Marie Ann Falconer | MYLA Siberian Huskies

Interview with Marie Ann Falconer, Breeder of MYLA Siberian Huskies

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Marie Ann Falconer: I live in Athens, Tennessee. I have been in dogs my whole life, actively showing since 1973, (50 Years). I’ve been a breeder for 50 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Marie Ann Falconer: My kennel name is MYLA. I currently keep 12 Siberian Huskies and
two Whippets.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Marie Ann Falconer: Winning the Working Group with my German Shepherd Dog and winning the SHCA National Specialty with MBIS MBISS CH Seeonees Point Blank CGC, and recently, the AKC National Championship in Orlando.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Marie Ann Falconer: By far, the sire was “Rocky,” MBIS MBISS Nat’l Winner CH Seeonees Point Blank CGC, and the dam was MBISS Multiple Group Winner CH Myla’s Libby SD.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Marie Ann Falconer: We are located on 10 pristine acres with very large, grassy paddocks to run. Puppies are whelped in the barn where we have a climate-controlled whelping room. They are raised with a lot of people visiting and handling all the puppies, and a lot of love!

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Marie Ann Falconer: The first grading is at 6 weeks, but most evaluating is done at 8 weeks old.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Marie Ann Falconer: Not anymore.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Marie Ann Falconer: We are a show kennel first and our dogs must fit to the Breed Standard.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Marie Ann Falconer: Lots and lots of exercise and weekly grooming. All dogs are kept in super condition at any age!

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Marie Ann Falconer: We screen for cataracts and hip dysplasia. We’ve proudly fed Eukanuba for over 46 years now and that works for us.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Marie Ann Falconer: I believe so.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Marie Ann Falconer: Siberians are not for everyone, but yes, they make a wonderful pet for responsible people. The best candidates are folks who know not to let them run free in the neighborhood, who have a fenced yard, and who show up with a crate to drive home with their dog.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Marie Ann Falconer:Cute is not in our Standard and no one remembers they need to have legs. The best-kept secret is the boys are more affectionate.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Marie Ann Falconer: Please remember their function as a sled dog and reward front assemblies over all else.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Marie Ann Falconer: Please do homework.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Marie Ann Falconer: The most amusing thing was my dog Rocky riding on an ATV instead of working in harness.