Our decision to exclusively register with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) was not taken lightly although it turned into an easy decision to make. We are thankful for their hard work, open-mindedness and expedient processing. We also greatly appreciate that they actually answer the phone when we call.
One of our major, long-standing complaints about other registries is their assiduous attention to confirmation rather than, first and foremost, performance in working breeds. While these organizations sometimes sponsor various events designed to somewhat measure work ability, championship consideration are largely based on confirmation. Another area of concern is the impracticality of most other registries in regard to sleddog kennels. The costs and regulations issued by these other registries become increasingly staggering with each passing year. We are simply asking a registry to track the pedigrees for us, not gouge, regulate and insult a reputable, working kennel. In addition to these concerns we strongly feel there is a valid reason to recognize the Seppala line of the Siberian Husky as a breed of its own. Simply put, there is no room for recognition of our breed in any other existing registry except for the CKC.
CKC is the second largest registry in existence today. They have made a commitment to the Seppala, along with the ISSSC, to promote performance in the Seppala Siberian Sleddog. In their commitment, the CKC has, as of this writing, donated $5,000 to the ISSSC to put toward use of performance racing prizes. At this time that money is being used toward the annual crown races (which is currently under review for the upcoming season). Also, the CKC has extensively used their resources, labor and time to recognize the breed, implement a database and support our breed on a rigid performance level. Considering the diminutive number of Seppala breeders in existence today, we feel this is a significant leap of faith the CKC has invested into the SSSD.
One common misconception of the CKC is the equivalence of purebred registrations with mixed lineage dogs. The CKC has currently set up two distinct registration categories-purebred and non-purebred. In the purebred category the initial dogs had to be registered before January 1, 2004. In addition, the dog's pedigree must contain not less than 93% Seppala lineage and also be registered by a recognized registry such as the AKC. Once the initial stock is entered into the stud book, all progeny can be registered at a later date.
In the non-Purebred category you will likely find Siberian Huskies and maybe a few
Alaskan Huskies with at least 50% Seppala lineage. In many of today's high percentage Seppalas genetic problems are more prevalent than in the past. A couple issues we have personally experienced are low breeding drive and small litters in otherwise healthy normal pregnancies.
This non-purebred registration option gives Seppala breeders a way out of the genetic bottle neck. One reason we favor this alternative is because it gives breeders an option to be honest about what they are breeding into their stock. Once the subsequent progeny of such an outcross is bred back to the 93% Seppala content the dog can be registered as a purebred with approval in regard to type, temperament and foremost work ability. It is important to keep the "Seppala-ness" of the Seppala prevalent in the breed no matter the outcross.
We become more complacent with our decision as each racing season comes and goes. Our dogs are the number one reason we enjoy this sport, but we are tremendously grateful for the support we have received from the ISSSC, the CKC and the terrific friends we have made in the Sleddog community.
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