Siberian Husky — questions to ask before paying a deposit
A responsible breeder will have these readily available. Deflection is a red flag.
Hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophycan shorten life or cause chronic pain
Two distinct inherited eye conditions tracked together by the parent club: juvenile cataracts, which can appear as young as 3 months old and were found in about 8% of Huskies examined in one survey, and a progressive retinal atrophy that leads to blindness. No DNA test is currently available for either form in this breed; screening is by clinical eye exam.
Ask to see: An annual eye examination by a board-certified ACVO ophthalmologist, on both parents, registered with OFA or the parent club's own Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registry (SHOR) — clearance is valid for only one year, so it must be repeated annually.
Siberian Husky Club of America — Eye Testing (https://www.shca.org/eye-testing) · Siberian Husky Club of America — Health Testing Information (https://www.shca.org/healthtestinginformation)
Siberian Husky polyneuropathy and Shaking Puppy Syndrome (SHPN1 / SPS1)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
Two related, recently identified inherited nerve diseases. SHPN1 causes progressive gait abnormalities, loss of coordination and muscle wasting from before 2 years old; SPS1 causes similar but earlier-onset signs. Severity varies widely, from mild lifelong signs to progressive disability, and there is no treatment.
Ask to see: A DNA test for both SHPN1 and SPS1, on both parents, from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine's Canine Genetics Lab — the only laboratory offering it, available since February 2023 and recommended by the parent club for all breeding dogs.
Siberian Husky Club of America — Siberian Husky Polyneuropathy, Type 1 (SHPN1) (https://www.shca.org/shpn1)
Hereditary laryngeal paralysis-polyneuropathy (young-onset)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
A distinct, more severe polyneuropathy in young dogs that specifically causes progressive paralysis of the larynx and megaoesophagus (a dilated, poorly-functioning oesophagus), raising the risk of aspiration pneumonia. A 2020 case series concluded a hereditary basis is likely, based on the dogs' young age at onset and relatedness, but the causative gene has not been identified. This is distinct from SHPN1: the parent club states SHPN1-affected dogs do not develop laryngeal paralysis.
Ask to see: No genetic test exists. Diagnosis in a symptomatic young dog is by laryngeal examination under light sedation by a vet; ask the breeder whether the condition has occurred among littermates or close relatives.
Polyneuropathy in Young Siberian Huskies Caused by Degenerative and Inflammatory Diseases (Jahns et al., Veterinary Pathology, PubMed) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32578500/)
Zinc-responsive dermatosis (Syndrome I)
A genetic defect in absorbing zinc from the gut causes crusting and scaling around the eyes, mouth and footpads, typically starting in young adults. It is usually well controlled with lifelong zinc supplementation but is not curable.
Ask to see: No DNA test exists. Diagnosis is clinical — a skin biopsy plus response to zinc supplementation — rather than a pre-breeding screen; ask whether the line has a history of it.
Canine zinc-responsive dermatosis (Colombini, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, PubMed) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10563006/)
Hip dysplasia
Malformation of the hip joint; recommended for screening by the parent club, though documented as less prevalent in this breed than in many other large breeds.
Ask to see: A hip evaluation via OFA, PennHIP or an equivalent recognised registry, on both parents.
Siberian Husky Club of America — Hip Screening (https://www.shca.org/hip-screening)