Hi,
There are quite a lot of Siberian Husky breeders in the UK. Like most breeds the quality of dogs & breeders varies widely. A small proportion of breeders in the UK are reputable and responsible but
most, unfortunately, are
not. To the inexperienced it is often difficult to tell the difference. Unfortunately, the puppy farmers, backyard breeders and naive/stupid/greedy "pet" breeders have discovered the breed and are churning out poor quality pups like there's no tomorrow.
Many breeders have websites. How can you tell from the website what kind of breeder they are? Check this article out -
Looking for a Breeder Online - it's from the US, but the principles are the same.
These are some of the indicators you can use to check breeders out. Firstly, are the dogs being bred Kennel Club registered and are the pups KC registered? KC registration is not a 100% guarantee, but it is a strong indication that the pedigree of your dog is accurate and honest. If sire, dam or the pups are not KC registered beat a hasty retreat at that point.
Do they work and/or show their dogs. If not, why are they breeding? Most good breeders breed litters to improve their stock for the show ring or the trail. If they are doing neither you have to assume that their main motivation is cash! - not the best reason for breeding dogs.
Secondly, how easy do they make it to buy a puppy? If you don't get the (friendly) third degree about your knowledge of the breed, the security of your garden & house etc. it is unlikely that they are a responsible breeder. Will they let you see the mum and dad and all their other dogs? You can learn a lot from the condition and temperament of the adult dogs in a breeder's kennel. On many occasions the breeder will have gone 'outside' for a mating so they won't actually own the stud dog, but they should be able to show you pictures, pedigree and health certification. Although as a breed, the Siberian Husky is very healthy, all responsible breeders will screen their dogs for hereditary defects. In particular, they should be checked for hip and eye defects. Ask if the parents of the puppies are tested and ask to see the results. (The breed average for hip scores is 7 - Eyes should be tested for Hereditary Cataracts, PRA and Glaucoma at the very least)
Will they expect you to sign a puppy contract in which you undertake to return the dog direct to the breeder if for any reason you cannot keep it?
All responsible breeders will insist on this.
So - that is what you look for when you find a breeder, but how do you find one?
One of the best ways is to visit large Championship Dog Shows and find the Siberian Husky benches. Here you will find a wide variety of Siberians, their owners and breeders. You will also be able to see loads of dogs and decide what 'type' of dog you would like. In the UK, Siberians range from the very slim sprint-racing dogs, through middle-of-the-road dogs who can succeed both in racing and showing, to the US style shorter-legged Show dogs. You also need to decide whether you want a dog you can show and/or race as well as being a pet. At most big shows all types are represented. If you buy a catalogue you will have access to the addresses of all the owners at the show.
Similarly in the winter you can visit some of the racing events which happen all over the country.
Visit
SnoPeak Siberian Huskies UK Siberian Husky Racing Team to find details of racing events near you.
You may have to wait to get the puppy you want as most reputable breeders only breed occasionally – If you are properly prepared, the wait will be worth it. The only problem then is you will want another, and another and another………….They are frighteningly addictive!!!
You need to be extremely careful when choosing a breeder. The biggest safeguard you can have is doing your homework thoroughly before even approaching a breeder. The fact that a breeder may be a member of the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain or the Scottish Siberian Husky Club is no guarantee that the breeder is ethical. Nor is membership of the Kennel Club accredited breeder scheme. Over the years, we have come across some appalling puppy farmers who have been members of these organisations.
Have you thought about rehoming a rescue dog instead of buying a puppy? If you are interested, look at the Siberian Husky Welfare Association (UK) website. SHWA(UK) is the biggest Siberian Husky Welfare organisation in the UK - find us at:
Home for www.huskywelfare.org.uk
Hope that is helpful. If you would like any further help/advice/information, don't hesitate to PM or e-mail me.
Mick