Our Breed
Our objective is to develop a medium-sized dog that exemplifies exceptional family-friendliness and reliability around children and other pets. This active canine companion possesses the ideal energy level for both sports and adventures, striking a balance that ensures it remains well-suited for the typical family lifestyle. With a fluffy double coat adorned with captivating colours and markings, the Australian Laika combines aesthetics with functionality. It possesses the inherent strength, speed, endurance, and prey drive essential for excelling in Sledding, Lure Coursing, and Scent Work, as well as other sports. Additionally, our breed prioritizes a manageable size to simplify walking, feeding, and training processes. The Australian Laika is characterized by an independent spirit yet maintains a joyful willingness to collaborate with its human companions, seamlessly integrating into the family dynamic. Through careful consideration of the history and genetics of the three arctic breeds designed for sledding, we aim to create a canine athlete that embodies our passion for the sport.
After extensive research and training, having completed dog breeding courses and passed exams through the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine College and Animal Welfare Victoria, we have obtained the knowledge and evidence to substantiate our claims that crossbred dogs are healthier than purebred dogs when the breeds are crossed intentionally and ethically. The cross breeding we are discussing here does not involve a random mix of multiple breeds with nothing in common that have not undergone sufficient health testing, we are advocating for a purpose bred, healthy line of dogs that consist of a harmonious match between highly compatible breeds.
The reason that cross breeding creates healthy dogs is because it diversifies the gene pool by making it what is known as an open gene pool, as opposed to the closed gene pools that purebreds are bred into. When no new genes are introduced it causes low hybrid vigor and inbreeding depression, which leads to low libido and fertility, a decrease in size, abnormal sperm, higher puppy mortality, deformities and an increase in other health problems. Alternatively, crossbreeding lowers the risk of hip dysplasia, kidney, spine, heart and knee diseases, cancers and a range of ailments that affect the brain, skin, liver and blood.
People may assume that all crossbreeds are healthy because they have experienced F1 (first generation mixed breed dogs) dogs that have not gotten any undesirable diseases from their purebred parents. The mistake is not realising that although they do not have the problems of either purebred they are made up of they could still be carriers for double the amount of diseases if their parents were not health tested. In this case F2 and F3 dogs (the offspring of an F1) can now have all the undesirable issues of both purebred types that make up their DNA. This is why it is just as important to complete health testing for genetic issues in crossbred dogs. At Itahni Kennels we pride ourselves on being rigorous with our health testing and selection process, having all our dogs hip and elbow scored and DNA tested to screen for all possibly heritable diseases. We will only breed dogs who are free from any issues and have healthy, low scores, as well as carry the traits that we desire to make permanent in our line of Australian Laikas.