My husband and I are considering a new puppy a few years down the road.  We started looking at breeders in our area.  Not many breeders in Florida.  We are also making sure the breeders have records on their dogs.  Sadly Coda came from a Back Yard Breeder. We did not know about backyard breeders when we got Coda.  He has not had any major medical issues other than a sensitive tummy.  He came to us with ringworm and has severe separation anxiety. He has developed arthritis as an older dog but, I'm assuming that is normal aging.  I have tried asking people that I see in Petsmart where they got their husky but, I just get answers like, "I got her at a pet store" or "I found an add on Craigslist for puppies."  

I guess I should get the point.

1.  Is it ok to ask for a puppy of a certain coat color or eye color when adopting from a breeder?  I would be adopting for pet quality. (companion, obedience, and agility)  I already know responsible breeders do not breed for eye color.  I don't know if that is considered superficial on my part.  

2. Do breeders let you meet the puppy before deciding which puppy you want?  I am asking because I see questionable breeders that have waiting lists and photos of the litters with first pic, second pic, etc.  I find it awkward not being able to meet the puppy to see if you have a connection.  Its a feeling like buying livestock.  Even though I bought my last husky from a terrible B.O.B., I was able to meet the litter and pick the puppy that connected with me.  

I hope I don't like a crazy person.  It has been a long time since I looked into a puppy and the internet seems to have changed the process a lot.  I know I will most likely get some responses to adopt a dog but, I want a puppy.  I want a puppy to raise and to be a part of our family it's entire life.  I am not against adopting.  I have never found purebred husky puppy for adoption.

Hey there.

It really isn't weird to be partial to certain physical features of huskies, but you pretty well answered your own question... breeders don't breed for eye color or coat color. They breed them according to accomplishments and health standards. But ultimately, it is your choice on what dog you get. If you arewanting certain colors, look for a breeders match up schedule. A good breeder will have a schedule for what sires and dams will be mating, and you can predict what colors will be possibly available.

Most breeders have waiting lists yes, but if your the first or one of the firsts on the list, you will have your choice through the whole litter (except for any the breeder chose to keep ) to bond with. Most breeders make you put a deposit down to be on the list, and some people wait a year or two before they even get their pup.

All good breeders will let you meet the pup, and they encourage you to ask a zillion questions.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a certain thing when looking for a pet. Most responsible breeders will tell you up front that they breed for health and a purpose, as you know not for eye or coat color. They may be able to tell you if the litter they are planning may fit your wants or not- but be prepared to be surprised how little what you think you want and what you end up falling in love with meet up. For example, I absolutely did NOT want a red- then I met Enya...I was done at that moment.

Responsible breeders are typically breeding to sustain their own breeding program/function- often this means they will not be choosing a puppy they will be keeping until 8 weeks of age- once the breeder makes their pick, the rest will become available to the waiting list in order of deposits received on the litter. Often litters are reserved well before the breeding ever takes place-

Hopefully you find this information somewhat helpful to your questions-

I definitely asked for a specific coat color when I was communicating with my dogs breeder. I asked for a grey/wolf grey pup and luckily that is what I got since she was the only one of that color in the litter. Visiting is a great thing to do to help you assess which pup you prefer. The others had great advice on breeders too. Also a good place to look for reputable breeders in your state or a state next to you is shca.org and take a look at their referral/breeder directory.

@lillith87 Thanks for the tip on the breeding schedule. I have seen "Expected Litter" lists on some breeders websites. I suspected that is how they can kinda predict what types of pups will be born. I will definitely have to get on a waiting list. My husband and I know it may take a couple of years but, I am willing to wait. I do know I would like to have a female the next time. Mostly due to size. My boy is massive. Not fat but extremely tall. He was 85lbs at his prime.

@HuskyMom09 I guess it would make sense the breeder picks first. I know I want my husky as a pet. Not to breed. I would love to do conformation shows but, I want to my girl spayed. I know I want to do agility. Thank you. It was helpful.

@WolvenSight I see pups 2 weeks old that are marked sold/reserved. It gives a "you snooze you lose" or "hurry hurry theses puppies are going fast' vibe I don't how you can tell anything about a puppy that young. I would of course get on the waiting list and then would want to see once born when they are able to walk (ears and eyes open). I would really love a red, female, with blue eyes. It's not a must but, I would love it.