Alyssa Storm-Gould | Wedgewood Primitives Samoyeds & Yakutian Laikas

Interview With Alyssa Storm-Gould, Breeder of Wedgewood Primitives Samoyeds & Yakutian Laikas

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: My name is Alyssa Storm-Gould, and I live in Toms River, New Jersey. I’ve had dogs my whole life. The last 24 years, I have been owned by Samoyeds. My kennel name for my Samoyeds is Wedgewood Samoyeds. I have been showing my Samoyeds for 14 years. I’m just starting out on my breeding journey. My boy sired a litter last year, and I’m hoping for a litter from my girl soon.

This past year, I got my Yakutian Laika, Annie, from Carrie Smith at Northstar Primitives. She entrusted me with Annie (Northstar’s Annie Get Your Gun) in April, in hopes of having her bloodlines in my area. We fell in love with Annie and decided to add Yakutian Laikas to our dog family. Our kennel name for them is PolarStar Yakutian Laikas. The overall name of our kennel for both breeds became Wedgewood Primitives.

2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: Yakutian Laikas and Samoyeds are related. Today we are focusing on the Yakutian Laikas. They are an ancient and primal breed. They love their people and want to be with them. Yakutian Laikas are more slender and lighter in bone than the Samoyeds, and carry a shorter length coat as well. It is important to remember what this breed is used for: herding reindeer, pulling sledges, hunting, and guarding the camps, etc. They need a proper length of leg under them in order to perform their work. Their coats should be a true double coat with a weather-resistant topcoat and a warm, dense undercoat for insulation.

3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: I believe interest in Yakutian Laikas is rising in this country, and that the demand for puppies supports breeding.

4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: I utilize health testing and online databases such as with the OFA. Social media has also opened up communication with breeders around the world.

5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: I have noticed a shift in that many people think purebred dogs are the reason there are dogs in shelters.

6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: Entry fees have doubled since I started showing. Numbers have gone down at the shows, and it’s harder to find majors. The cost of travel, including food, fuel, and lodging, has gone up exponentially. Many newcomers have been discouraged by the expense of showing as well as other factors that novice owner-handlers face.

7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Alyssa Storm-Gould: I love the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) program with AKC. This has been something I have loved participating in. It gives owner-handlers an outlet to show their dogs on a more even playing field and have more experience in a Group ring.

I also am very happy that the AKC now allows Juniors to use dogs that do not belong to them or a family member. It opens up opportunities for young people who otherwise would not be able to participate.