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Looks like a racing kennel. Looks similar to the one I visited in WY last summer. Not how I'd keep dogs, but I think it is common. I've seen a lot of racing dogs that look skinny like that and they may be Seppala or like Ceara said they may be Alaskan huskies. I would ask for paperwork if you are really concerned and I would ask to see the kennel if they wouldn't mind.

I don't know what you are looking for in a dog, but personally I would tend to stay away from racing lines. I don't want a dog who's going to be extremely hyper all the time! But see if you can meet the parents and see what their temperaments are like and ask the breeder how they think a racing dog like that would do in a pet home. See how other puppies did in pet homes from that breeder.

At this point my main flag is why the breeder is letting you pick out a puppy already. I know that sounds strange, but racing and show breeders tend to wait and see how the puppies turn out before deciding which ones they are willing to let go. I know one racing breeder doesn't sell puppies until they are at least 5 months old, cause they want to test the puppies first to see which ones are going to be good racing candidates and which aren't. I would maybe question the breeder on why they bred this litter and if they plan on keeping any for their own kennel.

Aside from the actual breeder itself - if you're concerned already about the financial aspects and room of adding another dog - you should probably not add another dog. (Yes, I know as dog parents we WOULD find a way to afford it but...).

All puppies are cute and each and every one you see makes you REALLY want another puppy/dog. EVERY puppy I see (Megan and Sara can attest to this) I want. They have to put up with me saying how badly I want one but I know I SHOULD wait (for a number of reasons but still). And waiting I have done and will be doing AT LEAST for another 10ish months.

A huge flag I saw is:

Quote :

Mom and dad's hips are not checked. They feel that since they are working dogs with no issues that hips are OK.

Simply because you work your dog in no way guarantees that your dogs are free of HD. An excuse to not spend the money for testing and a HUGE flag. Another flag is to say the mother is skinny from nursing - if they were feeding a proper diet filled with the protein and nutrients a nursing mother needs - she would not be skinny.

Alright, made a few phone calls. They are actually a legitimate kennel. Well, as legit as a racing kennel can be. A lot of their dogs really are Seppala in lineage, but I STRONGLY disagree with the way their dogs are kept. It is completely up to you, but I would not suggest buying from them.

Niraya wrote:

Aside from the actual breeder itself - if you're concerned already about the financial aspects and room of adding another dog - you should probably not add another dog. (Yes, I know as dog parents we WOULD find a way to afford it but...).

All puppies are cute and each and every one you see makes you REALLY want another puppy/dog. EVERY puppy I see (Megan and Sara can attest to this) I want. She has to put up with me saying how badly I want one but I know I SHOULD wait (for a number of reasons but still). And waiting I have done and will be doing AT LEAST for another 10ish months.

A huge flag I saw is:

Quote :

Mom and dad's hips are not checked. They feel that since they are working dogs with no issues that hips are OK.

Simply because you work your dog in no way guarantees that your dogs are free of HD. An excuse to not spend the money for testing and a HUGE flag. Another flag is to say the mother is skinny from nursing - if they were feeding a proper diet filled with the protein and nutrients a nursing mother needs - she would not be skinny.

Actually they do health test - oddly enough.

If you want a good pup, from a responsible breeder, you may have to travel to some of the Michigan kennels or check out Jo-Kar (they are small, but have some good dogs)

I would heed the advice you've received thus far and walk away. There are way too many issues to ignore. I'm sure you've fallen for the cute puppy face but remember the big picture, not to mention there are tons of just as cute husky pups from more respectable breeders who have nothing to hide. Not to mention, a truly good breeder does not need to come to people looking for homes or lowering prices on their pups, a truly good breeder will generally have a list of people waiting for one of their pups.

With what Megan said, personally I would only buy from them if I was super into racing. If you're not into racing and sledding, I wouldn't bother.

Without stating names, this is a puppy mill. I have spoke to various responsible breeders and this kennel is bad news bears.

Ruh Roh...