Why I Still Believe in the Seppala Siberian Sleddog

By Jonathan Hayes

Thanks to Disney’s “Togo,” more Siberian Husky breeders are affixing “Seppala” to their pups for profit, making the real thing harder to find. However, the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club (ISSSC) has the vision to ensure our breed remains healthy and robust in the 21st Century.

Since the release of the movie “Togo,” there has been a massive surge in interest in the Seppala Siberian Sleddog. Despite this—and despite countless breeders using the name to fetch a higher price—the real Seppala is as near extinction as ever before. We need new energy and real dedication from the next generation, but it must be a passion born from true understanding.

After recent investigations in the US, I found countless kennels offering Seppalas. When confronted with real knowledge of the breed, many backpedaled, stating they are merely “breeding for the Seppala type” (meaning big ears and less uniform markings). Real Seppalas are still available, but only for those committed to their true preservation.

The Performance Debate

Let’s be honest: Seppalas are harder to acquire and often more expensive than Alaskan Huskies. In recent decades, they have generally not performed as well as Alaskan Huskies in competitive racing. This has led many serious mushers to convert to mainstream racing lines. However, what constitutes a “worthy sleddog” varies based on the goals of the musher.

For example, I have owned Canadian Inuit (Eskimo) Dogs. They are slow and eat twice as much as my Seppalas, but they are incredibly strong—ideally suited for the arctic expeditions of explorers like Roald Amundsen. If winning races is your primary mission, Seppalas may not be your best bet today. But mushing encompasses more than just racing: touring, expeditions, and running trap lines all require worthy dogs with specific traits like cold-weather resilience and endurance.

The Future of the Breed

I believe Seppalas can win again. A winning kennel requires numbers and a rigorous selection process. While I don’t fault champion kennels for producing large volumes of dogs, I credit Seppala breeders who are committed to the quality of life for every dog bred—ensuring they either live out their lives at the kennel or find homes with worthy stewards.

Genetic diversity is another critical factor. Genetic problems often become common in breeds with closed studbooks. This is why the vision of the ISSSC is so important. Our percentage system for determining Seppala status allows for small amounts of outside genetic input over time, mirroring how indigenous villages in Siberia maintained their dogs for thousands of years. Our partnership with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) as our registry empowers us to keep the breed healthy.