Hello all.

I am considering getting a husky puppy that's listed on Craig's List. Wanted to check with you all - do you think this is a pure bred husky, or possibly a mix. Either way is okay with me.

I'm going to ask to have the owner and me go to a nearby vet for a checkup before I commit. Any suggestions on what to ask the vet (or the owner)?

Also, this little guy was with his mom and litter mates until a few days ago. The seller says he just over 8 weeks old. That sound OK to you?

Thanks for your help!

He looks in the 8ish week range. Hard to tell if he's pure. He's not a high quality dog so purity is really relative when dealing with a backyard breeder. Pure or not when dealing with byb's or puppy mills you are dealing with someone who doesn't do health testing and people who don't make sure that they are breeding for health, and solid structure or disposition, instead of just mashing two dogs together they think are pretty which is what most people who sell on craigslist do. We usually encourage looking for reputable breeders instead of supporting people who aren't helping the breed or could be selling you dogs with genetic defects that could cost you big in the long run. That said, if you really want this one (it's easy to fall in love with that cute face. We totally get it, he is a cute teddy bear) have the vet check everything. Check his poop for parasites, check his motor and equilibrium skills, check him for UTIs. Get a thorough wellness check. As for the breeder, ask if they have any health guarantees. Good breeders offer two year guarantee against hereditary defects since it takes two years for genetic issues to show up. Don't expect to get a guarantee like that from this breeder but the question is always good. Get the dog's family history as far back as you can and if these people have had other litters in the past ask if you can speak to any of the people who have bought dogs off them before. Preferably people who have dogs over two years old to see if any hip dysplasia, seizures, or cataracts cropped up for them. These are some of the main genetic issues you could see in this breed.

If you decide to not go with this breeder we have a thread in the breeding section that has a list of what to look for in reputable breeders to help you find someone else.

Thank you! That's great information. I had not even thought of puppy mills. And I hear you about reputable breeders.

Found a good vet near this little guy. They'll do a wellness check for $57. I've told the owner I can't commit to taking the dog until that check is done, and that I'll pay for it. We'll see...

Thanks again for your help.

Just please make a good decision to spay/neuter what ever dog you decide on.

Be VERY VERY careful with craigslist dog adoptions. There are a ton of scams out there and the ones that aren't scams can be pretty shady too.

I occasionally follow the CL adds around here for huskies (and other dogs) and it's crazy. Pictures reused by multiple adds. Dogs listed as male in the title but female in the body of the post. Multiple pictures where the dog is obviously not the same dog. People advertising dogs in my area from multiple states away (the scam is to make you want the dog, pay for it to be shipped to you and then never send the dog). Listings with bad spelling. Ages of dogs that don't match the animal pictured.

The few that actually look somewhat legit typically turn out to be puppy mill breeders. Some of those try to cover up the fact that they are puppy mills with elaborate stories.

What I'd suggest is checking out where the dog has been living. Is this place a puppy mill that is just pumping out puppies to make money without any breeding control? Are the dogs well kept and provided for? Do the parents have any records, health checkups, etc.

Honestly, after following CL for about a year, I don't know if I'd ever attempt to get a husky from there as I'm not sure that I've ever seen 1 legit CL posting in my area for a husky.

Most real breeders won't advertise on CL. They typically have their own websites, and usually have waiting lists for their pups.

Have you thought about adopting from the pound or a shelter? Sure, you're not likely to find a cute puppy, but cute puppies aren't that great honestly. Getting a young 1 or 2 year old from a shelter bypasses the really annoying puppy period and you still get a lovable, energetic dog without taking the risk of dealing with a puppy mill.

CL is hit or miss...it sounds like you are being cautious already, which is good. If it were me, and the vet gave a clean bill of health, and you have a good initial encounter with the pup, I'd get it. Plus if the seller is letting you go to a vet first, I think that says a LOT.

I'm not sure if purebreed or not, but who cares, it's a beautiful pup, good luck.

Uh, folks @Pamn hasn't been on after (s)he posted that second message in the beginning of Dec last year.