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buying an alaskan malamute puppy at Snowlion Kennels
Ch Rmal Snowlion Mystik Zzombe

Temperament comes first

Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes are raised to be well-bred companions. They are family pets who also happen to sled, skijor, and compete in AKC shows.

These dogs have good dispositions that reflect many years of careful breeding and selection. Temperament comes first since it is vital to the performance of our sled teams and to the well-being of our household pack.

However, Alaskan Malamutes are not a breed for everyone. Certain breed characteristics may emerge if these dogs are placed in an inexperienced household where human leadership is weak or non-existent. Many Alaskan Malamutes have a tendency toward dominance, resource guarding, and are often intolerant of same-sex dogs at maturity. In short, the adult Malamute is not a Golden Retriever, and generally not a candidate for the free-for-all, unstructured setting of a dog park.


  Alaskan Malamute puppies
Ch Snowlion's Trekn Above T'Clouds with her pups

Part of the Pack

Snowlion Malamute puppies are raised in our house and kept with their dam past weaning age for thorough socialization. Moms as well as other adults gently correct the pups so they learn appropriate behavior around other dogs.

Puppies who are seperated permanently from their mothers at 4-5 weeks play more roughly and may become aggressive with other dogs. We found it best to let the mother determine her own schedule for weaning her pups.

That is why we tell people every litter is different and within the litter, some pups will be ready to go before others. Most of our puppies can go to their new homes between 7-8 weeks, but some may need more time.


California  Nevada AKC Alaskan Malamute breeders
3 week old pups eating their first blended meal

A good start in life

We feed our Snowlion Malamute pups high quality foods: goat's milk, kefir, eggs, cottage cheese, lean meat and rice cereal. Our adult mals are fed a combination of premium fish-based kibble and home-prepared meals comprised of human-grade meat, cooked fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and yogurt. Our dogs have lived long, healthy lives on this diet. We make sure that our pups have the best possible start in life; the rest is up to you.

We are fortunate that none of the malamutes we've raised and kept here have developed cancer. Our dogs drink well water and have minimal exposure to toxins, chemicals and pesticides. We don't use fertilizers, weed killers or any bug sprays in our gardens and yards. Nor do we use any topical flea or tick insecticides on our dogs.

We encourage dog owners to look to natural alternatives for the sake of their dogs' health. If you must use a monthly flea product on your dog's skin, then please use it judiciously. Do not expose your dog to unnecessary pesticides year round.


Future champion alaskan malamute sled dogs
Excellent family companions, show and working dogs

A Solid Foundation for Health

Our Snowlion Alaskan Malamutes have been screened for hip dysplasia (OFA/PENNHIP), thryoid disease, hereditary eye problems (CERF). At 7-10 weeks, our vet examines the litter carefully, evaluates the conformation of hip joints and checks hearts and puppies receive the appropriate vaccinations and other treatments before leaving for their new homes.

Puppy buyers also have an opportunity to take the pup to their own vet, during which time, if a serious health problem is found the pup may be returned for a full refund.

We provide an " Snowlion Malamute owner's manual" with tips on feeding, housetraining, general care and training and are happy to answer any questions about your pup. We will take back any Malamute we have bred if owners no longer can care for them. We don't want them ending up in an overcrowded shelter or rescue exposed to disease and the risk of euthanasia.


How to buy an alaskan malamute puppy
Celebrating Birthdays: 12 yr old Ch Kali & Ch Zzombe

House dogs, not outside dogs

Please keep in mind that because of the way they've been raised, Snowlion Malamute pups generally do not adjust as well to kennel life. Our Alaskan Malamutes are happiest living as house dogs, as part of the family-- not as "outside" or full-time kennel dogs.

While our Malamutes prefer to be indoors near their people, that doesn't mean they are couch potatoes. Malamutes are a working breed and need a lot of exercise and a lot of attention.

Snowlion Malamutes are high energy dogs best suited for athletic individuals and active families. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog.


Buying an alaskan malamute puppy from a reputable experienced breeder
A 4 week-old red Alaskan Malamute puppy

Selecting a Puppy

Please realize that since we live with the pups, we are in a much better position to evaluate individual temperaments. It is our job to advise prospective buyers which pups will best match their life style, family situation, and also their experience with this and other breeds.

The more details you provide us, the easier it will be to help you find the right puppy. For more information about the selection process see our sales policy.



Shipping a Puppy

Our Snowlion Malamutes pups tend to be quite confident and are seldom fazed by plane rides. Most pups can handle a domestic flight at 8 weeks. For longer journeys (overseas), we recommend waiting until the pup is 10 weeks old and has had two vaccinations. We can arrange worldwide shipping with reliable cargo services and professional pet transporters.


Buying your alaskan malamute from Snowlion Kennels Breeders in California Nevada
Multiple BIS, BISS Ch Snowlion's King of the Pride WLD

Looking for a Show Dog?

We welcome inquiries from international Malamute breeders. If you are serious about showing or sledding, we can help you select the best dog for your breeding program.

We take pride in selling quality champions and show prospects. We have produced six multi Best in Show dogs and more than forty champions, along with numerous specialty winners, and nearly 50 working-titled dogs. All this has been achieved in a limited breeding program. Since our primary interest is sledding, several of our best dogs have never been shown but are still a vital part of our breeding program.

If you want a Snowlion Alaskan Malamute with the characteristic type we have produced, you should come to the source. As one old-time breeder told me, once a dog leaves your kennel it is no longer your blood line. The breeding decisions and selection of the next generation of pups by the new breeder/owner will be different and the vision that we had in establishing this line will be absent.


Buying an alaskan malamute puppy from AKC champion sled dogs
Our Snowlion Team

Pets are not for Breeding

To preserve the quality of our line, all companion pups going to non-show homes are sold on AKC limited registration and will be spayed or neutered.

Although a puppy may have champion parents, not every dog in the litter will be able to pass on the parents' desirable qualities. Our policy is to breed only those dogs that are as good as, or preferably, an improvement over their parents.

We do not sell breeding stock except to established show homes with a track record of quality care and a history of finishing champions.


 Ch Snowlion's
Kali Devi, champion alaskan malamute, foundation bitch of Snowlion Kennels
Multi Breed Winner 2 yr old Ch Snowlion Kali Devi

Breed Knowledge and Experience

It takes years to develop an eye for dogs and to understand correct breed type. Taking part in AKC show events and in performance activities like sledding is the best way to learn about the Alaskan Malamute.

In the process of training a team of sled dogs or attending shows to finish your first champion, you will learn a great deal about the breed; in time, you will be ready to share your experience and knowledge with other new comers.

And that is how the quality of the breed and its top blood lines are maintained over the years, generation by generation.


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