Defining The Origins of the dogs used in today's closed studbook Registries:
If you read many books on the Siberian Husky breed that are in print today, you will find that there is a romanticism attached to Chukchi in regards to the origin of this breed. It has been published countless times that the Siberian Husky is a breed that has been pure for thousands of years and that the Siberian Husky we know today is a bottleneck pure breed coming exclusively from the Chukchi tribe by the Bearing Sea. However few people ever reference the importation docking points of each individual importer. Leonhard Seppala who was one of the foremost importers of working Siberian Huskies in the beginning before the breed was even registered (...and the turning point that caused the breed to be registered), was quoted as saying this:
So by the admission of this and other importers, today's AKC/Blanket definition "Siberian Huskies", are a blend of the natural Laika breeds in Eastern (But not 100% exclusive to East) Siberia. There is nothing wrong with breeding dogs in this way, in fact it is very healthy. The dogs in these regions are all very similar in phenotype (look), while not necessarily stemming from identical genotype (heritage). The natives tribes of these regions did regularly trade amongst themselves, sp the mixing of these breeds would have and still does occur in Siberia today. That is one of the reasons why when bred correctly, Siberian Huskies are a very robust breed.
Today similar aboriginal dogs do still exist in Siberia and can be located with the help of guides, making a genetic backcross possible. Most breeds to not have the luxury of having untapped genetic material to access in this way. However there are only a hand full of registries that will register imported aboriginal stock. The Continental Kennel Club will honor Siberian Import stock, with import origin bloodline noted on papers. I.S.A. and W.C.A.C, will also register dogs Imported from Siberia. Copies of importation papers, and other proof of origin is required.
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To find out more about the origins and History of the Siberian Husky breed, and it's many variations please visit:
Accepting the Truth About American-Bred Siberian Huskies:
A Touchy subject with any closed stud book registry extremist breeder, is that integrity is not always deserved. Since the most famous accusations of crossbreeding (to breeds including but not limited to Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie, Wolf, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Greenlander, Samoyed, and other Spitz-type breeds) is a hot button issue with many kennels using these lines.... I will not mention these specific lines here. Just know that if top kennels have "snuck a little something into" their lines, any Jo Blow Back Yard Breeder, could have very well done the same thing somewhere along the way in your pedigree. The more unknown dogs, from unknown breeders, that appear in your dogs lineage,... the more questions will loom about the ethics over all involved with the breeding choices adding up to the dog in front of you.... So there are no exceptions to the % rule. Just about anyone on the planet owning a purebred dog, holding papers... can never be sure their dog is 100% pure bred. Dogs deemed purebred, who have multiple founder origins, such as the Doberman, Siberian Husky, and other blended breeds, are likely to be more healthy, when involved in a monitored back-cross program. Most breeders are afraid to step outside the box, to do this with their working lines. However is is essential to the vitality of purebred dogs on the whole to institute such programs.
Theoretically by out-crossing, gene recombination would reveal only on common ancestors. While some might criticize an non-uniform litter, it showcases the strongest available gene pairings, and makes desirable traits easier to identify. Some would argue that a maximum number of progeny must survive in tact, to continue healthy genetic diversity. This however does not mimic the practices of Native Siberians, who practice castration. If you have achieved a paradigm litter, you will still spread a fair amount of diversity if you choose 1 for you, and one for the world. The reason that I believe this, is that no one kennel, no matter how great or small should exploit their lines.
Accepting the Truth About Siberian-Bred Siberian Huskies:
There is great debate and lore attached to the breeding practices of the Native Siberian people. In my studies I have found that any actual phonotypical pure strain of Siberian Husky that might have emerged from Eastern Siberia, was not due to pockets of magical purebred dogs, but the careful phenotypic selection of the first importers of dogs from this region. It would seem that the native tribes, actually move their location quite frequently. in their travels, they encounter other tribes, and at times, arrange mating between dogs. It is also noted that some tribes allow their packs to run free in the warm months, these dogs breed via natural selection. there is no way to even know who bred them.
Where does the Seppala Project fit in?
Because of the highly ethical and respected keepers of the Markovo Seppala strain, the ideals of legendary breed importer Leonhard Seppala are still kept strong and mostly unchanged. Thanks to the rescue effort of J. Jeffrey Bragg, there is a pocket of viable stock from those original prime lines that are being used to bring forth a new consciousness of breeding based on genetic wholesomeness.
These dogs are the product of an involved breeder and trainer, who stand out among other breeders. These dogs are not nervous, head shy, and are taught to run at a pace consistent of what their bodies can handle. At present time, I only have percentage Seppala's, and notice the great difference in personality and trainability. I was able to train a 8 year old high % Seppala (who was raised on a tie out) in basic obedience and to go completely off-leash in less than 1 month!!
There is also a great number of kennels involved in Alaskan Husky Out-Cross programs, as well as kennels who keep track of any Seppala percentage their stock has. It is nice to see the calming influence that the Seppala lineage has on even Alaskan Huskies with hound lineage. It speaks very highly of the genetic soundness this per-potent strain has to offer the dog-sledding world!!
Need to Know More About Seppala Siberian Sled Dogs?:
To find our more about the temperament, physique, metabolism, and superiority of this uniquely selected bloodline please visit: