Breed Health and

Conservation Plan

Siberian Husky

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3
DEMOGRAPHICS ............................................................................................................................... 3
BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR ANNUAL HEALTH REPORT ............................................ 4
BREED CLUB HEALTH ACTIVITES ............................................................................................... 4
BREED SPECIFIC HEALTH SURVEYS.......................................................................................... 5
LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 6
BREED WATCH................................................................................................................................. 11
PERMISSION TO SHOW ................................................................................................................. 11
ASSURED BREEDER SCHEME .................................................................................................... 12
BREED CLUB BREEDING RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................... 12
DNA TEST RESULTS ....................................................................................................................... 12
CANINE HEALTH SCHEMES ......................................................................................................... 12
REPORTED CAESAREAN SECTIONS ........................................................................................ 17
GENETIC DIVERSITY MEASURES ............................................................................................... 18
CURRENT RESEARCH ................................................................................................................... 20
PRIORITIES ........................................................................................................................................ 21
ACTION PLAN ................................................................................................................................... 21
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 22

[Br e

ed] 2

Evidence Base BHCP/Version 1/May 2021

INTRODUCTION

The Kennel Club launched a new resource for breed clubs and individual breeders –
the Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCP) project – in September 2016. The
purpose of the project is to ensure that all health concerns for a breed are identified
through evidence-based criteria, and that breeders are provided with useful
information and resources to raise awareness of current health and welfare concerns
in their breed, and support them in making balanced breeding decisions.
The Breed Health and Conservation Plans take a complete view of breed health with
consideration to the following issues: known inherited conditions, complex conditions
(i.e. those involving many genes and environmental effects such as nutrition or
exercise levels, for example hip dysplasia), conformational concerns and population
genetics.
Sources of evidence and data have been collated into an evidence base which gives
clear indications of the most significant health conditions in each breed, in terms of
prevalence and impact. Once the evidence base document has been produced it is
discussed with the relevant Breed Health Co-ordinator and breed health
representatives where applicable. Priorities are agreed based on this data and
incorporated into a list of actions between the Kennel Club and the breed to tackle
these health concerns. These actions are then monitored and reviewed on a regular
basis.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The number of Siberian Huskies registered by year of birth between 1990 and 2019
are shown in Figure 1. The trend of registrations over year of birth (1990-2019) was
+20.1 per year (with a 95% confidence interval of -3.9 to +44.1) reflecting the
fluctuation in the breed’s numbers. Figure 1 clearly shows a rise to a peak in 2009 of
approximately 2,300 dogs, but since this time the numbers have continuously
declined, with fewer than 500 dogs registered per year as of 2019.
[Put simply, 95% confidence intervals (C.I.s) indicate that we are 95% confident that
the true estimate of a parameter lies between the lower and upper number stated.]

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Figure 1: Number of registrations of Siberian Huskies per year of birth, 1990 – 2020.

BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR ANNUAL HEALTH REPORT

Breed Health Co-ordinators (BHCs) are volunteers nominated by their breed to act
as a vital conduit between the Kennel Club and the breed clubs with all matters
relating to health.
The BHC’s Annual Health Report in 2018 and 2019, yielded the following response
to ‘please list and rank the three health and welfare conditions that the breed
considers to be currently the most important to deal with in your breed’:
1. Glaucoma
2. Hereditary cataract
3. Epilepsy
In terms of what the breed has done to help tackle these listed health and welfare
concerns, the breed has continued to encourage eye screening (including
gonioscopy) under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme for all breeding dogs.

BREED CLUB HEALTH ACTIVITES

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The Siberian Husky has an active Breed Health Coordinator (BHC) and a webpage
on the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain website dedicated to health, which can
be found at:
• [Link]

BREED SPECIFIC HEALTH SURVEYS

Kennel Club Purebred and Pedigree Dog Health Survey Results

The Kennel Club Purebred and Pedigree Dog Health Surveys were launched in 2004
and 2014 respectively for all of the recognised breeds at the time, to establish
common breed-specific and breed-wide conditions.
2004 Morbidity results: Health information was collected for 797 live Siberian
Huskies of which 563 (71%) were healthy and 234 (29%) had at least one reported
health condition. The top categories of diagnosis were ocular (18.1%, 67 of 371
reported conditions), dermatologic (14.0%, 52 of 371), reproductive (12.9%, 48 of
371), musculoskeletal (9.2%, 34 of 371), and gastrointestinal (8.6%, 32 of 371). The
most frequently reported specific conditions were zinc-responsive dermatosis (5.7%,
21 of 371), kennel cough/ infectious tracheobronchitis (4.9%, 18 of 371), cataracts
(4.0%, 15 of 371), persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) (3.8%, 14 of 371), and
cryptorchidism/ undescended testicle/ missing testicle (3.2%, 12 of 371).
2004 Mortality results: A total of 129 deaths were reported for the Siberian Husky.
The median age at death was 12 years and 7 months (min = 5 months, max = 18
years and 1 month). The most frequently reported causes of death by organ system
or category were cancer (31.8%, 41 of 129), old age (16.3%, 21 of 129), neurologic
(7.0%, 9 of 129), cardiac (6.2%, 8 of 129), and gastrointestinal (5.4%, 7 of 129). The
most frequently reported specific causes of death were old age – unspecified
(10.1%, 13 of 129), cancer – unspecified (5.4%, 7 of 129), brain tumour (3.9%, 5 of
129) and disc disease/ intervertebral disc disease (3.1%, 4 of 129).
2014 Morbidity results: Health information was collected for 222 live Siberian
Huskies of which 156 (70.3%) had no reported conditions and 66 (29.7%) were
reported to be affected by at least one condition. The most frequently reported
conditions were persistent diarrhoea (2.7% prevalence, 6 cases), pyometra (2.70%
prevalence, 6 cases), skin (cutaneous) cyst (2.7% prevalence, 6 cases),
hypothyroidism/ under-active thyroid (2.3% prevalence, 5 cases), colitis (1.8%
prevalence, 4 cases), and lipoma (1.8% prevalence, 4 cases).
2014 Mortality results: A total of just 15 deaths were reported for the breed. The
range of age at death for the Siberian Husky was 3 years to 15 years. The five most
frequently reported causes of death by organ system or category were old age (3
deaths), bone tumour (2 deaths), and hepatic/ liver tumour (2 deaths).

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LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review lays out the current scientific knowledge relating to the health of
the breed. We have attempted to refer primarily to research which has been
published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. We have also incorporated literature
that was released relatively recently to try to reflect current publications and research
relating to the breed.
Behaviour
An American study analysed the effect of dopaminergic genes (DRD4, TH) following
other studies that have suggested a correlation between allele length and activity
and impulsivity in the German Shepherd Dog, as well as in humans (Wan et al,
2013). These genes are involved in the production of L-DOPA, a precursor of
dopamine, which is involved in the production of adrenaline, as well as the brain’s
reward system, cognition, movement control and attention. In this study, 145
purebred sled dogs were recruited and underwent genotyping, a behaviour
questionnaire (dog ADHD rating scale), and a behavioural test. The authors
determined that dogs with a short DRD4 allele showed greater activity in the
behaviour tests, as well as higher ratings of activity-impulsivity in the questionnaire.
Similarly, dogs with two short TH alleles were marginally more likely to have higher
activity-impulsivity and inattention ratings and lower activity – this was more
pronounced in European dogs compared to American dogs. Dogs with combined
short DRD4/ TH alleles were most active out of the other four combinations. The
authors also established more variants of the DRD4 than other breeds previously
tested, as well as one allele that to date had only been identified in wolves,
supporting the ancient origins of the breed.
Cancers
Thyroid cancer: An American retrospective study reviewed 638 cases of thyroid
cancer reported over a 10-year period to determine any breed predisposition
(Wucherer & Wilke, 2010). Siberian Huskies made up 16 of these cases (2.5%), with
an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 1.51-4.08). Overall, 85% of the tumours reported in the
breed were malignant carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. The authors noted that this
was the first study which had noted the breed as at risk. Dogs between the age of 10
and 15 years were significantly more likely to present with disease.
Uveal spindle cell tumour: A further American study was undertaken to determine the
origin of this form of rare cancer in the eyes of affected dogs (Zarfoss et al, 2007).
This cancer appears to be exclusive to dogs with blue eyes. A total of just 13
tumours of this description were included, out of 4,007 canine eye samples. Siberian
Huskies and their crosses made up 10 of these tumours, with a median age of 10
years. The authors could not definitively rule out whether the contribution of UV
damage factors in development of disease, as well as the cells of origin and how the
development of a blue uvea relates to embryonic development. Further work is
needed to determine these possible causative factors.

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Dermatological conditions
Zinc-responsive dermatosis: An international study reviewed 41 cases of zinc-
responsive dermatosis, of which the Siberian Husky was the predominant breed
affected, with 31 cases reported in the breed (White et al, 2001). Affected dogs show
clinical signs such as alopecia or hair loss, crusty lesions, red or inflamed skin, and
itchiness. There are two manifestations of zinc-responsive dermatosis; Syndrome I
and Syndrome II. Syndrome I occurs in dogs of all ages that are usually fed a
balanced diet. These dogs typically require lifelong zinc supplementation. Syndrome
II occurs in younger dogs that are usually fed a diet which is low in absolute zinc
concentrations, has high phytate (plant protein) or calcium levels, and/or are fed
cereal or soy-based diets. Treatment for these dogs is a balanced diet and
temporary zinc supplementation. This study suggested a predisposition for
Syndrome I in northern-breed dogs, including the Siberian Husky.
Immunological conditions
Lymphoproliferative disease (LPD): LPD is an umbrella term for a number of
immunological disorders, characterised by an abnormal production of immune cells.
Some conditions classed under this term can have a cancerous basis. An American
study of 1,263 dogs (87 breeds) found that the prevalence of B-cell and T-cell LPD
differed among breeds (Modiano et al, 2005). B-cells and T-cells are specific cells
which help mediate the immune response within the body. Excluding cases that
could not be definitively categorised, across all breeds 61.4% presented with B-cell
tumours (753 of 1,226) and 38.6% presented T-cell tumours. By contrast a higher
prevalence for T-cell LPD was found in the Siberian Husky (88.9% T cells vs 11.1%
B cells, n=9). Interestingly, when breeds were grouped on genetic relatability, the
Husky group had an excess of T-cell LPD, suggesting a hereditary basis.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a well-known orthopaedic condition affecting several
breeds, characterised by loose and lax joints, which overtime result in abnormal
wearing of bone and the development of degenerative joint disease. A study
undertaken in 2013 assessed the genetic trends for hip and elbow dysplasia across
several breeds, including the Siberian Husky (Lewis et al, 2013). This was based on
the changes in mean estimated breeding values (EBVs), which are known to be a
more accurate tool to base breeding decisions on, rather than on phenotype or hip
score alone. The breed showed no statistically significant improvement in hip EBV
overtime, however it should be noted that the breed also had the lowest median
score of 7.89. The authors also noted that the breed showed a small positive impact
from phenotypic selection alone, but that these benefits may have been outweighed
by the growing pet population of the breed (at that time) which would require
genotypic selection instead of sole selection based on hip score. Further information
regarding EBV trends and hip scores are shown on page 12.
Neurological conditions
Polyneuropathy: This condition encompasses a number of neurological disorders
manifesting through a dysfunction in peripheral nerves. A US paper looked at seven

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case reports of various progressive neuropathies in the breed to decipher the
characteristics of this in the breed (Jahns et al, 2020). The affected dogs showed
varying degrees of neuropathy, with these including two cases of slowly progressive
laryngeal paralysis and megaoesophagus, two cases of slow degeneration without
megaesophagus/ laryngeal paralysis, two cases of an acute inflammatory
demyelinating neuropathy and one case of sensory neuropathy. These conditions
were characterised into two groups, degenerative and inflammatory polyneuropathy.
All dogs were young at presentation, with the authors suspecting a hereditary basis
due to the relatedness of individuals. Given that similar neuropathies present in other
breeds the authors tested the affected dogs for these known mutations (NDRG1,
ARHGEF10, RAB3GAP1) but found none of these were responsible for disease.
Further studies are needed to identify any genetic basis.
Ocular conditions
Cataracts: A cataract is an “opacity”, or loss of transparency of the lens of the eye.
The opacity may be confined to a small area of the lens, or it may affect the whole
structure, potentially resulting in blindness. Although it can be inherited there are
also many other factors for cataract formation; secondary causes include trauma,
diabetes mellitus or a complication of other primary ocular diseases such as uveitis
and neoplasia.
A recent American paper investigated the characteristics of cataracts in the Siberian
Husky, as well as complications due to cataract-correcting surgery
(phacoemulsification), in 50 dogs (92 eyes) of the breed (Uhl et al, 2021). The mean
age of dogs represented was 3.5 ± 3.3 years (range 0.7-12 years), significantly
younger than a group of non-Huskies used as a comparison. A total of 84% of
Huskies presented with a hereditary form of cataracts, with a relative risk of 1.6 (95%
CI 1.3-2.0). The breed was also found to have an increased prevalence of retinal
detachment prior (13%) and post (10%) surgery compared to non-Huskies, although
the basis for this is unknown.
Glaucoma/ goniodysgenesis/ pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA): This condition is
characterised by an abnormality in the pectinate ligament which results in a build-up
of intraocular pressure, leading to damage to tissues within the eye, pain and
blindness. An American study assessed the prevalence of breed-related glaucomas
between 1964-2002 and determined the Siberian Husky to have a predisposition
(Gelatt & MacKay). Between 1994-2002, 1.88% of Siberian Huskies were diagnosed
with glaucoma, with this having risen from 0.64% in 1964-73, 0.84% in 1974-83 and
1.13% in 1984-93. Females appeared to be more affected between 1994-2002 with
a ratio of 1:1.88. A similar and more recent paper looked at the epidemiology for
glaucoma in Switzerland, and also suggested a predisposition for disease, with the
breed making up 16.3% of cases (out of 123) (Strom et al, 2011). Of these dogs the
mean age at presentation was 5.5 years (± 3.3 years, ranging from 0.1-12.3), with a
male to female ratio of 1:1.5. The authors also established a breed prevalence of
5.06%.
X-linked progressive retinal atrophy (XLPRA): Following the identification of a
previously unknown form of hereditary retinal disease in the breed, a male Siberian

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Husky was mated to several laboratory Beagles, with the progeny mated to an
unaffected Beagle male, producing affected male puppies (Acland et al, 1994).
Subsequent matings also produced affected puppies and suggested an x-linked
mode of inheritance. Subsequent research was undertaken to map the affected
gene(s) for the condition, with the RPGR gene used as a candidate (Zeiss et al,
2000). However, no disease-causing mutation was found within this gene and the
findings suggested a more complex genetic aetiology.
Reproductive conditions
Cryptorchidism (CO): CO is a common congenital defect in which one or both testes
fail to descend into the scrotum. Major health concerns of this include reduced
fertility and a significantly increased risk of testicular cancer. A study used buccal
samples of 156 Siberian Huskies to investigate causal genes for CO in the breed
(Zhao et al, 2010). A total of 49 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs – variations
of DNA at a particular area of a gene) discovered from 20 candidate genes were
investigated. Initial results revealed that seven SNPs in the COL2A1 gene were
significantly (p < 0.05) or suggestively (p < 0.10) associated with CO. However,
further analyses showed that only one SNP in this gene remained suggestively
significant (p < 0.10) on a dataset of related dogs, but not significant on all 156
Siberian Huskies. The researchers could not exclude COL2A1 as a potential
candidate gene for CO in Siberian Huskies, however further research is necessary to
confirm these results, given the relatively small sample size included in the study.
Respiratory conditions
Bronchiectasis: This inflammatory condition can result in chronic disease within the
bronchi in the lungs, causing clinical signs such as coughing, respiratory distress and
excessive mucous in the airways. An American retrospective study analysed 289
cases of the disease to determine features of the manifestation, as well as potential
risk factors. A total of nine dogs of the breed were affected (3.1%), which was higher
than the breed’s general population (1.1%), suggesting a predisposition. An odds
ratio of 2.86 (95% CI 1.47-5.55) was established for the breed. Older dogs of any
breed were also more likely to be affected.
Pneumothorax: This condition has a number of causes but results in an
accumulation of air within the pleural spaces (tissues surrounding the lungs), which
consequently causes collapse of the lungs and can be life-threatening. An American
retrospective study assessed 64 dogs affected with this condition to assess the
effectiveness of surgery versus nonsurgical treatment. Dogs that had undergone
surgery had a lower recurrence compared to those that had not (3% versus 50%), as
well as lower mortality (12% versus 53%). Age and sex were not predisposing
factors, however larger bodyweight was greater in the affected dogs (median 29kg
versus 18.6kg). The authors also found a predisposition in the Siberian Husky, with
the breed making up 12 (19%) of the cases, and being significantly increased
compared to the breed’s control population (0.8%), with an odds ratio of 28.8 (95%
CI 6.4-277.4)

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VETCOMPASS
The Kennel Club work closely with VetCompass at the Royal Veterinary College.
VetCompass is a broad welfare research programme that collects anonymised
clinical information from more than 1,800 UK veterinary practices and includes over
7.5 million dogs. VetCompass research can be used to identify common breed-
specific conditions, or condition-specific concerns which affect a range of breeds.
Whilst no breed specific VetCompass paper has yet been published for the Siberian
Husky, the Siberian Husky is included in the condition-specific studies detailed
below.
Endocrine conditions
Diabetes mellitus: An Australian VetCompass study evaluated 134,329 records to
assess any risk factors for the manifestation of this disease (Yoon et al, 2020). In
total 418 dogs were diagnosed with the diabetes mellitus, representing a total
prevalence of 0.35%. The Siberian Husky was found to have a significantly higher
odds of disease, with an odds ratio of 6.24 (95% CI 2.51-15.54). The breed have
also been found to have an increased odds in a US study (OR = 1.53, Guptil et al,
2003), however no UK based studies have replicated these findings.
Neoplastic conditions
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer of the lymphatic system. A
VetCompass study of 455,553 dogs under veterinary care at 34 primary-care
practices in the UK during 2013, identified 286 cases with a clinical presentation
consistent with lymphoma, of which 193 dogs had a laboratory confirmed diagnosis
(Pittaway et al, 2019). The overall annual incidence risk estimated was 63/ 100,000
dogs per year (95% C.I. 55.72 - 70.49). The annual incidence risk estimated in
laboratory confirmed cases was 42/ 100,000 dogs per year (95% C.I. 36.60 - 48.78).
The breed has previously been identified as a risk factor for diagnosis of lymphoma.
The VetCompass paper above references the study by Modiano et al. (2005) that
reported the Siberian Husky to be at an increased risk of T-cell lymphoma, however
these findings were not replicated in this study.
Ocular conditions
Cataract: A study evaluated medical records of 50 Huskies (92 eyes) and 96 non-
Huskies (182 eyes) (Uhl et al, 2021). The mean age at cataract presentation was
significantly lower in Huskies (3.5 ± 3.3 years) compared to non-Huskies
(9.5 ± 2.9 years) (p < 0.0001). With the exception of one traumatic cataract, the
aetiology of cataract in all dogs of both groups was either hereditary or diabetes
mellitus. A significantly higher percentage of Huskies presented with hereditary
cataracts (Huskies = 84%; non-Huskies = 52%) while a significantly higher
percentage of non-Huskies presented with diabetic cataracts (Huskies = 16%; non-
Huskies = 48%) (p = 0.0001).

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BREED WATCH

The Siberian Husky is listed as a category 2 breed on Breed Watch, meaning judges
are required to complete a mandatory monitoring form following a judging
appointment at Championship Certificate level. The points of concern judges are
currently required to monitor are:
• Significantly overweight
• Significantly underweight

A report on the percentage of dogs shown that are affected by these visible points of
concern are in Table 1.
Due to the lockdown implemented in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic, no shows have been able to take place for the majority of 2020, and
therefore these data have been excluded.
Table 1: Percentage of dogs affected by visible points of concern between 2017 and
2019.
Point of Concern 2017 2018 2019
Significantly overweight 0.71% 1.03% 0.15%
Significantly underweight 0.12% 0.92% 0.46%
* Cow hocks 0.18% 0.00% 0.00%
* Nervous temperament 0.12% 0.16% 0.00%
* Other 0.00% 0.27% 0.00%
* Poor muscle tone 0.00% 0.00% 0.15%
* Weak hindquarters 0.83% 0.00% 0.00%
* Weak Pasterns 0.00% 0.05% 0.00%
Total dogs reported for 1,681 1,846 1,300

NB. As of quarter 4 of 2019 judges are no longer sent reminders to complete their
monitoring form, which has resulted in a drop in reports received breed-wide. This is
reflected in the fall of total dogs shown in 2019.

PERMISSION TO SHOW

As of the 1st January 2020 exhibits for which permission to show (PTS) following
surgical intervention has been requested will no longer be published in the Breed
Record Supplement and instead will be detailed in BHCPs, and a yearly report will
be collated for the BHC. In the past five years, three PTS have been granted for the
Siberian Husky (not including neutering or caesarean sections), with one being
cruciate ligament (rupture), one being hernia repair, and one being removal of a
tooth/teeth.

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ASSURED BREEDER SCHEME

Currently within the Kennel Club (KC)’s Assured Breeder Scheme there are the
following requirements for the Siberian Husky:
• Hip scoring under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
• Eye testing – PLA (Gonioscopy)
It is also recommended that all breeding stock are tested for the following prior to
breeding:
• Breed club eye testing

BREED CLUB BREEDING RECOMMENDATIONS

The Kennel Club include a breed club breeding recommendation which is detailed
under the Assured Breeder Scheme sub-heading above.

DNA TEST RESULTS

There are currently no recognised DNA tests for the Siberian Husky.
Whilst DNA tests may be available for the breed, results from these will not be
accepted by the Kennel Club until the test has been formally recognised, the process
of which involves collaboration between the breed clubs and the Kennel Club in
order to validate the test’s accuracy.

CANINE HEALTH SCHEMES AND ESTIMATED BREEDING VALUES (EBV)

All of the British Veterinary Association (BVA)/Kennel Club (KC) Canine Health
Schemes are open to dogs of any breed with a summary given of dogs tested to
date below.
HIPS
To date (April 2021), 2,845 Siberian Huskies have been hip scored under the
BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme, with a median hip score of 7 (range 0-71). The
mean hip score per year of birth for the breed between 2004 and 2019 are given in
Figure 2 below, with a notable decrease in mean score during this time. It is worth
noting that dogs born in 2019 will be no more than two years of age and will have
had fewer years for dysplasia to manifest and are therefore likely to have a lower
score.

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 Mean hip score per year of birth
9

5
Mean

0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

Figure 2: Mean hip score per year of birth for the Siberian Husky between 2004 and
2019.
It is worth noting that the proportion of dogs of the breed with a known hip score has
decreased in the past 15 years, which could affect the data supporting the mean hip
score given above (Figure 2). The number of known hip scores for the Siberian
Husky between 2004 and 2019 are shown in Figure 3 below.

Proportion of dogs scored per year of birth

16.0%

14.0%

12.0%

10.0%
Proprtion

8.0%

6.0%

4.0%

2.0%

0.0%
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

Figure 3: Number of Siberian Huskies hip scored per year between 2004 and 2019.

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EBVs are available for hip scores in this breed. Figure 4 shows the four-year rolling
mean trend in EBVs by year of birth in the Siberian Husky. Compared to 1990 the
latest figures indicate little progress has been made, with the EBVs having increased
(worsened) between ~1997 and 2007, but then begin to decline. Whilst this recent
decline does indicate an improvement, no discernible genetic improvement can be
drawn over this entire period.

Figure 4. A diagram portraying the trend in hip Estimated Breeding Values for
Siberian Huskies between 1990 and 2015.
ELBOWS
To date (April 2021), 24 Siberian Huskies have been elbow graded under the
BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme, with all grades being 0.
EYES
The Siberian Husky is currently on the BVA/KC/ISDS Known Inherited Ocular
Disease (KIOD) list (formally Schedule A) for the following conditions:
• Goniodysgenesis/Primary Glaucoma (G)
• Hereditary Cataract (HC)
KIOD lists the known inherited eye conditions in the breeds where there is enough
scientific information to show that the condition is inherited in the breed, often
including the actual mode of inheritance and in some cases even a DNA test.
To date (April 2021), 6,639 Siberian Huskies have been tested in the past 20 years.
The number of dogs tested per year, and count of those affected by HC are shown in
Figure 5 below.

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 Number of dogs affected by HC per year
350

300

250

200
Count

150 AFFECTED HC
UNAFFECTED
100

50

Year

Figure 5: Count of HC reported in the Siberian Husky between 2000 and 2020.
The breed also collate gonioscopy eye test results which are shown in Table 2
below. Grading of pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA) was formally introduced from
July 2017, explaining the differences in reporting prior to this date (either
goniodysgenesis affected or unaffected). The new system was introduced to give
breeders a better understanding of the degree of abnormality their dog was affected
by and therefore allow them to make more informed breeding decisions, with PLA a
known risk factor in the development of glaucoma. PLA grade 0 or 1 are dogs
showing little abnormality and are therefore suitable for breeding.
Table 2: Gonioscopy Reports for Siberian Huskies from January 2000 to January
2019.
Date of Number of Siberian Huskies Tested
Gonioscopy
July 2017 – PLA Grade 0 PLA Grade 1 PLA Grade 2 PLA Grade 3 Total
to date 171 (63.3%) 71 (26.3%) 24 (8.9%) 4 (1.5%) 270
Jan 2000 – Gonio Gonio Total
June 2017 Unaffected Affected
2,274 176 2,450

Schedule B lists those breeds in which the conditions are, at this stage, only
suspected of being inherited. As well as the KIOD list and Schedule B, the BVA
record any other conditions affecting a dog at the time of examination, which is
incorporated into an annual sightings report. Results of Siberian Huskies tested to
date are shown in Table 3 below.

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Table 3: Reports on Siberian Huskies that have participated in the BVA/KC/ISDS
Eye Scheme since 2012.
Year Number Tested Comments
2012 231 Adults 2 – distichiasis
1 Litter 5 – corneal lipid deposition
4 – persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)
1 – other cataract
2 – choroidal hypoplasia
2013 231 Adults 4 – corneal lipid deposition
1 Litter 2 – PPM
4 – other cataract
2014 158 Adults 8 – corneal lipid deposition
1 Litter 5 – PPM
5 – other cataract
2015 273 Adults 1 – distichiasis
3 Litters 7 – corneal lipid deposition
1 – nuclear cataract
6 – other cataract
1 – post segment coloboma
1 – multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD)
2 – chorioretinopathy
1 – iris hypoplasia
2016 208 Adults No comments
2 Litters
2017 233 Adults 5 – corneal lipid deposition
1 Litter 1 – PPM
1 – generalized progressive retinal atrophy
(GPRA)-like appearance
34 – pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD)
grade 0
19 – PLD grade 1
10 – PLD grade 2
2018 166 Adults 1 – PPM
1 Litter 2 – persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous
(PHPV)
2019 Awaiting report
2020 Awaiting report

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGISTS (ACVO)

Results of examinations through ACVO are shown in Table 4 below. Between 2015
and 2019, 6,381 Siberian Huskies were examined, of which 80.6% (5,141 of 6,381
dogs) were found to be unaffected by any eye condition. Conditions that affect over
1% of the examined population were included in Table 3.
Whilst it is important to note that these data represent dogs in America, the
organisation tend to examine a higher number of dogs than that in the UK, and
therefore are a valuable source of information.

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Table 4: ACVO examination results for the Siberian Husky, 1991 – 2019.

Disease Category/Name Percentage of Dogs Affected

1991-2014 2015-2019
(n=36,428) (n=6,381)
Eyelids
Distichiasis 1.0% 1.3%
Cornea
Corneal dystrophy 2.7% 1.7%
Uvea
Persistent pupillary membranes, iris to 2.4% 2.7%
iris
Lens
Cataract, unspecified 1.6% 0.0%
Cataract, suspect not 1.8% 2.4%
inherited/significance unknown
Significant cataract (summary) 9.5% 6.7%
Adapted from: [Link]

REPORTED CAESAREAN SECTIONS

When breeders register a litter of puppies, they are asked to indicate whether the
litter was delivered (in whole or in part) by caesarean section. In addition, veterinary
surgeons are asked to report caesarean sections they perform on Kennel Club
registered bitches. The consent of the Kennel Club registered dog owner releases
the veterinary surgeon from the professional obligation to maintain confidentiality
(vide the Kennel Club General Code of Ethics (2)).
There are some caveats to the associated data;
• It is doubtful that all caesarean sections are reported, so the number reported
each year may not represent the true proportion of caesarean sections
undertaken in each breed.
• These data do not indicate whether the caesarean sections were emergency
or elective.
• In all breeds, there was an increase in the number of caesarean sections
reported from 2012 onwards, as the Kennel Club publicised the procedure to
vets.
The number of litters registered per year for the breed and the number and
percentage of reported caesarean sections in the breed for the past 10 years are
shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Number of Siberian Husky litters registered per year, and number and
percentage of caesarean sections reported per year, 2009 to 2019.

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 Percentage of
C-sections out
Number of Litters Number of C- Percentage of of all KC
Year
Registered sections C-sections registered
litters (all
breeds)
2009 419 2 0.48% 0.15%

2010 373 0 0.00% 0.35%

2011 360 2 0.56% 1.64%

2012 306 20 6.54% 8.69%

2013 234 13 5.56% 9.96%

2014 217 17 7.83% 10.63%

2015 167 16 9.58% 11.68%

2016 142 15 10.56% 13.89%

2017 121 6 4.96% 15.00%

2018 102 15 14.71% 17.21%

2019 74 6 8.11% 15.70%

GENETIC DIVERSITY MEASURES

The effective population size is the number of breeding animals in an idealised,

hypothetical population that would be expected to show the same rate of loss of
genetic diversity (rate of inbreeding) as the population in question; it can be thought
of as the size of the ‘gene pool’ of the breed. In the population analysis undertaken
by the Kennel Club in 2020, an estimated effective population size of N/A was
reported (estimated using the rate of inbreeding over the period 1990-2019).
Where the rate of inbreeding is negative the effective population size is denoted
‘N/A’. This indicates that at this time, the effective population size for the Siberian
Husky is increasing.
Annual mean observed inbreeding coefficient (showing loss of genetic diversity) and
mean expected inbreeding coefficient (from simulated ‘random mating’) over the
period 1990-2019 are shown in Figure 6. Since 2017, the observed inbreeding
coefficient trend has decreased, implying breeders have been carefully selecting
mates to restore the diversity in the breed. The blurring of the expected inbreeding is
due to a limited amount of information, with the true value expected to be within this
range.
It should be noted that, while animals imported from overseas may appear
completely unrelated, this is not always the case. Often the pedigree available to the

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Kennel Club is limited in the number of generations, hampering the ability to detect
true, albeit distant, relationships.
For full interpretation see Lewis et al, 2015
[Link]

Figure 6: Annual mean observed and expected inbreeding coefficients.

The current breed average inbreeding coefficient for the Siberian Husky is 4.5%
Below is a histogram (‘tally’ distribution) of number of progeny per sire and dam over
each of six 5-year blocks (Figure 7). A longer ‘tail’ on the distribution of progeny per
sire is indicative of ‘popular sires’ (few sires with a very large number of offspring,
known to be a major contributor to a high rate of inbreeding). Throughout the period
analysed, there is evidence of several popular sires being used in the breed,
particularly more recently, with one sire responsible for 5.3% of progeny registered
between 2015 and 2019. This is expected given the fall in the breed’s numbers,
however should be monitored to prevent a rapid rise in loss of genetic diversity.

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1990- 1994

1995- 1999

2000-2004

2005-2009

2010- 2014

2015- 2019

Figure 7: Distribution of the proportion of progeny per sire (blue) and per dam (red)
over 5-year blocks (1990-5 top, 2015-19 bottom). Vertical axis is a logarithmic scale.

CURRENT RESEARCH

The breed are not involved in any active research at this time.

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PRIORITIES

Correspondence between the breed representatives and the Kennel Club was
undertaken in May 2021 to discuss the evidence base of the BHCP and agree the
priority issues for the health of the breed. The group agreed from the evidence base
that the priorities for the Siberian Husky were:
1. Glaucoma
2. Hereditary Cataract

ACTION PLAN

Following the correspondence between the Kennel Club and the breed regarding the
evidence base of the Breed Health & Conservation Plans, the following actions were
agreed to improve the health of the Siberian Husky. Both partners are expected to
begin to action these points prior to the next review.
Breed Club actions include:
• The Breed Clubs to continue to encourage hip scoring for all breeding stock

• The Breed Clubs to continue to encourage eye screening (including

gonioscopy) for all breeding stock

• The Breed Clubs to undertake a breed health survey, with the Kennel Club to
assist in development and dissemination

• The Breed Clubs to continue to monitor the use of popular sires and raise
awareness of the importance of considering genetic diversity when breeding
Kennel Club actions include:
• The Kennel Club to assist with the development and dissemination of a breed
health survey

• The Kennel Club to produce a piece on the importance of considering genetic

diversity and popular sires when breeding, specifically for numerically small
breeds

• The Kennel Club to provide analysis for UK insurance data for the breed

21
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