Breeding

Breeding goals

I breed registered Siberian huskies who fit into a breed standard. I only use dogs who have proved their capabilities as a sled dog, are healthy and old enough that most of the inherited diseases have shown up. I aim to make the first litter for a 4-5 year old female and use older males than this.

My goal is to maintain and improve breeds working traits as a sled dog and keep breeds arctic appearance. I pay close attention to dogs working and don't use dogs who lack working drive, are distracted easily or are aggressive towards people and dogs. I aim to use only natural leaders who I can trust in any situation.

I also pay close attention to dogs temperament because siberian huskies unfortunately are prone to be timid and have other behavioral issues. I won't use too timid dogs for breeding because it's harmful to health. I also don't use dogs who are aggressive towards other dogs in the same pack. I aim to use only dogs who behave well in pack and are easy-going everyday.

I use only dogs which structure can handle hard work as a sled dog. I don't use dogs whose structure clearly causes pain, irregular gait or causes severe muscle stiffness. I aim to only use dogs who have enduring, fast and agile working dogs structure and I pay attention to dogs structure flaws and that they don't repeat on both parents.

All my dogs are widely health tested. Unfortunately the breed is still poorly tested and it's rare that both of the parents are tested. So I promise that at least one of the parents is widely tested and possible risks are taken into consideration and puppy buyers are informed about these risks. My goal is to use only healthy dogs, but because this isn't always an option so I could use dogs with the mildest version of the disorder (ex. LTV1). I don't use sick dogs or dogs with symptoms or their siblings if some of the dogs have severe inherited disease (ex. epilepsy) or if the majority of the litter has the same disease.

Because the Siberian husky is an arctic purebred dog, appearance is also important. I aim to use dogs with an arctic appearance, but I also could use dogs who don't suit this standard if they have something else to give to breed. However I don't use dogs whose hair doesn't change normally without help or if the coat needs regular grooming that it stays clean and mat-free.

Raising the pups

Puppies live in the middle of everyday life for the first weeks. When they're older they spend some of the days outside. Puppies get to know normal everyday chores and also meet other dogs, cats and different people. They get used to car trips, different smells, voices, platforms and handling. They will also be taken to the pet stores and forest together and separately. When the opportunity arises, puppies will also get to see sled dog racing competitions and other events.

Puppies are homed 12 weeks old at the earliest. Release age is higher than normally because I see that it's only good for them. The best socialization period is the same time with the worst fear period so as a breeder my duty is to keep puppies the best I can so I put effort into socializing puppies with the people and dogs they already know. I don't differ from this. You can come to see puppies when they are 3-4 weeks old but I recommend coming when they are closer to 8 weeks because you can see their temperament and structure better.

Puppies go to their home fully socialized with a puppy kit and care instructions. Before being handed over they have been examined by the vet, microchipped, dewormed several times, vaccinated and registered into a Finnish kennel club and Ruokavirasto dog register.

Puppy from us?

I sell puppies only to homes who are interested in having a sled dog. Siberian husky is a working dog so it doesn't fit anyone's life and hobbies. For this reason I sell puppies only to homes who already have experience about working dogs.

I primarily sell puppies to homes with fenced yards and who have the opportunity to build a kennel outside, but to people with experience with the breed I also can sell everywhere else.

I require some kind of sled dog hobby from puppy buyers, it doesn't matter if you train alone or with your friends. I also can take my bred by's in my team. Racing isn't required but is preferable. Going into dog shows isn't mandatory.

I wish puppy buyers are interested in health testing. My dogs are widely health tested, but I don't require the same from others. In my opinion the most important health tests for Siberian huskies are x-rays (hips and spine) and eye exam (including gonioscopy). Depending on the litter testing needs could be different. If the buyer isn't interested in health testing I could add the cost of the health tests to a puppy's price. Money will be returned after tests are done.

The owner of the bred by is deserved to get a free puppy if they make the dog Working champion. The owner can also get a 50% discount if the puppy becomes a Show champion. If the dog becomes a double champion (WCH and CH), the discount is to be agreed separately.

I don't sell puppies based on their coat or eye colour, because your neighbor has a husky or because you want a dog who looks like a wolf. I don't answer the price questions or to questions where you only want to come to see puppies. If you're interested in having a puppy from us you can contact us for example via email. Introduce yourself, about your dog experience, why you want to get a puppy from this litter and about what kind of home you can give to the puppy.

All photos in this page © Suvi Kuusilaakso