CHOOSING A CHUKCHI SLED DOG PUPPY

1. Are the puppies registered with the National Sanjankah Dog Association and pocess Chukchi Sled Dog Registry of America papers? Ask to view the parents registration papers.

2. Can you meet the dam of the puppies? (And ideally the sire). How do they behave? Are they in control and sensible and of the nature you would like? It is most suspicious if the dam is unable to be seen. Don't be too critical of the dam's appearance at this stage she will usually be out of coat and not at her best. If so ask to see photos.

3. Have the puppies been vaccinated and regularly wormed? Ask if you can see their vaccination and worming records.

ALL BREEDERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR PUPPIES FIRST VACCINATION

BY THE AGE OF 6 WEEKS

4. Check to see that the puppies are clean and relatively free of fleas, with no lice or other parasites.

5. Their ears should be clean with no discharge. Eyes should be clean with no pussy discharge. Look for lumps around the belly area. This could mean a hernia. Some hernias disappear as the pup grows although others may require surgery. Overall, do the puppies look bright and healthy?

6. Look not only at a puppy, but the litter as a whole. Purchasing a puppy from a poor litter could be a risky proposition.

7. Are there signs that the owner has interacted with the puppies during the early days, not just left alone with the dam in some secluded spot? Chukchi Sled Dog puppies are not timid and should respond cheerfully when engaged into play.

8. When evaluating a 6 week old Chukchi Sled Dog puppy, look first at its overall appearance, bearing in mind that a growing puppy is likely to appear awkward and out of balance due to different skeletal areas growing at different rates. It should appear vigorous and plump (not bloated, indicating worm infestation). It should move effortlessly and be quite active. A slight variation in size among littermates and between the sexes is normal, and the largest puppy should not be deemed most desirable simply on this account.

Ideally Puppies are not to be sold until they are 6 weeks old.

9. What is your general impression? Are the dogs well housed and fed, happy and confident?

It is easy to place emphasis on minor technicalities and overlook the animal as a whole. Is the puppy pleasing to the eye? Type, balance, soundness, movement and temperament should be the fundamental considerations in choosing your puppy. 

It is common for puppies, from the same litter, to be sold at two different prices. Conscientious breeders strive to maintain those desirable qualities in the breed. At the same time they are always working to improve on what they have already achieved, and they do this by, referring to The Breed Standard. The standard describes the ideal Chukchi Sled Dog, and those animals that come close to the ideal are generally selected as breeding or show stock. Those that do not are sold as pets. Pet quality purebred dogs are in no way less healthy or attractive than the show or breed quality puppies. Naturally the more perfect animal, in the terms of the breed standard, will cost more, even though he might seem identical to his pet quality littermate.

Puppy Aptitude Test

puppy (color, sex) ________________ Litter______________________

date ____________

Obedience Aptitude Test

Interpreting the Scores

• Mostly 1's -- A puppy that consistently scores a 1 in the temperament section of the test is an extremely dominant, aggressive puppy who can easily be provoked to bite. His dominant nature will attempt to resist human leadership, thus requiring only the most experienced of handlers. This puppy is a poor choice for most individuals

• Mostly 2's -- This pup is dominant and self-assured. He can be provoked to bite; however he readily accepts human leadership that is firm, consistent and knowledgeable. This is not a dog for a tentative, indecisive individual. In the right hands, he has the potential to become a fine working or show dog and could fit into an adult household, provided the owners know what they are doing.

• Mostly 3's -- This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

• Mostly 4's -- A pup that scores a majority of 4's is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him continually look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train, reliable with kids, and, though he lacks self-confidence, makes a high-quality family pet. He is usually less outgoing than a pup scoring in the 3's, but his demeanor is gentle and affectionate.

• Mostly 5's -- This is a pup who is extremely submissive and lacking in self-confidence. He bonds very closely with his owner and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of himself. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful. For this reason, he will do best in a predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding, such as an elderly couple.

• Mostly 6's -- A puppy that scores 6 consistently is independent and uninterested in people. He will mature into a dog who is not demonstrably affectionate and who has a low need for human companionship. In general, it is rare to see properly socialized pups test this way; however there are several breeds that have been bred for specific tasks (such as basenjis, hounds, and some northern breeds) which can exhibit this level of independence. To perform as intended, these dogs require a singularity of purpose that is not compromised by strong attachments to their owner.

This may be copied and printed to take along with you when choosing a Chukchi Sled Dog puppy.