what makes a spiritrun puppy so special?
Our puppies are bred with care and forethought. We have been breeding, raising, showing, working with and acting as ambassadors for this breed since 1996. This is a responsibility that we take very seriously. There is a quote that states, "Saving one rescue dog is kind; saving an entire breed is conservation." This is what it means to be a "preservation breeder". All competition aside, we are (should be) working together to preserve the integrity and welfare of these incredible historic breeds. At Spiritrun, we have always had as our "tag-line" that we are "preserving the majestic qualities of this magnificent northern breed for future generations to enjoy." This is a line that I have seen other breeders adopt over the years and we are happy to see that. It is not our place to change the breed, but to create as good an Alaskan Malamute as there ever was, a Malamute who has the qualities necessary to perform the incredibly hard work required of them in the harshest of environments, but yet also is able to adapt to the demands of today's modern society. Some of that responsibility spills over to every new home we bring into the fold, as we pass the baton on to them to ensure their Alaskan Malamute becomes a beautiful, healthy and well-socialized member of their communities.
We strive to breed robust, healthy and well-tempered examples of the breed. For their first two years of life, while they enjoy being puppies, we evaluate structure, temperament and health credentials, have them work toward or complete a title in conformation (how well they conform to our breed standard). Beyond the age of two, they may still compete in conformation and pursue addition titles in other areas. By this time we will have a good idea as to whether they will or will not be a consideration to further our breeding program. Our selection for a breeding pair is not confined to our own backyard -- we will collaborate with other breeders around the world whose bloodlines (both phenotypically and genotypically) work well with the direction are working to improve upon in our own.
Our litters are raised In our home. Rarely do we leave the whelping pen. Sleepless nights and busy days are small sacrifices we make to ensure we raise puppies who are adaptable. We incorporate early neurological stimulation and socialization protocols from Puppy Culture and Aviddog. We Temperament Test our puppies at 7 weeks of age using the Volhard protocol, and we assess conformation at 8 weeks (give or take a day or two) using the methods of Pat Hastings -- The Puppy Puzzle. Our puppies are microchipped, health-checked and vaccinated with the first inoculations of their puppy series around the 8 week mark, and are ready to start venturing out to their new homes by 8 1/2 to 9 weeks of age. The expense for transporting a puppy is the responsibility of the new owners.
One very important note: As responsible breeders, we always maintain that we will take the puppy (dog) back at any time during its life in the event that (for whatever reason) a family is no longer able to keep the puppy (dog). As ethical breeders, this is an incredibly important piece of the agreement to ensure that our dogs and our mutual decisions never, ever impact the scarce resources of rescue or shelters. We are your puppy's first and forever home. In our attempt to match puppy with family, this is what we are hoping to find in you -- a forever home for our cherished puppy. This is why we are very selective of the homes we choose, and we appreciate your participation in this process. It greatly benefits you, a potential Alaskan Malamute owner, as well!
We strive to breed robust, healthy and well-tempered examples of the breed. For their first two years of life, while they enjoy being puppies, we evaluate structure, temperament and health credentials, have them work toward or complete a title in conformation (how well they conform to our breed standard). Beyond the age of two, they may still compete in conformation and pursue addition titles in other areas. By this time we will have a good idea as to whether they will or will not be a consideration to further our breeding program. Our selection for a breeding pair is not confined to our own backyard -- we will collaborate with other breeders around the world whose bloodlines (both phenotypically and genotypically) work well with the direction are working to improve upon in our own.
Our litters are raised In our home. Rarely do we leave the whelping pen. Sleepless nights and busy days are small sacrifices we make to ensure we raise puppies who are adaptable. We incorporate early neurological stimulation and socialization protocols from Puppy Culture and Aviddog. We Temperament Test our puppies at 7 weeks of age using the Volhard protocol, and we assess conformation at 8 weeks (give or take a day or two) using the methods of Pat Hastings -- The Puppy Puzzle. Our puppies are microchipped, health-checked and vaccinated with the first inoculations of their puppy series around the 8 week mark, and are ready to start venturing out to their new homes by 8 1/2 to 9 weeks of age. The expense for transporting a puppy is the responsibility of the new owners.
One very important note: As responsible breeders, we always maintain that we will take the puppy (dog) back at any time during its life in the event that (for whatever reason) a family is no longer able to keep the puppy (dog). As ethical breeders, this is an incredibly important piece of the agreement to ensure that our dogs and our mutual decisions never, ever impact the scarce resources of rescue or shelters. We are your puppy's first and forever home. In our attempt to match puppy with family, this is what we are hoping to find in you -- a forever home for our cherished puppy. This is why we are very selective of the homes we choose, and we appreciate your participation in this process. It greatly benefits you, a potential Alaskan Malamute owner, as well!
2024 PUPPY APPLICATION
If you are seriously considering adding a Spiritrun Alaskan Malamute to your life in the next 1-3 years, now is the time to begin building a relationship with us! In the next couple of months, the application process will re-open as we begin to make plans for our 2024 litters.
The best way to stay In communication with us Is via this website. Reach-outs from social media (Instagram and Facebook) will be directed back here, as well. This helps us keep track of interested prospects; we don't want you to get lost in the tangled web of the internet.
The best way to stay In communication with us Is via this website. Reach-outs from social media (Instagram and Facebook) will be directed back here, as well. This helps us keep track of interested prospects; we don't want you to get lost in the tangled web of the internet.