Frequently asked Questions

Frequently asked questions by those interested in buying a Husky Puppy

• Windtalkers Faq
• Typically Asked Questions
• A few Last Comments

Windtalkers Faq Please read thoroughly if you are considering buying a husky.  If you are still interested you can complete our contract.  We do not take deposits until we have litters and we will keep the website updating with new litter info. We strive to produce quality pups.  Our dogs are registered with the AKC, and we carefully have chosen the parents because they had similar bloodlines, ie: racing.  By no means are we backyard breeders nor are we a Husky Kennel.  We consider ourselves to be "hobbyists."  Our dogs are beloved family members and accompany us in our daily and recreational activities. Below are some typical questions and answers that might assist you when choosing a husky as a pet from us or another breeder:

Typically Asked Questions Q  What is the difference between a reputable breeder vs. Backyard Breeder?  A reputable breeder will at a minimum do the things described below: (1) The breeders do something with the dogs other than just breed them (obedience, shows, field trials, sledding, weight pulls, etc.) (2) Health screenings on the parents (OFA/CERF/Thyroid, and  annual eye checks.) (3)  A Written Health Guarantee that pups have been seen by a vet, had their initial puppy shots and be healthy at time of sale. (4) Reputable breeders do not breed for coat or eye color. (5) Screening process of prospective buyers, ensuring that all dogs are placed in loving, caring homes.  New owners will educate themselves about the Siberian Husky breed.  We want each one of our pups to have the opportunity to live a full and happy life.  No pup will ever be sold to pet shops, pet stores, puppy mills or in the wholesale dog business.  Q. In what activities do your dogs participate? A. We currently do not show our dogs.  This is our personal choice.  Our dogs are bred for recreation, dog sledding and are considered working dogs.  We feel it is important for others who choose to breed their dogs to participate in some sort of competitive activity with their dogs in an attempt to give something back to this wonderful breed. Dogs are either raised for show or working dogs.  Know the difference. Q. What are your purchasing requirements? A.  Complete and mail back the signed contract with initial deposit to hold pup.  Balance must be paid in full before the pup is shipped or at the time pup is picked up.  If pup is to be shipped, shipping is to be paid in advance.  B. Pet puppies must be spayed/neutered before AKC papers will be forwarded. We're happy to provide any additional advice and ongoing support you feel is necessary while you adjust to life with your new family member.  We enjoy staying in touch with our pups and their new families.  We ask pet owners to give us an update a couple of times during the first two years so we know that you and your pet are comfortable with one another.  We would love you to send us pictures that we can post on our web pages. We sincerely hope that all of our puppy placements are permanent, but in the unfortunate event that the new owners are unable to keep it, we ask that the dog/puppy be returned to us or allow us in assisting in finding a suitable home.  We have many who are interested in purchasing a Siberian Husky and don't have enough puppies to go around. 4. What kind of health clearances are performed on your dogs? The health and well-being of our dogs is very important to us. Our dogs are regularly examined by our veterinarian and have received OFA hip screening, AVCO/CERF eye screening and show no signs of hereditary disorders. Thyroid panels are periodically performed. Q. When are your puppies ready to go to their new homes? A. Puppies are generally sold around 8-10 weeks of age. The longer they remain on Mother's milk the healthier they will be.  They receive natural antibiotics from their mothers milk.  For this reason we will never take them from their mother earlier than 8 weeks.  Q. What do your puppies "have" when they leave? A. Puppies are vet-checked, vaccinated, and de-wormed before they are placed with their new families. They come with a veterinary certificate of health and our guarantee. Q. How should I inquire about a puppy? A. By email or telephone, but please leave your name and number and tell us a little about yourself and what type of dog/pup you are looking for.  Please provide information about where you live and why you want a Siberian.  When do I pay the deposit?  . A. Most people send us a deposit to reserve a puppy from upcoming litters.  You can send your deposit along with your signed contract.  We require a deposit equal to half of the purchase price to hold your puppy. The balance is due when you pick your puppy up or prior to its shipment.  The deposit is non-refundable and is applied to the purchase price.  If pup is to be shipped, shipping fees must be paid in advance. We post the puppy pictures on our web pages.  We also post information on upcoming litters.  We update the site weekly.  The photos are not meant to serve as a means for you to select a puppy. Pups are available to homes in the order that the deposits are received.  We we request that those with high ranking deposits make their selections in a timely manner so that it does not delay the selection process of those that are beneath the.  Otherwise it wouldn't be fair to the others who have also paid deposits in advance.    We try to accommodate coat color preferences as much as possible; however, if you are offered puppies that do not suit what you are looking for, you are not required to take one.  You can wait for a future litters in hopes of a pup that suits your preference.  In that instance, your deposit would move up in the order once people above you had selected their puppies, but initial deposit will not be refunded. Q. Where are your puppies raised? Our puppies are raised in our home and outside (warmer days) on our deck.  They get to run and play as they get a little older in our Husky compound.  There they can interact (supervised) with the older dogs and are socialized.  Our huskies are not raised in kennels.  We think that is cruel and unusual punishment for a husky.  By the time the pups are ready to go home they will be socialized with people, other pets (dogs and cats,) and children. This is no guarantee that your husky, when grown, will not chase cats. Q.  Is is okay to leave my dog outside while I am gone at work during the day? A.  It is not recommended.  If they must be left outdoors make certain that they have plenty of water and shade and a good, sturdy, fenced yard.  Do not tie or chain them up.  I have known instances where huskies have tried to jump the fence and have hung themselves.  (Yes, they are great escape artists.)  If you must leave your husky alone unattended be sure they are safe.  Honestly, we prefer to sell our puppies as inside pets that will be treated as loving family members.  Q. Do you ship your puppies? A. Although shipping within the US is an option, it is not our preference. The puppies tend to get stressed and may have diarrhea for the first day after their trip, so it is somewhat hard on them. Shipping and crates are an added expense for the purchaser. We do not ship overseas.  Shipping within the US for freight and crate usually costs around $180 - $220 U.S dollars depending on the carrier that is used.  This price includes the pet carrier and health certificate that must accompany them. Q. What kind of food do you feed? A.  IAMS puppy food for the pups and IAMS lamb and rice for the adults.  We mix it with moist food.  We give daily vitamin supplements (from Natures Pride.)  We also supplement Linetone for healthy coat and fur. http://www.iams.com

A few Last Comments A few last comments: Never let your husky off of it's leash, even for an instant.  Huskies are notorious for loving to run and will run away if given a chance.  They will not return and will eventually get hit by a passing motorist or be picked up by a dog pound.  Many huskies are put to sleep each year as a result of negligent owners. For additional information on the breed characteristics, please check out the many wonderful informational sites on the web or buy a book recommended for new husky owners.  Amazon books sells several that are well worth the money.