Thistle Hill holds every aspect of the program to a high standard, from how breeding dogs are selected and tested to how puppies are cared for before go-home and supported long after. This page outlines what families can expect at every stage.

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Health Testing of Breeding Dogs

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Every Thistle Hill breeding dog completes comprehensive health testing before being included in the program. Required testing includes OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation, annual OFA eye examinations, and genetic screening for SPS1 and SHPN1. A full Embark genetic panel is run on each breeding dog. Some dogs also complete elbow evaluations where appropriate.

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All results are publicly available through the OFA database. Transparency in health testing is not optional at Thistle Hill. It is foundational.

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Veterinary Care and Vaccinations

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All veterinary care while puppies are in our program is managed in collaboration with our primary veterinarian.

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Unlike programs that begin vaccinations as early as six weeks, we wait until as close to eight weeks as we can schedule. This timing ensures puppies receive their first DHPP vaccination when their immune response is most effective.

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The DHPP series requires three doses administered four weeks apart. Families are responsible for continuing this schedule with their own veterinarian. The third DHPP dose at approximately sixteen weeks aligns with the recommended timing for the first rabies vaccination.

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One of the most important things to know: puppies should not be taken into public spaces, dog parks, pet stores, or areas frequented by unknown dogs until at least one week after their final puppy vaccination. Parvovirus is the primary concern. It is highly contagious, environmentally persistent, and potentially fatal in young puppies. This is not a guideline to take lightly.

 

A complete vaccination and veterinary care record is provided at pickup.

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Health Guarantee

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Every Thistle Hill puppy is warranted to be healthy and free from life-threatening illness at the time of transfer. Families are encouraged to complete a veterinary examination within three business days of pickup.

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If a life-threatening contagious or congenital condition present prior to transfer is identified during that initial examination, the family may elect to return the puppy for a full refund or retain the puppy and receive reimbursement for documented veterinary expenses up to the purchase price.

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A two-year genetic health guarantee covers severe hereditary defects that significantly impact quality of life or normal function. Covered conditions include debilitating hereditary eye diseases, severe congenital organ defects, grade III or higher patellar luxation, and moderate to severe hip dysplasia verified by a licensed veterinarian or certified diagnostic imaging.

This guarantee does not cover conditions arising from accident, injury, environmental factors, poor nutrition, exposure to illness after transfer, or failure to follow veterinary and breeder recommendations.

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If a covered hereditary condition is diagnosed within the two-year period, families may choose a replacement puppy from the next available Thistle Hill litter or retain the dog and receive reimbursement for documented veterinary expenses up to the purchase price.

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All placements are governed by a detailed written purchase agreement reviewed prior to commitment.

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Pet Insurance

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Every Thistle Hill puppy is eligible for 30 days of free accident and illness coverage through Trupanion, activated within 24 hours of pickup, and through AKC Pet Insurance, activated at registration. We recommend maintaining pet insurance coverage throughout your dog's life.

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Registration and Show/Breeding Rights

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All puppies are placed on Limited AKC Registration unless full registration is granted under a separate written agreement. Dogs placed on limited registration are not authorized for breeding. Unauthorized breeding constitutes a breach of contract.

 

Spay and Neuter

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Research on optimal spay and neuter timing is evolving. Current UC Davis guidelines recommend no earlier than 6 months for male Siberian Huskies and no earlier than 12 months for females. We recommend waiting until at least 18 months when possible, and always encourage families to discuss timing with their veterinarian. We do not recommend pediatric sterilization. Families can review the UC Davis research.

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Lifetime Return to Breeder

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Every dog bred by Thistle Hill is protected by a lifetime return requirement. If a family can no longer keep their dog at any point in the dog's life, Thistle Hill must be contacted immediately. Dogs may not be surrendered to shelters, rescues, or third parties without prior written approval.

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This is not a punitive policy. It is a promise we make to every dog we bring into the world.

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Preparing for Your Puppy

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Families who are confirmed for placement receive a detailed puppy care guide at pickup. It covers everything from supplies and setup to nutrition, grooming, training basics, and what to expect in the first weeks at home.

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A few things worth having ready before go-home day: a crate sized for an adult Siberian Husky with a divider panel, a collar and standard six foot leash, stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls, and an enzyme cleaner for potty accidents. Your puppy pack includes food, a scent blanket, and familiar toys to help ease the transition.

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After Go-Home

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Thistle Hill remains available to every puppy family for questions, guidance, and support throughout the dog's life. We stay in touch, celebrate milestones, and are always a call or message away when something comes up.

We do not place puppies and walk away. That is not how this program works.

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This extends beyond our own families. If you reached out to us and didn't end up with a Thistle Hill puppy, we are still happy to be a resource. Whether that means pointing you toward another breeder, offering guidance on the breed, or simply answering a question, we respond. It is how we think a breeder should operate, and it is how we actually do.