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Usvatanssin Kennel

We have been providing husky tours here at Korvala for 25 years and are third generation kennel owners. We have also been breeding pedigree Siberian Huskies under our own kennel name Usvatanssin Kennel for the last 10 years. The name means "mist dance" and was inspired by two things: first, our location - on summer evenings the mist dances over our lake and around the kennels, creating a mystical feel to our white nights; and second by our dogs - when they run on cold winter days, the beauty of their synchronized paces is like a dance moving through the sparkling mist of the powder snow. Very poetic, don't you think!

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Breed Origins

The Siberian Husky developed as a sled-dog over thousands of years in relative isolation in the far reaches of north-eastern Siberia, where they were used by the Chukchi people for transportaton. From 1908, some were brought to Alaska for sled-dog racing and over the next two decades became famous for their sledding abilities. In 1930, importing from Siberia stopped with the closing of the Soviet border, and at the same time the dogs were recognised as a pure breed by the American Kennel Club. Since then they have spread around the world. The breed standard is quite versatile and allows for some variety, especially in colour but also in build. Our dogs represent that variety and the genetic diversity which can still be found in the working line. They are best suited to arctic conditions in their original role running in a team in harness, carrying light loads over long distances at a moderate speed.  

Welfare Policies

We have 85 Siberian Huskies of all different ages. Our dogs are of the standard type, not sprint nor show types. They live outdoors, just as this breed has done throughout it's existance. Our dogs have spacious kennels and large free running areas, and we are committed to them for their whole lives. They retire when they reach around 10-11 years of age, or earlier if there are other health considerations. The oldest dogs live with the youngest dogs in a central area so that they can watch all the activity going on. They continue to be part of the kennel's daily life, running in the yard and playing with the puppies whenever possible. The older dogs are kept active and are regularily taken on walks and short runs. When their age limits their strength and level of fitness and they can no longer pull in harness they stroll around with us at a gentle pace.

 

Our vet visits us often and all the dogs have regular health checks and all the required vaccinations and worming routines. Whenever needed, they have treatments, operations and medications, and when they reach the end of their lives, they are put down only after consultations with our vet, when there are no other alternatives for their best care and comfort. We do not want them to suffer unnecessarily - we owe them the dignity of a peaceful and painless end of life. 

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