sent in his dog's pedigree and hip certificates to the Secretary of the Club is entitled to have his dog listed on the Stud Dog list for circulation to prospective breeders.)

When considering breeding

The goal should always be to improve the genetic health and temperament of the Malamute and how they fit into modern society.

	Only breed if you are totally committed to improving the breed.
	Don't breed unless you have the time, means and commitment to do it correctly (its time consuming and if done correctly, its not a profit making exercise).
	A person shouldn't breed for reasons such as: a) it would be nice for the bitch to have one litter before we spay her or, b) for the children
	Don't rush into it, read books and do your homework.
	Clear hips and elbows or as close as possible are extremely important, however temperament is equally important and other aspects are type, soundness and working ability.
	Have your animals eye tested and obtain an eye clearance certificate before breeding (to be done annually thereafter)
	Have your animals hips and elbows X-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and obtain a certificate before breeding (once off)

Tips when looking for a stud dog

	The owner of both the stud dog and bitch MUST be members of KUSA before a litter can be registered.
	The stud fee is payable at the time of mating (unless otherwise agreed with the stud dog owner). The norm is usually a free mating next time around if the bitch doesn't take.
	Look if the stud dog is proven (i.e. has he sired a litter yet and what was the result).
	Look at as many dogs as possible and decide which one you want to use BEFORE your bitch comes into season.
	If possible look at progeny from the dog you are considering using.
	Like the dog you use - your puppies may all look like him.
	Ask about temperament (also, if your bitch is very active, you may more than likely should use a calmer dog and visa versa).
	Look at the Show and Working ability of the progeny.
	Look at teeth to make sure the bite is correct (i.e. scissor preferable or level - not undershot or other problems).
	The dog you use MUST be entire (has two descended testicles).
	Look for a dog that will compliment your bitch (i.e. if your dog has a narrow head, lacks bone or is long in the body, don't use a dog that has the same faults).
	If you aren't sure about pedigrees or how to go about picking a stud dog to suit your bitches pedigree, ask advice and speak to 3 or 4 breeders and make your own decision as to which dog to use.
	Go to shows and speak to as many Malamute owners as possible but ultimately the choice of dog must be and is yours - don't be bulldozed into using a particular dog.
	The owner of the stud must also be happy about using his/her dog on your bitch and will ask to see your bitches hips, elbows and eye clearance certificates.

Irresponsible Breeding

This may be speaking to the converted but would like to briefly highlight some guidelines to responsible breeding. The golden rule should always be that of improving the breed and what is best for the bitch being used for the mating.

A poor mating of two very different types of dogs may result in a very poor quality specimen(s), thereby resulting in either the stud or bitch receiving a poor reputation. Medically, it could also lead to problems such as Canine Hip Dysplasia and Chondrodysplasia, poor temperament, eye problems, etc. Remember that a bitch can come into her first season as young as 6 months old. Proper kennelling (both on-site or professionally off-site) is strongly recommended, remember that Malamutes can dig holes and high fences are not impregnable to males. It is also recommended that sufficient time be provided between bitches producing a litter and her next mating, in order that she may fully recover. A good guideline is a minimum of 18 months between litters and this would translate into every third season.

According to both the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) and TAMC rules and regulations, the minimum age for a bitch to be bred is 22 months provided that the hip score is 0-0 or at worst 1-1. The stud should not be younger than 20 months old, with the same rules pertaining to hips and elbows. This age limitation provides for sufficient time for the respective dog to mature. It is also recommended that both elbows and eyes be tested and given a clearance certificate before any mating is considered. The eyes should be tested prior to any new mating. Failure to comply with any of the above could result in (1) poor quality puppies being bred, (2) possible medical problems arising and (3) the risk of the puppies not being eligible for registration with KUSA.

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Last modified: April 11, 2008