PLEASE BEWARE of kennels that breed more than a couple of litters in a year (can you say Puppy Mill??). If someone is advertising 3 or more litters every year ....consider asking the question of WHY? (can you say Puppy Mill??) It takes a tremendous amount of time and attention to properly care for and socialize puppies, breeders with several litters are definitely not providing the best start in life for their puppies.

Malamutes should not be bred solely to try making money from sales of the puppies. In the dog world, there are those kennels that are known as "producers" and those who are known as "quality dog breeders". We prefer to remain in the latter group.

If someone is breeding multiple litters year after year, question their motives.... are they merely a "producer"? A "quality dog breeder" may not breed often but they maintain excellence in their breeding program. Top breeders don't need to have multiple litters every year to breed quality Alaskan Malamutes. Their intimate familiarity with the dogs in various pedigrees enables them to make the best breeding decisions and avoid trial and error combinations in the dogs they choose to include in their program.

A reputable breeder is an active member of their local and/or National breed club, such as the Alaskan Malamute Club of America or the Alaskan Malamute club in their respective country. Membership in clubs demonstrates a desire for knowledge of things such as correct breed type as well as keeping abreast of the issues pertaining to the breed.

Mountain Home puppies get a lot of love, attention and socialization from the very beginning. They begin their lives in our house getting used to the sights and sounds of family life. We have done our best over the years to breed the correct breed type so our dogs can be successful at a variety of activities. Our dogs conform to the AKC standard sizes of approximately 85 lbs. for males and 75 lbs. for females. This is the optimum size for maintaining the athletic ability, strength and endurance that is so necessary in a working Malamute. Don't be fooled into believing that "bigger is better" or that fine boned, narrow headed, leggy Malamutes that resemble Alaskan Huskies are correct breed type either. Both extremes don't fit the Alaskan Malamute standard. We strive to produce beautiful, intelligent, healthy, structurally sound dogs that fit the AKC breed standard and exemplify versatility.

The parents of each litter are always screened for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia (OFA), cataracts or other eye disease (CERF) and Chondrodysplasia (AMCA ChD) which could be passed on to their offspring. We urge anyone searching for their own special Malamute puppy to seek out a reputable breeder who also does these basic health clearances. We are now including DNA Certification in our breeding program. Find out more

If you are considering adding a Malamute to your family, we highly recommend that you do a lot of research on the breed to make sure they are the right dog for you. Malamutes are energetic working dogs that need to have a job to do to be happy and content. Whether it is sledding, hiking and backpacking, weight pulling, skijoring, obedience or agility competition that you involve them with, they like to be with you and be where the action is. This makes them not a suitable dog for everyone's lifestyle, but a perfect match for active, outdoorsy people. Please take the time to consider your decision to own a Malamute very carefully. There are far too many Alaskan Malamutes homeless and abandoned in shelters because people didn't do their homework on the breed first.

We are very careful and selective about where our puppies go. Over the years, we have actually kept most of the pups from our litters, breeding only when we need additional dogs ourselves. Our Mountain Home pups have gone on to be top obedience and agility competitors, show dogs, sled and pack dogs as well as loving family pets. We only have one or perhaps 2 litters a year, some years none at all. If you are seriously interested in sharing your life with one of our Alaskan Malamutes, please don't hesitate to contact us. But also be aware that you may have to be a little patient, as we don't have puppies available at all times. Because we feel strongly that only the very best should be used for breeding, our companion/pet quality puppies go with a spay or neuter agreement contract and limited AKC registration papers.

If you decide an Alaskan Malamute is right for you, take your time and shop around. Visit kennels, make sure you are happy with the looks and temperament of the prospective parents as they are a good indicator of what your puppy will be like as an adult. Ask to see copies of the OFA, ChD and CERF health clearance certificates on the parents. A reputable breeder will be proud to provide them for you. If the breeder makes excuses or says their dogs have never had any problems so they don't bother checking, look elsewhere for a puppy, it will save you a lot of heartache.

Seek out a breeder who you feel comfortable with. As an owner of one of their dogs, you will become part of their extended family. Any good breeder will expect you to keep in touch with them and keep them informed of your puppy's progress and will be more than willing to help you with any questions or problems which you may encounter. A good breeder cares about their dogs for their entire lives.

This web site was created and is maintained to celebrate our devotion to the breed and showcase our dogs' accomplishments, not just to sell puppies. Our dogs are our pets, our passion and our lifestyle. In our nearly 30 years of Malamute ownership we have not once had more than 2 litters in a year. We would never breed just to fill the demand for puppies. Quality and not quantity, is our goal at Mountain Home!