Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted AKC Alaskan Malamute & Siberian Husky Breeder in Central Pennsylvania
For over three decades, D & J Kennels has been dedicated to raising and breeding high-quality AKC-registered Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. Founded in 1989 by Julie Whitmer and her husband David, our family-owned business prioritizes genetic health, temperament, and breed standards through rigorous testing and responsible pairings. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond breeding to include boarding, daycare, and grooming services at our sister facility, D and J's Pet Lodge, serving the Central Pennsylvania community. We specialize in creating well-socialized puppies with proven bloodlines, ensuring lower risks of hereditary health issues through OFA certification and eye health testing. Our team works closely with clients to match them with puppies that align with their lifestyle, offering guidance on care, nutrition, and training.With 34 years of experience, we combine generational expertise with a passion for animal welfare to produce loyal, healthy companions. Our reputation is built on transparency, customer satisfaction, and the lifelong support we provide to pet owners. Every puppy comes with a health guarantee and detailed care instructions to ensure a smooth transition to its new home. We maintain active communication with adopters post-sale, fostering a community of informed and responsible pet owners. Our facility adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and animal care, reflecting our dedication to both the dogs and their future families.
Services
Breeding Services
Boarding
Daycare
Grooming
Available Puppies
Retired Adults
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 34 years of experience in responsible AKC breed registration and pairing
- Mandatory OFA and eye health testing for all breeding dogs
- Personalized guidance for matching puppies to owner lifestyles
- Comprehensive health guarantees and post-adoption support
- Family-operated with generational expertise in sled dog heritage
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
What people say
Loves everyone
Beautiful pedigree
Great personality
Lifelong support
Health-screened
Services
AKC Alaskan Malamute Breeding
We specialize in breeding AKC-registered Alaskan Malamutes with proven bloodlines. Our program focuses on genetic health testing, temperament evaluation, and maintaining breed standards. Each puppy receives early socialization and comes with health guarantees.
Siberian Husky Breeding
Our Siberian Husky breeding program emphasizes health, agility, and friendly temperament. Puppies are raised in family environments with OFA-certified parents to ensure optimal genetic quality and adaptability to home environments.
Pet Boarding
D and J's Pet Lodge offers secure, clean boarding for dogs. Our facility provides spacious play areas, supervised socialization, and personalized care to ensure pets feel comfortable during their stay.
Grooming Services
Professional grooming services include coat maintenance, nail trimming, and bathing. Our staff handles double-coated breeds like Malamutes and Huskies with specialized techniques to manage heavy shedding seasons.
Puppy Socialization
Early socialization programs prepare puppies for successful transitions to new homes. We focus on basic commands, crate training, and exposure to household environments to build confidence and good behavior.
People
Julie Whitmer
Co-Owner & Lead Breeder
Julie Whitmer co-founded D & J Kennels in 1989 with a passion for preserving sled dog heritage. She oversees breeding programs, genetic testing, and customer education, ensuring every puppy meets strict health and temperament standards.
David Whitmer
Co-Owner
David Whitmer partners with Julie in managing D & J Kennels' operations. He contributes to facility maintenance, puppy development, and long-term breeding strategy while supporting community outreach efforts.
Questions
What health testing do you perform on breeding dogs?
We conduct OFA certification for hips and elbows, eye health testing, and genetic screening to eliminate hereditary conditions in our breeding program.
Do puppies come with a health guarantee?
Yes, all puppies include a written health guarantee covering genetic defects and early veterinary care requirements.
How do you help customers choose the right puppy?
We assess your lifestyle, activity level, and preferences to recommend puppies with compatible temperaments and energy levels.
What food do you recommend for Malamutes and Huskies?
We feed TLC Pet Food and recommend continuing this high-quality diet to support optimal growth and coat health.
Are your dogs suitable for families with children?
Both breeds are known for gentle temperaments and patience with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Do you offer boarding for non-puppy dogs?
Yes, D and J's Pet Lodge provides boarding services for dogs of all ages with specialized care for active breeds.
