Closing the Studbook: A Strategy for Breed Preservation
By Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes, Board Member, ISSSC
The COI is what gives various breeds their characteristic health issues. We know, for example, that German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, Beagles to epilepsy, Boxers to cancer, and Dobermans to heart conditions. In this regard, our breed stewards were ahead of their time.
Two Approaches, One Goal
The Canadian-based Seppala club adopted the use of Russian imports to add genetic depth. Meanwhile, the American-based International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club (ISSSC) used racing Siberians. Historically, these two solutions split the breed.
The ISSSC currently uses a percentage system to breed outcrosses back up to 93% Seppala before recognizing them as such. The Canadian club integrated Russian imports directly into their gene pool. We now have a great opportunity to heal this rift by combining both approaches to ensure the genetic health of the breed.
This is precisely what we have done. The ISSSC has agreed to accept the Russian import solution into our studbook. My own kennel’s recent “K” litter used a Canadian-line Seppala stud (with Russian blood) and an American Seppala-line bitch. The result? A Seppala litter with a healthy COI of 13%!
The Proposal to Close the Studbook
The 93% system has served us for two decades but has led to criticism regarding “arbitrary lines” and allowed unscrupulous breeders to sell 75% Seppala dogs as the real thing. To resolve this, I propose that the ISSSC and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) officially close the studbook.
We would determine a cutoff on proven outcross lines, perhaps lower than 93%, and then close the registry. This eliminates the debate over “what is and is not a Seppala.” Future infusions of genetics would be handled on a case-by-case basis by the board, following the precedent set by Harry Wheeler and Jeffrey Bragg.
Criteria for Future Inclusions
If a new prospect (such as a Chukchi import) is considered, the club would ask:
- Do we need a new infusion of genetics from outside the studbook?
- What does the DNA say about the prospective stud?
- Are the morphometrics, performance, and temperament within breed parameters?
- Does he produce uniform pups consistent with our breed?
If the answer is yes, the board can vote to include that dog. The offspring would be treated as Seppalas—not “second class” versions.
