The Dam "Delta"

Delta is out of our original Ausky pairing Nanuk x Arya. She is a true gem and one of a kind dog from being an incredibly talented disc dog, to functioning as a demo dog helping work with severe problem cases and even fulfilling her role as a protector serving as a Personal Protection dog. Delta has the sweetest and kindest demeanor. With solid nerve strength, a great off switch and highly social she is sure to impart all of these invaluable traits upon her puppies. 

Since our program is part of many cooperative outcrossing research groups taking place in an effort to achieve genetic rescue of many breeds - our focus being the Australian Shepherd using the outcrossing model of continuous outcross with back crossing we are proud to say that in only two generations we have achieved not only a clean genetic panel resulting in the loss of the carrying of the common genetic mutation affecting the breed named MDR1 (Multi Drug Resistance) and a COI of less than 1% (the average purebred rate being 20-30%). This is tangible evidence that outcrossing for genetic rescue of our purebred dogs is possible and perhaps even necessary. 

Our program deploys the use of 3 parent breeds for this project including the Australian Shepherd, the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd (or Czech Shepherd in our case). Each of these breeds and the individuals within these breeds selected carefully for their phenotypes, their existing genetic integrity and their potential to fill genetic “gaps” within one another. 

This program we call “Arizona Huskies” or “Auskies” will never strive for AKC recognition because that would entail a closing of the stud books, followed by inbreeding/line breeding to achieve phenotype consistency followed by the decline of genetic diversity which results in health issues such as hip dysplasia, macular degenerative disease, heart disease, behavioral abnormalities such as environmental sensitivities among others. 

This particular individual “Delta” from our program has been selected for her genetic strength, her proven working ability and her temperament. We hope you continue to follow along as we embark on this journey into the next generation of our program with her at the forefront as an ambassador for the important work that is being done around the globe with outcrossing programs.