Breeding takes more than selecting attractive specimens.
Breeding Alaskan Malamutes takes more than simply arranging a date and time for your female dog to meet with an attractive stud down the street. Because of the increase in genetic disorders and temperamental flaws due to poor breeding, it is imperative for prospective breeders to do advanced research and perform a variety of health tests on their breeding specimens. The goal of breeding Alaskan Malamutes should therefore be ''to preserve the magnificence of the breed without exploiting it,'' as recommended by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. The ultimate goal for an ethical breeder should be to improve the breed, rather than simply make some money.
Instructions
1. Learn as much about the breed as you can. Read books, attend dog shows and talk to other Alaskan Malamute breeders. Consider becoming a member of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America or a local all-breed club. Such breed clubs promote responsible breeding and encourage members to abide by important codes of ethics.
2. Carefully assess qualities and faults.
Assess carefully whether your Alaskan Malamute stud or dam is of breeding quality. Research well and familiarize yourself with the breed standards and compare your dog critically, determining the presence of any faults. If feasible, trace down your Malamute's pedigree and see whether there is any history of hereditary flaws.
3. Evaluate how your Malamute ranks in the conformation ring.
Enroll your Malamute in conformation shows recognized by the American Kennel Club and see how your dam or stud ranks. Consider putting as many titles on your dog as you can. Conformation, temperament tests and working titles are strongly encouraged.
4. Have your vet see your Malamute for important health screenings.
Take your Alaskan Malamute stud or dam to your veterinarian to obtain important health clearances for problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, chrondysplasia and heritable eye disorders. Also have your veterinarian examine your dam or stud for possible reproductive problems.
5. Determine the ideal time for planning the breeding. Dams should not be bred before their second birthday and not before their third season. Studs must have both testicles descended and not be bred before 18 months of age. At these ages, stud and dam are both physically and mentally more mature and the dam will more likely be a good mother.
6. Selecting the ideal match takes more than good looks.
Match your dam with the most appropriate stud or vice versa. Do your homework well in selecting the ideal candidate that will help improve the breed. If unsure, ask the help of an experienced breeder. Ensure the selected candidate has also passed all important health clearances. As the dam's heat nears, have both dam and stud undergo a brucellosis test.
7. Determine when your female is in heat.
Determine when the dam is in standing heat. Generally, dams are most fertile from days 8 through 15 of their heat cycle counting from the day the bleeding started, according to veterinarian Margaret V. Root Kustritz with the University of Minnesota. Should you be unsure of the right timing, consult with your veterinarian about having a vaginal smear run to better determine the optimal time for breeding.
8. Take the dam to the stud's home. If in standing heat, she will flirt a little and then allow the male to mount. Provide a non-slip surface such as carpet or a large rug. At some point, the male and female will be stuck in a ''tie'' back-to-back for several minutes. Keep both dogs calm until they dislodge naturally.
9. Allow stud and dam to possibly breed every other day starting from when the dam is receptive until she allows the male to mount. Margaret V. Root Kustritz recommends breeding every other day to give time for the male's sperm to rebuild, increasing the chances for pregnancy. If all goes well, Alaskan Malamute puppies should be shortly on their way.
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