Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA)

The Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA), established in 1938, serves as the official American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized national breed club for the Siberian Husky. The organization is composed of a dedicated community of breeders, exhibitors, fanciers, and sled dog racing enthusiasts committed to the preservation and advancement of the breed.

Core Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the SHCA is to bring the natural qualities of the pure-bred Siberian Husky to perfection through purposeful and ethical breeding. The club is dedicated to protecting the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition across various platforms, including dog shows, companion events, and performance-based activities such as sled dog racing. A central pillar of the organization is the education of its members, ensuring that all breeding practices strictly adhere to the official breed standard approved by the AKC.

Commitment to Health and Genetic Integrity

The SHCA maintains a rigorous stance on health and genetic welfare. The club actively supports scientific research into hereditary diseases, funding genome mapping projects and promoting the use of advanced diagnostic tools. Key areas of focus include:

• Disease Eradication: The club strongly recommends testing for conditions such as Polyneuropathy (SHPN1) and Hypomyelination (Shaking Puppy Syndrome) to eliminate these defects from the breed.
• Standard Health Screenings: Members are expected to uphold longstanding commitments to sound breeding, which includes the standard testing of eyes and hips.
• Genetic Purity: The SHCA is deeply committed to maintaining the integrity of the Siberian Husky. The organization explicitly condemns all forms of cross-breeding and is actively monitoring genetic research to address concerns regarding breed purity.

Rules and Ethical Standards

The SHCA operates under a strict code of ethics designed to guide members in their responsibilities as stewards of the breed. This includes a deliberate and careful approach to evolving genetic science, as evidenced by the club's historical actions to disqualify specific non-standard markings like merle and brindle. By collaborating with the American Kennel Club and academic research institutions, the SHCA ensures that its policies remain both practical and effective in protecting the future of the Siberian Husky.