About AspenMyst Reg'd Alaskan Malamutes
AspenMyst was established in 1993 in Berwyn, Illinois. We lived for 4 years in Eastern Canada on beautiful Prince Edward Island. We are now located near Port Huron, Michigan.
Elissa is a veterinarian. She has been involved in many aspects of the Alaskan Malamute for 12 years, including sledding, weight pull competition, obedience, agility, confirmation showing, foster care of homeless Malamutes, board member of Alaskan Malamute Research Foundation, former Vice President of the Chicagoland Alaskan Malamute Club, and former Area Representative for the Chondrodysplasia Certification Committee.
Burt is a former President (2000-2002)and Working Chairman (1999-2003) of the Chicagoland Alaskan Malamute Club. He served as co-chair of the 2000 Specialty Show. He owned and trained dogs for 30 years including military working dogs, therapy dogs, and agility dogs. He was a medic in the US Army, First Sergeant (Ret.).
We are
both members of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, and
the Alaskan Malamute Club of Canada.
We
believe that all of our dogs used for breeding should prove their quality in the
show ring and in harness. We maintain a small kennel because above all, our dogs are
family members.
Our kennel name honors Burt’s Golden Retriever, Aspen, and our Alaskan Malamute, Misty, Mystic Northern Dancer, CGC, WPD, WWPD, Reg'd Therapy Dog.
WHERE RESPONSIBLE BREEDING AND TRAINING FOR COMPETITION
FURTHER THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE
WHILE RETAINING THEIR NATURAL WORKING ABILITIES.
We strive for:
genetic soundness
ALL
of our puppies, both show and companions, have the same full health
guarantee against hip dysplasia and all other inherited conditions that are
detrimental to the health of the dog. Our breeding stock have hip ratings
of OFA Good or Excellent. Our breeding stock are certified clear of elbow
dysplasia through OFA and are examined yearly for eye abnormalities with a
licensed ophthalmologist (CERF) and for thyroid function. We only breed to
dogs which have Alaskan Malamute Club of America certifications for Chondrodysplasia. We do our
best to ensure that we are breeding as genetically sound individuals as
possible. Our foundation lines were chosen not only for their sound
structure, but also for their reputation for genetic health and longevity.
We have high expectations for the genetic soundness of an
AspenMyst dog!
good temperament
We are proud to say that AspenMyst dogs are known for their good temperaments. It is necessary in this modern day for Malamutes to be good citizens. Our puppies are raised in our home, and mom stays with them until they are 2 months old. We feel that raising puppies in the presence of a good mother for this length of time is important for their social development. How the mother interacts with her puppies and with other people influences the puppies at this critical time of their life.
Toby and Mayah (16 mos old) playing with Frodo, Sealy, and Diva (all intact) after 14 months living apart |
Mayah, Frodo, Toby, Sealy, and Diva |
AspenMyst Chinook and friends |
Diva at a dog park |
AspenMyst Logan's Spirit C.G.C., Delta Society Therapy Dog with a friend |
· preserving working ability (structure and function) and breed type
Our goal is to promote the Alaskan
Malamute as it was originally intended...an Arctic Sledge Dog, by
breeding to fit the AKC/CKC standards of the breed, and by promoting the breed
in harness and in the show ring.
“…their function as a sledge dog for heavy freighting in the Arctic must be given consideration above all else” AKC standard
It
is important to consider both the characteristics that make the Malamute a sledge
dog (structure and movement) and those characteristics that allow it to survive
and thrive in the Arctic (breed type).
BIS BISS Ch. AspenMyst Ride The Tide
At AspenMyst, dogs meet the following health standards before they are bred:
When you consider a puppy from AspenMyst, you know that years of planning have gone into each litter to produce the healthiest puppies with sound temperaments.
All of the puppies will receive veterinary examinations, vaccinations, a microchip, and are registered with the AKC.
We make a lifetime commitment to each of our puppies, and for whatever reason, we welcome our dogs back at any time of their life. Once they are born here, they are always AspenMyst dogs!
Unfortunately, not all breeders take their dogs back. Therefore there are hundreds of malamutes cared for by rescue organizations throughout North America. Please consider adopting a homeless Malamute. If you live in the USA, visit the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League for a listing of local rescue groups www.malamute rescue.org
If you live in Canada, the Alaskan Malamute H.E.L.P. League is the national rescue organization. Their website is: www.malamuterescue.com
Malamutes are an active breed, which require regular exercise to maintain both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many Malamutes develop undesirable behaviors such as digging. Some do this out of boredom and lack of activity, and others do it just because its fun (owners must have a sense of humor)! They should be exercised and played with many times daily, which may involve walks or playing in a fenced area for a great workout!
Malamutes are a large, slow maturing breed, so we recommend that they not actively participate in repetitive exercise (for example, jogging or sledding) until at least 18 months of age, and that they not compete in weight pulls until 2 years of age. Before this time, their skeletal system is too immature for the stress caused by repetitive exercise.
Malamutes are not the breed for everybody, and they require someone who is willing to deal with their independent nature. We recommend that all puppies regularly socialize with other dogs and attend a complete obedience course between 6 and 9 months of age. Completing a class before this time will make it easier for the dog (and the owners!) to work through the "teenage" period beginning at 9 months.
When searching for a puppy, please ask the breeder to provide health clearances!
Thank you for your interest in AspenMyst Alaskan Malamutes!
Burt and Elissa, (810) 688-2495, burtkelley@aol.com