I have been one in the past that has asked for opinions on my dogs and some were downright judgemental but like most all I wanted is honesty. I love my dogs a lot more than I can explain. What I see in my dogs is not what some (notice I said some) "Show" breeders see in their own puppies and dogs - what they see is tails that are supposed to be a certain way, eyes that are supposed to be almond shaped, height and weight that are supposed to be according to the rules of the AKC, ears that don't stand perfectly erect or a coat that is too short or too long.
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I have learned that's all some breeders seem to notice. What I seem notice is how sweet my dogs are, how healthy they and their parents are, how great and silly a personality they have, how happy they have made me and the families that are truly grateful to own one of my puppies.
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Rowdy has huge ears. Amber May's tail curls over too much. Jasper ...can't think of any bad points at the moment. Destiney isn't as muscular as she should be. Buddy is short and fat at the moment. Prissy (mix) ...well, she is perfect. :)
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For the show ring to improve the breed (although I think mine are perfect the way they are - but I understand the meaning of "the need to improve") show dogs should be close enough to the standard to meet the intentions of why they are bred: Pulling Sleds - a short fat husky cannot do it. An unhealthy Siberian Husky, physically or mentally, has no business pulling. The tail is what acts as a rudder when pulling and also covers their face and keeps body heat in when they curl up in the deep snow. Legs need to be correct length and shape so they can pull. Coat needs to not be excessively long so that ice balls can form on them, etc. NO ONE will ever be an expert on the Siberian Husky, some may be more knowledgeble but no one is an expert. I own six and each one of them has their own personality, their own temperment, their own texture of coat, their own style of walking, their own way they hold those pretty tails up. They are all Siberian Huskies but none of them are alike.
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Breeders study the lines of their dogs over and over and then study some more. They are looking to get the best from the best of the best but in my opinion it will never happen. They may get better puppies but I don't believe that there will ever be "The Perfect Dog". Each breeder has their own opinion of what a perfect dog is.
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To some "The Perfect Siberian Husky" may be one that moves with perfect ease and grace, holds its tail in a perfect sickle shape, has erect ears, has almond shaped eyes and have a fluff coat. It may be grey and white or black and white or red and white, it may have a masked face or a plain white face, it may have blue eyes or brown eyes or two different colored eyes. Others may think that the "Perfect Siberian Husky" is what you have looking at you right now with a goofy look on their face, or their ears may look a little too big, they don't even know what pulling a sled is, and all they know is how to win you over with those pretty eyes, silly antics, sneaky ways and slobbery kisses and very vocal singing.
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I made a comparison page a while back and I compared my dogs to the old line of Siberian Huskies. Mine are more like them from what I can see in the pictures than some of the huskies in today's world. Today these dogs that have all the same lines running in their pedigree, there is no room for improvement unless they are willing to bring in what Siberians looked like when the breed first started. So I think I have a great chance of not so much improving my dogs but correcting some of the faults that they have with a well bred Siberian that can contribute good things to improve what my dogs are lacking in some areas.
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I still stand firm on what I say about health and temperment being top priority before looks. I want a friend not a beautiful dog that I am scared of or one that has to be on a special diet or medication for it's entire life for a hereditary problem that could have been prevented. That said, there are breeders all around the world and each has a different opinion. But all of us breeders have a common reason for breeding. We love our Siberian Huskies, no 'if's, 'and's or 'but's about it.
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I am no expert by any means but I try to offer advice on what I have learned from having this wonderful breed of dogs. There are lots of people that love to share what they know and love to talk about Siberian Huskies whatever the subject may be about. So then, here is my contribution, this page is about my dogs compared to the 'book'.
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Right: Good reach and movement.
All images and content copyright © 2002-2003 Christie Matthews.
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