SHCA Breeder/Exhibitor/Performance Enthusiast
Mentor Program

The Breeder/Exhibitor/Performance Enthusiast Mentor Program has been developed as one aspect of the Breeder Exhibitor Fancier outreach programs. The purpose of this program is to provide information and resources to support new breeders, exhibitors and performance event enthusiasts to facilitate their success in these activities.

It is the intention of the SHCA to provide breeders and performance experts with many years of experience willing to share their knowledge and experience to help those in need to better understand the Siberian Husky in all aspects from breeding, whelping, socializing and training for all events available.

The relationship between Mentor – Mentee is a fluid connection to gain insight and understanding of all the various aspects of being a Preservation Breeder of AKC Siberian Huskies.

Requirements to be an SHCA Mentor

  • Minimum of 10 years in the breeding and exhibiting or competing in performance events and must be a breeder of record and personally whelped at least 5 litters.

  • Must be an SHCA member in good standing.

  • Must be the breeder of record of at least 5 AKC champions and/or performance or companion titled dogs.

Mentors Should Be

  1. Willing to devote their time and knowledge to others

  2. Patient and flexible

  3. Willing and able to network with other qualified mentors when necessary

  4. Able to give constructive feedback in a kind and non-judgmental manner

  5. Able to listen carefully to the mentee’s thoughts and concerns

Mentors Are Expected To

  1. Promote the SHCA and assist in meeting other Siberian Husky enthusiasts, connect with clubs and finding resources.

  2. Teach responsible breeding practices as outlined by the SHCA and AKC.

  3. Review the Standard for the Siberian Husky and explain the difference between Pet vs Show and performance.

  4. Explain the differences between in-breeding, line breeding and out crossing

  5. Share your knowledge on how to evaluate puppies and how to select breeding stock

  6. Help them understand how to read a pedigree and the importance of knowing what is behind their dogs.

  7. Review health issues and available tests

  8. Share knowledge about reproduction, whelping, proper puppy rearing and AKC registration.

  9. Explain good sportsmanship in every venue

  10. Discuss contracts and the importance of having them

  11. Discuss nutrition for both adults and puppies

  12. Help the mentee find appropriate training classes and show or performance events to attend

  13. Discuss veterinary care and vaccination protocols

Mentees are expected to

  1. Be open to constructive criticism and take it as a learning tool to better understand the subject at hand.

  2. Familiarize yourself with the tools, contracts, forms and information you are receiving from your mentor

  3. Rely on your mentor to answer your questions and concerns

  4. Communicate with your mentor if you don’t understand any information you are receiving from them or any other source.

  5. If you feel you need a different mentor, for any reason, please don’t hesitate to contact SHCA’s Mentorship committee

Build and solid foundation by creating a clear picture of each others expectations.

Ask “What is your goal and hopes to accomplish in the coming years?”

Build confidence by practicing the following

  1. Be honest in all aspects of showing/performing, kennel management and breeding

  2. Listen carefully and take notes if necessary

  3. Be patient and flexible

  4. Don’t hesitate to network and offer resources

  5. Offer diverse perspectives

  6. Be non-judgmental

  7. Give constructive feedback with encouraging statements

Finally

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

BE THE BREEDER YOU INSPIRE OTHERS TO BE

SHCA Responsible Breeding Practice Materials