(Baron, a Sonny (x) Reenie Boy, and Abby Lummus)

Breeding Philosophy

 Do you sell only show dogs?

We sell show, and pet puppies and on occasion performance dogs. Show pups are sold primarily on co-ownership, but we do occasionally sell a show prospect outright. Non-breeding stock (pet quality) is sold only on a limited registration basis.

We are firm believers of the old adage “Form follows function”, and our breeding program revolves around that saying. If the Form (characteristics asked for in the standard) are not correct they will not be able to Function as they were meant to.  We do not breed for the “flavor of the moment”, but, as true to the standard as is capable.  We, also realize that in this day and age our puppies must be able to conform to the house environments they go to, making good pets, first and foremost.

We strongly recommend that you research the Siberian Husky breed as thoroughly as possible. Siberians are not for everyone. They are a high-energy, prey driven, roaming breed, if allowed.   If left to their own devises they can be VERY destructive..

It is our firm belief that you MUST be comfortable with the person you are dealing with when purchasing a dog, as, you are buying not just your puppy, but, a relationship with the breeder, for the life time of that dog. To that end, all of the Terra Neva dogs are sold with a breeders contract, for the protection of all parties.  But, the most important party is the one who doesn't sign!

What is the difference between a show quality puppy and a pet puppy?

Most of the time it is merely cosmetic. It could be, perhaps a female that may be too bulky or masculine in appearance or a male that is too slight or feminine, or a tail set that is too snapped for the standard or ears to thin of leather.  It can also be a cryptorchid or monorchid male, if there is one in a litter.

The Siberian Husky also has a top height disqualification in its standard, so an older dog that has gone over the standard may be available on occasion or one that just has not turned out as a Show prospect.  So, although, most people may be looking for that cute puppy, there are opportunities to obtain a well adjusted adult, who has all ready gone through the "terrible two's". 

What about temperament?

Temperament is one of the biggest criteria in our breeding program. A Siberian should not be a guard dog, they should be social to other dogs, great with children and a friendly dog, we would feel sure would fit into your family situation.  We try very hard to pick the puppy you will get, to the home environment and life style you live. This is to insure that you are your new puppy are both happy with the selection.

How do I know which puppy is mine?

Structural evaluation is done at 8 weeks of age. Puppies are placed in new homes not before 8 weeks of age.  Puppies are selected for their owners based on the breed standard, structural evaluation, and temperament of the puppy. None of this will be evident until all evaluations are completed. We only do breedings when we are keep a puppy for ourselves, we don't know until 8 weeks which one(s) will be of a quality that we will be keeping. This means that we will not be able to tell you which puppy you will be getting until 8 weeks.

What do I have to do to reserve a puppy?

To reserve a puppy, you must first be approved. We admit it is almost like adopting a baby. We want to be sure you are the right home as much as you want to be sure you are getting the right puppy.  We will talk with you so we can all be comfortable about each other, and, learn about your life style.  That is why I want to talk to you on the phone, and in person, before either you or I commit to your getting a Terra Neva Siberian. We want to have you comfortable with us, and, us with you, until we all agree that this is the breed, and the kennel that will fit in with each other for the life of your new puppy.  There will be no agreements on you getting a Terra Neva Siberian until we have done a intensive interview.  

Things do pop up throughout the lifetime of your new puppy that I can help you with.  I want to be able to help, we must become comfortable with each other, so that the ideal situation and solutions for your new addition can be brought about.

(Baron, Abby and Courtney Lummus)

How do I get my puppy?

We prefer that owners drive and get their puppies if they are within a day's driving time. We do ship puppies, and have quite successfully done so over the years. However, we prefer to ship on a direct non-stop flight for the convenience and safety of the puppy, so this may mean both buyer and seller may have to drive a distance to an airport.

How do you keep track of the health of your dogs?

In order for us to offer you quality dogs, we need the cooperation of our puppy buyers to help us continue in our efforts to do the best we can as breeders and to assure that what we produce is healthy.  In this endeavor we ask that if you have any health problems you contact us immediately so that we can make adjustments to our breeding program, if need be.

What should I ask of a breeder?

Do not feel embarrassed to ask a breeder to provide you with copies of health clearances, from OFA or CERF. In fact, this should be the first question you ask.  A cheaply priced puppy at purchase, can turn out to be a very expensive, lifelong dog, caused by veterinarian expenses.

No breed of dog is totally free from inheritable genetic defects, but few breeds have had the good fortune of the Siberian Husky. Not only is the individual dog generally healthy and of good temperament, but throughout the years there has not been an abundance of genetic issues. Additionally, the national breed club, the Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. (SHCA), has maintained a watchful eye for potential genetic problems and has taken positive action in those instances when the general health and well-being of the breed has been challenged.

Since 1965, the SHCA has maintained a committee whose task is to be aware of the start of genetic problems in the breed and to alert breeders before the defect has begun to spread. Two major conditions have been uncovered in this manner and, in each instance, the board of directors of the SHCA has instituted practical guidelines in order to enable breeders to decrease the spread of the inheritable disorder. These two areas of greatest concern are canine hip dysplasia and inheritable eye disease, followed by epilepsy.

Hip dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint in which the head of the thighbone (femur) does not fit properly into its pelvic joint socket (acetabulum). This condition, while not present at birth, develops during the first two years of the dog's life. It is often progressive, causing inflammation, pain, and arthritis of the affected hip. It is aggravated by strenuous exercise, sitting up, lying down, or climbing stairs.

This disorder afflicts dogs of both sexes, and may be present in one or both hips. The condition may range from mild to severe, and clinical signs may become more evident in dogs under one year of age. It is regarded with utmost concern in our breed because the dysplastic Siberian Husky cannot do the work for which it was bred, nor can it exhibit the freedom and effortlessness of movement so highly prized in the show ring and on the sled.

 How is hip Dysplasia diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis can be established through radiographic examination by a veterinary radiologist. The dog is sedated and the hind limbs are rotated and extended to allow the proper positioning of the hips and femurs. It is recommended that bitches in heat or in pregnancy not be radiographed since the hormones may interfere with joint laxity. After the films are taken, they are mailed to a hip registry organization such as the OFA or Penn Hip. 

Which inherited eye defects occur in the Siberian Husky?

Although there are many possible eye defects, only three are of current concern in the Siberian. These are hereditary or juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. Each disorder is present in a different portion of the eye, and will occur in any eye color. Eye defects in the Siberian Husky are serious and should not be understated or overlooked.

What are hereditary cataracts & how are they transmitted?

Hereditary or juvenile cataracts are manifested by opacity in the lens of a young dog as early as 3 months of age. These cataracts are different from the non-hereditary cataracts affecting aged or senior dogs. The function of the lens of the eye is to focus the rays of light so that they form an image on the retina. An opacity or cataract on the lens causes less light to enter the eye and sight can be diminished. A cataract can cause a mild decrease in eyesight to complete blindness in severe cases. Cataracts can further be classified by location and stage of development. The most common hereditary cataract in the Siberian Husky occurs on the posterior region of the lens. It is not uncommon for a cataract to develop in one eye, months before the other eye shows the effects of the disease. Recent DNA research indicates, that, juvenile cataracts, may be caused by a recessive gene. Genetic research is presently under way to develop a simple DNA test to identify dogs and bitches that carry the recessive gene for cataracts.

What is corneal dystrophy?

Corneal dystrophy affects the cornea or the outer transparent portion of the eyeball. In most cases, Siberian Huskies with this disorder have an abnormal collection of lipids in the clear cornea of the eye, which results in a hazy or crystalline opacity. Ophthalmologists describe the location of the opacity as anterior, mid, or deep stromal. The Siberian Husky is prone to deep stromal dystrophy, which involves triglyceride deposits. Annular dystrophy also occurs and appears as a doughnut shaped opacity in the peripheral cornea. Corneal dystrophy is usually seen in young adult dogs and may affect females more than males. Vision is seldom affected and no effective therapy for the condition exists at this time. Recent genetic tests are suggesting that a recessive gene with variant expression transmits this disorder.

What is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) & how is it transmitted?

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) affects the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the posterior part of the eyeball. The retina contains two types of specialized cells called rods and cones. The rods are necessary for sight in dim light or night light, and the cones are utilized in bright light vision. The Siberian Husky has a unique type of PRA that is only found in Siberians and man. This type of PRA is called XLPRA (X Linked PRA) since it is transmitted through the "XX" chromosome of the female. It will cause a loss of night vision followed by a loss of day vision, eventually blindness. The recessive gene for XLPRA is situated on the "X" chromosome of the female. Females who inherit a defective gene on the "X" chromosome from one parent and a normal gene on the other "X" chromosome from the other parent, will not be seriously affected. They will be carriers with very subtle retinal defects and no loss of vision. The male puppy from a carrier dam will receive either a defective gene or a normal gene, depending on what chromosome was copied in the DNA replication. If he has the defective gene, the dog will be affected with PRA since males carry an "XY" chromosome. The disease in males can be devastating with loss of vision as early as 5 months of age.

A genetic test is being developed to identify carrier females in the Siberian Husky. Once this test is available, XLPRA can be eliminated from breeding programs.

How are eye defects diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis of eye defects requires the expertise of a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist who is equipped by knowledge and training to distinguish hereditary eye diseases from non-hereditary eye disorders. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) is the national governing board for the certification of veterinary ophthalmologists. Since 1974, the SHCA has encouraged local breed clubs to support eye clinics, which make eye examination more convenient and affordable to breeders and dog owners. Today, thanks to the devotion and support of local area clubs, eye clinics are common throughout the country and are available to all breeders.  

Epilepsy

Currently there is no test for epilepsy, so no one should be claiming that their dogs have certifications or clearances against epilepsy. The only way to know if a dog has had any idiopathic epileptic seizures is to observe the dogs 24 hours a day - a physical impossibility. We can only tell you that to the best of our knowledge we have never witnessed the dogs we are breeding having any seizures. I wish we had better answers for this health problem.

A good breeder is with you for the life of your dog!

We encourage phone contact please call (864) 277-2867 if interested in one of our "kids".