My owner, Polgara, wanted a specific breed, Alaskan Malamute, for hiking and spending time on the trail and rock scrambling. I have lots of fun with Polgara, and I have enjoyed the trails and creeks we go on.
Polgara bought me from a breeder, because she wanted a specific breed, and for it to have certification on hips and eyes so I would be healthy. The breeder she bought me from, D&J Kennels, above Harrisburg, PA, advertised to be a reputable breeder of Malamutes & Huskies.
HOWEVER
THey lied about my hip & eye certification, my father was graded with fair hips, my mother was never tested. Neither were eye certified, yet their webpage states that their dogs are certified for these things.
I was also born with birth defects that were not apparent to my owner, Polgara, within the first 30 days of her owning me, so the PA puppy lemon law did not apply once Polgara realized these defects were present, including aggression and GI issues, (i require one tagumet a day).
After talking with 2 Vets, and the PA malamute rescue assosciation, Polgara was informed that D&J Kennels are a known, glorified puppy mill for huskies & malamutes, and that several people have had major problems with the dogs purchased at this kennel. The owners also boast that they breed champions, however, I've yet to know of one of their champions.
Also, D&J is listed with the Better Business Bureau...which burns Polgara's temper, big time, because thay are such a freakin fraud, and its fooling people into thinking its a reputable place.
Anyway, Polgara did not want to return me, because she did not want to release me back to such a place, so she is working with me, very patiently, through my problems, and we are having a nice time together.
If anyone in the PA area wants an Alaskan Malamute purebred, Polgara can give you the name of a reputable breeder that shows her malamutes. Steer clear of the D&J Kennels puppy mill.
Polgara's word on malamutes...people get attracted to these dogs cause they are pretty, and some people want a snow dog. That is a bad reason to buy a Malamute. I bought mine cause I owned a "pack dog" previously, and I wanted a "pack" dog that will handle rough terrain and rock scrambling, and maybe even carry some gear. I love my Malamute, but she is incredibly strong, and she challenges me, mentally, on a daily basis, cause she wants high "pack order" in my family, and these mental challenges are exhausting, and if you lose the challenge, the dog will overtake you. She also does not like children. If you don't have an extensive amount of time to put into training and exercising a Malamute, don't get one, cause it will eat everything in your house. Timber goes through at least 3 rawhides per week, and gets at least 2 miles of dog walking per day.
