Siberian Huskies are a beautiful and intelligent breed of dog that is known for their striking blue eyes and thick, fluffy coat. If you are considering breeding Siberian Huskies, there are many things that you need to know to ensure that you do it correctly and ethically.
As a beautiful and intelligent breed, Siberian Huskies can make wonderful pets for the right family. However, breeding should not be taken lightly, and it is important to understand the responsibilities and considerations that come with it from performing health checks to mating at the right time with the right mate.
In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to breeding Siberian Huskies put together by a small animal veterinarian. We will cover all of the important aspects of how to breed Siberian Huskies, including health checks, finding a suitable mate, pregnancy, and much more.
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Breeding Huskies: Vet Explains
Whether you are a first-time breeder or have experience with breeding dogs, this guide will provide you with the information and tools you need to successfully breed Siberian Huskies. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Siberian Husky breeding!
Here are the basic considerations before breeding huskies (more details below):
- Ensuring that both the male and female dogs are tested negative for all genetic and hereditary diseases is crucial to prevent the transfer of such health issues to future generations.
- Before proceeding with the mating process, it is important to ascertain that both the female and male huskies are sexually mature.
- It is noteworthy that Siberian Huskies, particularly females, may take up to two years to reach sexual maturity. Hence, it is advisable not to breed a female husky that is under two years of age.
- Physical fitness is also a critical factor to consider when breeding huskies, but temperament and behavior should not be overlooked. Ideally, huskies with a mild temperament and those that do not display aggression towards people or other pets should be selected for breeding.
- Moreover, it is vital to ensure that the female and male huskies are friendly and comfortable around each other to facilitate a smooth mating process.
- Complete vaccination records and necessary medical documentation should be available for both dogs. Additionally, preference should be given to huskies that are registered with a kennel club or any other canine organization.
It is essential to follow ethical guidelines when breeding huskies, as the welfare of the dogs should be of utmost importance.
Diseases To Rule Out Before Breeding Siberian Huskies
Before breeding Siberian Huskies, it is important to ensure that both the male and female dogs are free of any genetic disorders or hereditary diseases that could be passed on to their offspring.
Some common husky health problems and diseases that should be ruled out include:
Eye Problems
Siberian Huskies have beautiful eyes though they are also more prone to certain eye problems than other dog breeds.
Eye problems can cause discomfort and pain and even lead to blindness in these dogs therefore it is essential for a Siberian Husky to be tested negative for all eye disorders before breeding. Some of these eye problems include the following:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Corneal Dystrophy
- Uveodermatologic Syndrome
- Cataracts
Other common issues, like genetic and hereditary diseases of huskies include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Gangliosidosis
- Congenital Laryngeal Paralysis
- Zinc-Responsive Dermatitis (stemming from Zinc Deficiency)
It is important for breeders to prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, and to screen for potential health issues before breeding to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary diseases to future generations.
When Do Siberian Huskies Get Sexually Mature
In general, male Siberian Huskies tend to reach sexual maturity before females. At around 6 months of age, male huskies are considered fertile since all of their sexual organs have fully developed. However, it is not until they are between 12 to 15 months old that they are considered sexually mature.
On the other hand, female Siberian Huskies typically take longer to reach sexual maturity compared to males. Females are considered sexually mature around 2 years old. It is strongly advised not to breed any female husky under 2 years old, as they may not mate properly or conceive.
It is also recommended to skip the first heat of a female husky, which typically occurs at around 7 to 8 months old, but can be between 6 and 12 months. This is because their body may not yet be mature enough to handle the stress of breeding and pregnancy.
The second heat, which usually occurs when the female is around two years old, is usually considered the best time to breed a female husky and have puppies.
It is also important to note that there is a maximum age for breeding female Siberian Huskies. Although these dogs can mate and conceive throughout their life, it is not advised to breed them after the age of 7.
After this age, the reproductive capacity of female huskies begins to decline, which can result in a smaller husky litter size and weaker puppies. Additionally, the mother may become vulnerable to reproductive problems and may not be able to take good care of the puppies due to old age.
7-Step Guide To Breeding Siberian Huskies
Breeding Siberian Huskies can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to approach it with knowledge, responsibility, and care.
Breeding requires a great deal of preparation, from finding the right pair of Huskies to ensuring their health and well-being throughout the breeding process.
A step-by-step guide can provide valuable information and guidance to help breeders and Husky owners navigate through the breeding process with confidence and success.
1. Choosing A Suitable Mate
Selecting the right mate is the first step when breeding Siberian Huskies. When selecting a husky for breeding either a male or female you should never overlook their temperament and social behavior around humans and other pets because it will be reflected in the puppies.
Physical health is important but the behavior of the husky is also of utmost importance. Calm and friendly huskies will give birth to calm, friendly, and social puppies. Calm female huskies also make good mothers and will take better care of puppies.
Also, prefer huskies that are registered with a kennel club or any canine organization because these dogs are usually tested for diseases and are purebred. Registered Huskies usually belong to champion bloodlines and have desirable traits.
2. Veterinary Examination
Once you have selected the suitable huskies for breeding it is essential to have both the female and male examined by a veterinarian before breeding to ensure their optimal health and well-being.
A complete physical examination will be performed by the veterinarian, including an assessment of their body weight to ensure they are in ideal shape for breeding. Skinny huskies and overweight huskies pose an additional risk to breeding; particularly underweight huskies.
In addition, the veterinarian will confirm their vaccination status to ensure there are no risks of any infections or diseases.
The veterinarian will also check for any signs of hereditary diseases, such as hip dysplasia, which can be common in huskies.
Particularly for huskies, it is strongly recommended to have a veterinary ophthalmologist examine them before breeding. This examination will help to identify any symptoms of eye conditions that may be present, ensuring a healthier litter.
3. Best Time To Mate Huskies
It is essential for Husky owners to be aware of the signs that indicate their female dog has entered the reproductive phase of her heat cycle.
The initial stage of the Husky heat cycle, known as proestrus, is characterized by physical changes such as bleeding and vulva swelling, though the female dog will not accept a mate during this time.
After approximately 9 days, the female will transition to the next phase, called estrus. The estrus phase is a critical stage for huskies as it is the period when they are most likely to conceive.
While the duration of this phase can vary among individuals, typically, female huskies will be in heat for approximately 5 to 10 days, with variations in the duration possible.
During the estrus phase, the female husky’s vaginal discharge becomes watery, which is typically an indication that she is ovulating. This is her most fertile stage, and she will be most receptive to breeding during this time.
It is worth noting that while these are general guidelines, the exact timing and duration of the heat cycle can vary among individual huskies. Owners should closely monitor their huskies during this stage and seek veterinary care if necessary to ensure optimal health and well-being.
If there is any uncertainty about whether a female husky is in heat, it is highly recommended that a veterinarian is consulted.
Seeking professional veterinary assistance can help husky owners identify any potential health issues or concerns and can ensure that the dog receives the necessary care and attention during this reproductive phase.
4. Mating Procedure
When breeding huskies, it is crucial to mate them during the estrus phase of the female’s heat cycle, as this is when she is most fertile. Typically, the optimal time for mating is between the 10th and 14th day after the start of the heat cycle.
To increase the chances of successful breeding, it is recommended to bring the male and female together every other day until they have mated 2 or 3 times in total. It is important to note that the ideal mating window lasts about 5-9 days. Also, the tying of dogs during mating is not essential for pregnancy to occur.
In general, female huskies are more adaptable to new environments than males, and for this reason, they are typically brought to the male’s location for breeding. Ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for both dogs is critical during the breeding process.
5. Care After Mating
After a female husky has successfully mated with a male, it is crucial to take certain precautions to ensure the desired pregnancy.
In some cases, the female may not become pregnant immediately, as ovulation may not have occurred at the time of mating. The sperm can remain viable in the female’s reproductive tract for up to a week, so the female will become pregnant when she ovulates during this period.
It is advisable to restrict the female husky’s movement and not let her be with other male huskies as they may mate with her and their sperm may end up getting her pregnant, resulting in a mixed litter of puppies.
It is recommended to keep the female husky confined indoors and away from any potential males until she has been confirmed pregnant. These precautionary measures will ensure that the breeding process is successful and that the desired puppies are born.
6. Observe The Signs Of Pregnancy
It is highly recommended to schedule a visit to the veterinarian as soon as your female husky begins to exhibit signs of pregnancy.
These signs may include an increased appetite, weight gain, and enlarged nipples, which can be noticeable as early as three weeks after breeding. However, it is important to note that these signs may also be present in female huskies who are not pregnant.
Thus, it is advised to bring your dog to the vet approximately 28 days after breeding to confirm the pregnancy.
During the vet visit, your veterinarian will perform a series of tests to diagnose the pregnancy. These may include the use of ultrasound, palpitation, bloodwork, or X-ray imaging techniques.
Such diagnostic tools will enable the veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy and monitor the health of the developing puppies, ensuring a successful and healthy husky litter.
7. Taking Care Of A Pregnant Husky
Taking care of a pregnant husky female is a crucial responsibility for any dog owner, and requires careful attention to the dog’s physical and emotional needs throughout the entire pregnancy.
- In order to ensure the health of your pregnant husky, it is important to provide her with a nutritious diet. It is recommended to maintain the same food intake for the first 5-6 weeks of pregnancy, followed by a slow increase. A 35-50% increase in food intake is advised by the time the dog is ready to give birth. Makes sure you are feeding her the best dog food for pregnant huskies.
- Ideally, you should feed a pregnant husky 3 times a day. Some husky breeders recommend adding multiple sources of protein to the diet of a pregnant female such as eggs, meat, and liver.
- To provide a comfortable environment for your pregnant husky, it’s important to prepare a suitable whelping box. Find a warm, dry, and quiet place that is separate from other dogs to set up the box. Introduce your husky to the box daily and ensure that she has a positive experience by providing affection and attention while she is inside.
- After a gestation period of approximately 63 days, your female husky will be ready to give birth to her puppies. Unlike other breeds, huskies are not commonly affected by dystocia or other obstetrical complications during delivery.
However, it is essential to be observant and seek veterinary assistance immediately if any issues arise or if the puppies are not being delivered properly.
Final Thoughts About How To Breed Siberian Huskies
Breeding Siberian Huskies is a serious undertaking that requires careful consideration and adherence to important guidelines.
This includes ensuring genetic health, sexual maturity, physical fitness, temperament, behavior, vaccination, registration, and ethical guidelines.
It is crucial to screen for potential health issues before breeding and prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs.
Additionally, male and female huskies reach sexual maturity at different ages and it is important to wait until they are mature enough before breeding. Overall, responsible breeding practices can lead to healthy and happy huskies and puppies.
Have your huskies gotten pregnant?
Share your experience in the comments below.
is it okay if my Husky has a bump ini his head, located between the ears, hard, not mobile? i’ve heard it is called oxyput, right? thanks
Hi Calvin, it’s hard to say whether this is ok or not. I highly recommend consulting your vet about this to be on the safe side!
Thank you for the wonderful advice on breeding husky’s!
Where is the best place to find a healthy, athletic, calm disposition, female husky for breeding with our husky?
Hi Mary,
I’m glad you found the article helpful.
That is a good question. I think your best bet is to contact breeders from the AKC Marketplace. You should be able to find a husky breeder willing to help you with your own breeding.
Good luck!