The Total Siberian
Siberian Huskies are an amazingly versatile breed. From sledding, to conformation, to agility, to therapy work, to weight pulling and even dock diving, there are very few activities that a Siberian cannot do well with the right training. Their determination (depending on the day, it might be better to say "stubbornness") has enabled them to transport humans across the frozen Siberian tundra for thousands of years in unforgiving weather, and to enjoy every minute of it while doing so. Teams of Siberians even helped save the town of Nome, Alaska from a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, carrying vials of antitoxin through a howling snowstorm that no man-made form of transportation could get past, and in doing so made the breed famous around the globe.
In addition to all of the above, Siberian Huskies have always been beloved companions. Chukchi sled dogs with poor temperaments were not allowed to breed, so only those who were both skilled sled dogs and gentle, trustworthy family members were kept in the gene pool.
So, why does all of that matter?
It matters because in order to produce the best dogs possible that honor their ancestors' heritage as beloved athletes and companions, I use a "total dog" approach in my breeding program here at Kodivaro.
This means I look at all aspects of the dog including health, temperament, structure, trainability, and enthusiasm for performance, in order to produce the best pups I possibly can. A beautiful dog with a terrible personality is no fun for anyone, and likewise a sweet-tempered dog riddled with health issues or poor structure is heartbreaking for a family to deal with. But a dog who can fill all of those roles - beautiful, healthy, athletic, and a great friend - is absolutely priceless.
To gauge their temperament, trainability, and desire to do what they were bred for, my dogs are shown and tested in a variety of ways, from conformation shows (AKC, UKC, IABCA, ICE, and APRI) to performance events like Obedience, Rally, Lure Coursing, and training for all kinds of tricks and games. I also have plans to work carting, canicross, and urban mushing into the mix in the future, although this will be recreational and primarily for exercise, not for any kind of competitive team. Oklahoma rarely gets any snow, and what we do get is a dusting at best and unsuitable for the runners on a sled, but I do still strive to prove my dogs' ability in harness in some way.
I enjoy trying new activities with my Siberians as often as I can, and the dogs love it too (especially when treats are involved!) This is the best way to make sure I am producing dogs who can handle any challenge with a happy-go-lucky, can-do attitude, the way a Siberian should.
At the end of the day, my dogs are "pets who can do things." They are companions first and show/breeding dogs second while they are with me, and the most important test of all is whether or not I enjoy living with them. If not, how could I expect anyone else to enjoy them or their pups?
While I know there is no way to predict and prevent every curve ball Mother Nature might throw into the mix, this is the best way I can think of to ensure my dogs stay true to their original purpose in every way possible. Not just showing, not just performance, and not just companionship, but a combination of all that and more.
That is what sets Kodivaro apart - these dogs are the total package!
In addition to all of the above, Siberian Huskies have always been beloved companions. Chukchi sled dogs with poor temperaments were not allowed to breed, so only those who were both skilled sled dogs and gentle, trustworthy family members were kept in the gene pool.
So, why does all of that matter?
It matters because in order to produce the best dogs possible that honor their ancestors' heritage as beloved athletes and companions, I use a "total dog" approach in my breeding program here at Kodivaro.
This means I look at all aspects of the dog including health, temperament, structure, trainability, and enthusiasm for performance, in order to produce the best pups I possibly can. A beautiful dog with a terrible personality is no fun for anyone, and likewise a sweet-tempered dog riddled with health issues or poor structure is heartbreaking for a family to deal with. But a dog who can fill all of those roles - beautiful, healthy, athletic, and a great friend - is absolutely priceless.
To gauge their temperament, trainability, and desire to do what they were bred for, my dogs are shown and tested in a variety of ways, from conformation shows (AKC, UKC, IABCA, ICE, and APRI) to performance events like Obedience, Rally, Lure Coursing, and training for all kinds of tricks and games. I also have plans to work carting, canicross, and urban mushing into the mix in the future, although this will be recreational and primarily for exercise, not for any kind of competitive team. Oklahoma rarely gets any snow, and what we do get is a dusting at best and unsuitable for the runners on a sled, but I do still strive to prove my dogs' ability in harness in some way.
I enjoy trying new activities with my Siberians as often as I can, and the dogs love it too (especially when treats are involved!) This is the best way to make sure I am producing dogs who can handle any challenge with a happy-go-lucky, can-do attitude, the way a Siberian should.
At the end of the day, my dogs are "pets who can do things." They are companions first and show/breeding dogs second while they are with me, and the most important test of all is whether or not I enjoy living with them. If not, how could I expect anyone else to enjoy them or their pups?
While I know there is no way to predict and prevent every curve ball Mother Nature might throw into the mix, this is the best way I can think of to ensure my dogs stay true to their original purpose in every way possible. Not just showing, not just performance, and not just companionship, but a combination of all that and more.
That is what sets Kodivaro apart - these dogs are the total package!
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
- 14th Century English Proverb
- 14th Century English Proverb
