Meet The Dogs

In addition to running tours, the dogs of Black Spruce Dog Sledding compete in the annual 1,000 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Join our team by sponsoring one of these professional canine athletes!

The Main Racing Dogs

The best and brightest adults at Black Spruce. All hopefuls to make our 2023 racing teams!

Sponsor a Main Race Dog [Each dog can have up to 3 sponsors]

happy sled dogs — Hvitserk LOVES life, and everything about being a sled dog. A member of our "Norwegians" litter, this guy is a great blend of both parents, Moose and Fierce. He has his Dad's love of food and people, and his Mom's love of running, and more running. Like his brother Bjorn, Hvitserk is a steady team member who occasionally moonlights as a leader. Sponsored by Dave and Kristi M. of WA. Hvitserk can have two more sponsors!

happy sled dogs — Itkillik (It-kil-lik) is all spunk and enthusiasm! As a member of the "Rivers" litter, she is driven, smart and durable. Itkillik does any trip or race that is set in front of her with ease and grace and a smile. She is small, but she is mighty! Look for Itkillik to become an important leader. Sponsored by The Futrell Family of PA. Itkillik can have two more sponsors!

a dog looking at the camera — Dylan will turn 2 years old in the summer of 2022 and already has one Iditarod finish to his name. We could not be more excited or proud of this solid, happy, intelligent, up-and-coming leader! Sponsored by The Karstensen Family of IN, and by A-Working-Dog-Loving-Family in OH. Dylan can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Knox is one of our most experienced racing dogs, with four Iditarod starts and two finishes. He is an important leader, and has trained up many of our young leaders. Everything about Knox is 100% -- his drive, his energy, his size and his love. A truly excellent dog who makes a huge impact in our team. Sponsored by The Bailey Family of MA and Phil M of MT. Knox can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Marten is among the very best leaders in our kennel. His stand-out leadership performances include single-leading as a yearling off-trail in the Arctic, and leading for several hundred miles in his rookie Iditarod. Marten is the father to our "Characters." Sponsored by the Woodwell Family of PA and by Del and Lily of Guam. Marten can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Forty is a seven year old, five time Iditarod finisher, who never seems to tire. A 55 pound muscle machine who leads when he feels like it, and only eer slows down to mark his territory. Forty is the father to our "Musicians" litter. Sponsored by The Karstensen Family of IN; and by Chyrisse & Tim of ND. Forty can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Jack is everyone's BFF. At his house, he is always on the move - playing with his neighbors, or keeping alert for wildlife in the forest. In the team, Jack is focused, dependable, honest, and much more mellow. Sponsored by Doug & Arlene of WA; and by Jenny and Chuck of GA. Jack can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Arthur is a young dog who is already an important member of our race team. He finished is first Iditarod in 2022, and will no doubt have plenty more in his future. He is a hard worker, and a beautiful trotter who always does what is asked of him. Sponsored by Helene & Ed of MT; and Christina M of TX. Arthur can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Yentna is one of our top females at just 3 years old. She finished her first Iditarod in 2022, leading through one of the most challenging windstorms the race has ever seen. Yentna has strong opinions about most everything, but is usually a hard and energetic worker, despite her small stature. Sponsored by Kim & Jen of AK; and by Elyssa J. of MO. Yentna can have one more sponsor!

happy sled dogs — Tolvi (aka Toll House; aka House Mouse) is a member of the "Norwegians" litter. She has been a natural leader since puppyhood, and is fearless and determined at the front of the team. Her Achilles heal is her appetite. You wouldn't guess it based on her little frame, but this girl needs a lot of food to maintain her body mass, and it can be a struggle to get her to eat. This knocked her out of Iditarod 2022 at mile 300, but we're crossing our fingers for a change next year! Sponsored by Laurel J. of Oxford, UK; and by Melissa M of WA. Tolvi can have one more sponsor!

Whoop-Whoop! These Main Race Dogs are fully sponsored!

happy sled dogs — Braavos is arguably our very best, and most valuable dog. He has finished five Iditarods in five years, and is just seven years old. Big accomplishments for a pretty little dude... Braavos weighs in at barely 50 pounds! He maintains his alpha male status in the kennel by bossing everyone with his bark, and aggressing any dogs who get in his way. No wonder Braavos is usually in lead by himself at the finish line. Braavos is the father of "The Rivers" and "The Literates." Exclusively sponsored by the Berges and the Manjarrezes of Rolla, MO

a dog that is standing in the snow — Qarth. An MVP leader who dominates on a tough trail. The more adverse and slow the conditions are, the harder he drives. Qarth is a three-time Iditarod finisher, and Jeff's favorite. (Ssshhh! Don't tell the others!) Sponsored exclusively by The Linn's of Lancaster, CA

happy sled dogs — Chippewa is "the next big thing," following in the footsteps of his Uncle Qarth and Dad Braavos. Chippewa's big accomplishments for 2022 included finishing his first Iditarod, and single leading off trail on our annual spring Arctic trip. Sponsored exclusively by Julie F of Rice Lake, WI

happy sled dogs — Kobuk is a long-legged sweetheart, and a serious member of our race team. Kobuk finished the 2022 Iditarod at just under 3 years old, and did it with the grace and ease of a dog much older. Next year's vision for Kobuk: Leading in races! Sponsored exclusively by Jess SG of Farmington, MN

happy sled dogs — Owl was a big surprise for us! Small and very fine- boned, we weren't sure this girl would be much of a contributing team member. But she's a super hard worker, and her attitude is always on point. Owl is a pure pleasure to have in the team. Exclusively sponsored by Marilyn C of Roswell, NM

happy sled dogs — Anderson is both a Yukon Quest AND Iditarod finisher! In the yard, Andy's favorite things are eating, sleeping, and playing with toys. But when it's time to hook up and run, he makes his excitement known by doing a full-on, four-footed lunge off the ground to bop us nose-to-nose! Ouch!! Andy is exclusively sponsored by Jane and Stephanie of Pittsburgh, CA

happy sled dogs — Moose is another kennel Top Dog, with great leadership abilities and many Iditarod finishes. Attitude, appetite, gait, endurance, charisma: This dog has it all. Moose is the father of the "Norwegians." Sponsored by Melissa M of WA; Jenny & Chuck of GA; and by The Karstensen Family of IN.

happy sled dogs — Lynx is one of our top Iditarod performers, with three finishes under her belt at just five years old. She is a dependable, easy going girl with a great coat, fabulous appetite, and the ability to get along with everyone. Mother of "The Antiques." Sponsored by Caralyn S. of NJ; Mike and Debbie K of WI; and Jenn K of IN.

happy sled dogs — Robin was slower to mature than his "Character" brothers, but now at 3 years old is a solid member of the race team. He's got a beautiful trot, a good appetite, and a happy-go-lucky attitude that can't be beat. Robin easily finished the 2022 Iditarod. Sponsored exclusively by Kai and Andy of Palmer, AK

happy sled dogs — The Wolf is another young, but super solid member of our race team. Although he did not finish Iditarod 2022, he was an incredibly focused and diligent worker right up to the moment he was sent home. He has successfully finished every other race he has been in. Sponsored exclusively by Rich and Julie of Redwood City, CA

happy sled dogs — Frito ran his first Iditarod as a Yearling in 2018. Since then has been in several more. Frito is a dog we can always count on. He pulls when it's time to pull, and rests when it's time to rest. Oh yeah, and he leads, too! Sponsored exclusively by Andy & Kai of Palmer, AK.

happy sled dogs — Oyvind is a steady team member, and probably the kennel's loudest "cheer leader." When we make impromptu stops on the trail to check booties or take a photo, Oyvind will immediately start barking and "harness-banging," making it almost impossible to stay stopped. We hate these poor manners during training, but this "go-get-'em" attitude is a joy to have on a long race. Sponsored exclusively by The Linn's of CA.

a dog sitting in the snow — Bjorn is one of our best young dogs. He is three years old, and the only one among his "Norwegian" siblings to finish their first Iditarod in 2022. Bjorn is an excellent team member and moonlights as a leader when he feels like it. Sponsored by Manuel S. of CA; Del & Lily of Guam; and Beverly G of NC.

a dog that is standing in the snow — Marley is an uber-confident, adventurous, good-eating, solo-flier. He finished his first Iditarod in 2022 as a Yearling, and he no doubt has plenty more coming up in his future. Sponsored by The Albertson Family of OR; the Dumais-Kutchins of AK; and by the Lambert Cousins of PA.

a dog sitting in the snow — Natalie is another small female, and she's got big shoes to fill. Her Mom Spears, and Dad Forty are multi-time Iditarod finishers. In 2022 her brothers Dylan and Marley also finished their first Iditarods at under 2 years old. Natalie has been slower to mature than her brothers, but that's common for female Alaskan Huskies. In the 22-23 season we are expecting big things from this tough girl - including burning up the trail in lead! Natalie is Exclusively Sponsored by Joe L of AK.

The Yearling Squad

Yearlings are between one and two years old. Their responsibilities are touring and mastering the basic skills to become great racing dogs in the future!

Sponsor a Yearling [Each dog can have up to 3 sponsors]

a close up of a dog — Johnny is an absolute animal of a sled dog! From the moment he first got a harness, he has been all business. Just don't stop! He is liable to shred anything he can get his teeth into as soon as he quits running. Although we have planned to not race any of our yearlings this season, Johnny may be an exception. Stay tuned, this boy is going places. Johnny is sponsored by Doug & Arlene of WA. Johnny can have 2 more sponsors!

a dog looking at the camera — Wander is the new kid on the block. A transplant to our kennel from our friends at Wildthingz Dog Mushing, Wander is older than the rest of our yearlings, but still a member of their "training cohort." This makes her a bit of an odd-ball, but she doesn't care! Wander has an ultra-happy, ultra-energetic personality. Look for Wander to be running longer distances this coming season, and maybe even trying out for the race team (just maybe...). Sponsored by Katya B. of CA. Wander can have two more sponsors!

a dog that is standing in the snow — Lilah is now one of the largest females in our kennel, and we are having a blast running her! (Now that we've trained her not to chew on her lines), she's a pleasure to hook up and run: all business and power, with a pretty trot to match. Look for Lilah to be a core member of the tour team this winter, with more advanced runs in the "recovery team" come January. Sponsored by YY & Kline of MA. Lilah can have two more sponsors!

a dog standing in the snow — Skip is a lover of all things in life. This includes running in the team. And, Skip is the epitome of a "distance" sled dog- smooth gaited, steady, and eager to go. Look for him to be a primary member of the recovery team this winter, and advance into some longer runs by spring. Sponsored by Ellen & Alfred of NJ, and by AV & DL of AK. Skip can have one more sponsor!

a dog sitting in the snow — Oracle. Another small female, not to be underestimated. Oracle is always on blast, whether she's free running or hooked up in the team. She's got a fiery, feisty personality and she absolutely loves being a sled dog. Sponsored by Lori S of AK; and by Peggy and Rebecca of MS. Oracle can have one more sponsor!

a dog that is standing in the snow — Story is the most like her momma, Maple, and is as sweet as can be. She's a perfect angel at her house, but is all fun and games during free time. In the team, she is smooth, focused and reliable. Look for her to be a primary member of the recovery team this winter. Sponsored by Becky W. of CO; and by Deb S. of CO. Story can have one more sponsor!

a dog sitting in the snow — Prophet is a classic young male: Good listener one day, girl-obsessed the next! But with his genetics, we know he'll be rock solid by the time this winter is over. Son of Braavos, nephew of Qarth, brother of Chippewa and Kobuk; Prophet is up to the challenge of filling big booties. Look for Prophet to be a core member of the tour team, and advance into longer runs by January. Sponsored by Leslie T.S. of TX; and by Jessica O. of BC, Canada. Prophet can have one more sponsor!

Whoop-Whoop! These Yearlings are fully sponsored!

a dog sitting in the snow — Legend is full of energy and power. He has been "life of the party" since puppyhood, and this doesn't seem to change as he ages. In the team, he is focused and determined. Look for him to be a core member of the tour team, and advance into longer runs by January. Sponsored exclusively by John and Claudia B. of Rolla, MO.

a dog that is standing in the snow — Maxine, AKA "Max Cat," is another small-but-mighty female! She's a hard driving, eager worker, and we're so excited to see how far she'll go! Look for Max to be advancing into longer, more serious runs with the "Recovery Team" by January. Exclusively sponsored by Theresa and Gary of CA.

a dog sitting in the snow — Ester "Bunny" is as cute as they come. But don't let her looks mislead you, she is a spitfire in the team. Since day one, she has been focused and determined. Look for Ester to be on the tour team this winter, with some more advanced running in the "recovery team," come January. Exclusively sponsored by Gretchen D. of Fairbanks, AK.

The Puppies

Sponsor a Puppy now, and renew each year to watch them grow into a mature Iditarod racer!

Sponsor a Puppy

a close up of a dog — Einstein. Will he be a genius!? It's too soon to tell. For now, he's the largest male, with the most unique coloring. If he grows to be both big and smart, we'll have a real whiz on our hands! Einstein is sponsored by The Linns of CA. Einstein can have 2 more sponsors!

a close up of a dog — Clara. Named for "The It Girl" Clara Bow, this plucky female has us in alternating fits of laughter and concern. Clara is easily the bravest, fiercest, and most agile pup in the group. We anticipate lots of breaking up fights and chasing her around the puppy pen. Clara is sponsored by Christina M of TX, and Jack F of AK. Clara can have 1 more sponsor!

a close up of a dog — Salvador. A small, sweet boy. He's a hard one not to snuggle endlessly! But we don't worry about his small size. Grand/papa Braavos is our smallest male, but our very best dog. Go get 'em, Sal! Salvador is sponsored by John and Claudia of MO; and by Dave and Gina of IA. Salvador can have 1 more sponsor!

a close up of a dog — Capone. Another nice male from this large litter, Capone was the first pup to be named. His distinct black and white markings make him a visitor favorite, but he's got a puppy scream that could peel wallpaper! We're looking forward to watching this boy grow into our big ambitions for him. Capone is exclusively sponsored by Kurt M. of Largo, FL.

a close up of an animal — Coco. Named for Coco Chanel, the famous French fashion icon, this girl will be as important and powerful as the little black dress. Although hers would be a BIG black dress... Coco is the largest pup in this group; a unique distinction for a female sled dog. We'd hate to jinx it, but Coco may grow to be exactly the kennel matriarch we've been looking for. Coco is sponsored by Pringles' Grammy in CA; Deb D in AK; and by Melissa M in WA.

a close up of a dog — Gatsby. Although his namesake is fictional, this boy should be the real deal. Mellow and brave with a gentle demeanor. These days he's a favorite for snuggling, but someday he'll be a favorite for racing. Gatsby is sponsored by the Totten Family of KY; and by Nora and Charlie of SC; and by Jules L of FL.

a close up of a dog — Louis. Named for Louis Armstrong, this boy is on track to be big and bold. He was one of the first pups to leave his dog house, and the very first to try eating real dog food. We've got big hopes for this big personality! Louis is partially sponsored by Heavy Lift Home Gym in VA; and by The Puckett's Mill Lead Dogs in GA; and by Max F of AK.

The “Extras”

Every kennel has ’em! These dogs no longer race, and some of them may be eligible for adoption. Find out more here >>>

happy sled dogs — Mereen is a two-time Iditarod finisher, and sister to our best dogs, Qarth and Braavos. These days Mereen is enjoying an early retirement as a tour-only dog, as she no longer has the ambition or attention for long distances. Since she's a bit of a sassy-pants, Mereen is looking for a new forever home where she can be the only dog. Check out our adoption page for more info!

a dog that is standing in the snow — Fierce, aka "Alien," is about as quirky as they come. She's got a short coat, and a wiry thin frame, which makes her stand out from the rest of our stockier, denser-coated crew. But Fierce is a brilliant front-end dog who never tires. These days she's retired from racing, but she LOVES running tours.

a dog that is standing in the snow — Pogo is one of our biggest, smartest leaders, but maybe too big and smart! This giant is a giant softy, and a classic over-thinker. He loves training puppies and keeping an easy training schedule. When things get tough, Pogo lets us know his displeasure by going off his food and being slow to leave the yard in lead. He ran in both Iditarod 2018 and 2019, but didn't manage to finish either one.

happy sled dogs — Phloem joined our kennel as an adult, after our friend Dave Dalton retired from mushing. She spends most of the fall/winter season training with our race teams, but doesn't have quite what it takes to actually race. Happily, Phloem is also perfectly content coming inside and sleeping at her dog house. Her only gripe is having to interact with strangers - she's a pretty shy gal! Phloem is sponsored by Melissa M. of University Place, WA.

Koyuk — Koyuk. At birth, this girl was the dictionary definition of a "runt." She refused to eat and had a hard time regulating her body temperature. We brought her indoors for bottle feeding and she slept at night in our bed. Koyuk is now a happy, healthy adult, but she's also pretty sure she's a human. Koyuk is sponsored by ML Petti of Fairbanks, AK

Rave — Rave. Sometimes you get a puppy who just doesn't want to be a sled dog! And that's OK. Now Rave is our resident barking - er, we mean - parking attendant and cuddle buddy. Rave is sponsored by ML Petti of Fairbanks, AK

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