Puppies due Oct 17-19 after NTCH Snykovet´s Yukon and Hilma

Friday marked four weeks since the first of three matings between Hilma and Yukon, and it was finally time for an ultrasound examination to hopefully confirm pregnancy.

Hilma didn’t conceive after her matings (with Nikolai) two years ago and hasn’t shown any visible heat cycles since then. She has usually been kept with other female dogs, but this summer, almost all the females were in heat at the same time, so she got some lovely company from Yukon – since she wasn’t in heat!

But Yukon´s instincts can be trusted! We had three successful (and desired) matings between Hilma and Yukon during her "silent heat" over three consecutive days.

During the ultrasound, we could see four small "bubbles." Ultrasounds don’t necessarily give an exact count of the puppies, so we’ll have to wait and see what the final result will be.

The due date is October 17–19

NTCH Snykovet´s Yukon photographed by Ida-Helene Sivertsen 

Yukon can’t be fooled by a “quiet” heat… He followed Hilma like a shadow — day and night — no eating, no sleeping… and finally, she was ready! We witnessed three matings (August 15, August 16 and August 17) - but there might have been more.  They are such sweethearts cuddling together in the same dog house and staying close to each other all the time. 

We’re feeling quite optimistic that Hilma is now finally carrying her very first litter. So - if all goes well - there will be not just one, but two litters born here at Kennel Snykovet in October. 

Hilma has an ultrasound appointment scheduled September 12th. If pregnant - and we think she is - her due date is October 17-19th.

NTCH Snykovet’s Yukon

Three year old Yukon, owned by Ida-Helene, is our main leader, not disturbed by reindeer, moose, or any other distractions on the trail. And he is a brilliant through stormy weather — proving his skill in single lead across Hundevidda during this year’s Finnmarksløpet. Steady, confident, and always polite when passing other teams. He has excellent coat and paws, a wonderful temperament, and holds both a CAC from national shows and a Nordic show certificate. An uncomplicated, sweet, beautiful boy!

Weight: 25.5 kg (April 2025)
Eye Health: ECVO eye scan (all clear, August 2024)
Pedigree Registration: NO54797/22 (link to dogweb)
Sire: Sirius av Ulvhild NO56779/20
Dam: Nova av Viddashusky NO45468/19
Racing Career: Yukon is still young but has proven himself as a great sled dog through the racing seasons of 2024-2025 including long, middle and sprint races.

Hilma

Soon to be 6 year old Hilma joined us in July 2022 from Matti Salmi and Jane Helppi of Nellim Husky, Finland. She’s a beautiful, clever, and hard-working girl — fast, tireless, and an excellent lead dog. She craves speed, is rock-solid on commands, and has completed numerous races with a tight tug line, earning nine first prizes in sled / working dog trials with our team. We’ve long dreamed of offsprings from her.

Weight: 19 kg (April 2025)
Eye Health: ECVO eye scan (all clear, March 2023)
Pedigree Registration: FI13061/21 (link to dogweb, import from Finland)
Sire: Eki (Eetu x Polar Speed Diigu)
Dam: Timanttihangen Nitro (Tullatuulen Jack x Kefeus Hexe’s Skathi)
Racing Career: Hilma is a key member of our team and has proven herself as a great sled dog through the racing seasons of 2022-2025 including long, middle and sprint races. Hilma is just one blue ribbon away from earning her NTCH title, but her heart clearly belongs to the trails and not in the show ring, and we respect her opinion on that!

Hilma photographed by Ida-Helene Sivertsen