In addition to touring, the dogs at Black Spruce also compete in long distance races.
Adults, Yearlings, and Pups are all eligible for sponsorship
Adult Dogs
These dogs are all in training to make our race teams, but only the best will be chosen!
LYNX - Sponsor!
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Born 4/2017- The “Animals”
Lynx is one of our top performers, with multiple race finishes on her resume. She is not the smoothest to watch in harness, but what she doesn’t have in style, she makes up for in grit. Lynx LOVES climbing hills! She is a dependable, easy going girl with a great coat, fabulous appetite, and the ability to get along with everyone. In a team of mostly males, Lynx shines as something really special.
Mother to the “Antiques”
Sponsored by Jenn & Steph of IN; The Caplan Family of AZ; and MIke & Debbie of WI. Lynx can have 1 more sponsor!
MOOSE
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Born 4/2017- The “Animals”
Moose is truly one of our very best! He has the two traits that every musher dreams of- attitude and appetite. Moose is always ready for what is next, and has an appetite unmatched by any other dog (we have to watch that he doesn’t steal from his neighbor!). Moose has finished every race (and every single training run) that he has ever started. You’re a beast, Moose!
Moose is the father of the “Norwegians.”
Sponsored by Melissa M of WA; by Jenny & Chuck of GA; by the Karstensen Family of ND; and by the Snyder Family of MI.
CHIPPEWA
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Born 5/2019- The “Rivers”
Chippewa is “the real deal,” following in the footsteps of his papa, Braavos. He loves to lead and has a knack for finding a hidden trail in deep snow. Although wind has not historically been his favorite, he has recently shown improvement in that area. Unlike Braavos, Chippewa has a keen eye for his offspring, and has been instrumental in their training.
Father to the “Antiques,” the “Roaring 20’s” and the “Virtues.”
Sponsored exclusively by Julie F. of Rice Lake, WI
BJORN - Sponsor!
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Born 8/2019- The “Norwegians”
Bjorn is just an all-around great dog. He eats, he pulls, he leads, he’s nice to other dogs, and he always gives it his all. Bjorn is an important member of our core racing team, with many race finishes to his name, including 3rd place in the 2026 Iditarod!
Sponsored by The Serpa Family of CA; by Beverly G of NC; and by the Provost Family of MA. Bjorn can have 1 more sponsor!
DYLAN - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2020- The “Musicians”
Dylan started out his race career young- finishing his first Iditarod two months shy of his second birthday! But at the same time, he struggled with pacing, often “overdoing it,” and losing steam before our races are over. In the fall of 2025, Dylan was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He took that winter “off” of racing to focus on his health and training with the younger dogs. Now watch out!! He is BACK and ready to make up for lost time. Dylan is a dynamite leader with an incredible attitude.
Sponsored by Linda B. of MS. Dylan can have 3 more sponsors!
KOBUK
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Born 5/2019- the “Rivers”
Kobuk is a long-legged, leading machine! But, don’t let his extensive list of trail accolades fool you, Kobuk is gentle giant. He runs with any member of the kennel, and is always happy to do what is asked. Kobuk’s only short-comings are his soft feet- meaning lots of booties and foot suave on the trail.
Sponsored exclusively by Jess SG of Grand Rapids, MN.
ARTHUR
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Born 5/2019- The “Characters”
Absolutely one of our most under-rated dogs, Arthur has finished almost every race he has started. He is a powerhouse in harness, and a lover when he’s loose. Just don’t ask him about nail trims… The whole yard knows how much Arthur hates the trimmers!
Sponsored by Helene & Ed of MT; by Beverly G of NC; by Barb & Jay of TX; and by Christina M of TX.
THE WOLF
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Born 5/2019- The “Characters”
Although The Wolf lacked endurance early on in his career, he has recently made it to the finish of some note-worthy races (peaking for a fourth place finish in the 2024 Iditarod). Wolf is focused and dependable in harness, and a real card during free-time and hikes- often needing to be reminded to “mind his manners” with the other pack members. He is NOT a puppy trainer!
Sponsored exclusively by Rich and Julie of Redwood City, CA
OYVIND
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Born 8/2019- The “Norwegians”
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.
MARLEY
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Born 5/202- The “Musicians”
Marley is another core member of the race team, with many successful finishes under his belt. Most recently, he has stepped into the role of leading, and just finished his first major race in lead. Marley is a BIG fan of belly rubs, and rolls over for anyone that has a free hand and an extra minute for love.
Sponsored by Regina & Haiku of AK; by Katy & Keith of TX; by Kurt M of FL; and by Matt & Susan of SC.
NATALIE
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Born 5/202- The “Musicians”
Natalie is a stand out leader on the race team. Her career got a late start (suffering from some minor athletic injuries in early years of training), but she has made up for that delay with almost unmatched drive and determination. With visitors Natalie is docile and sweet, but with other females she is a bit of a wild card- some she likes, some she hates. Oh, and don’t try to tell Natalie how to do her job- she is one headstrong individual!
Sponsored exclusively sponsored by Joe L of AK.
ESTER
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Born 6/2021- The “Antiques”
Ester “Bunny” is small and mighty! Look for this little rocket up in lead with her brother Johnny or twin sister Maxine (the “White Lightening” duo). Ester has secured her position on the race team with a finish in the 2024 Kuskokwim 300, and winning the 2025 Yukon Quest Alaska.
Exclusively sponsored by Gretchen D. of Fairbanks, AK.
MAXINE
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Born 6/2021- The “Antiques”
“Max Cat” is another small-but-mighty female!, making up the other half of the “White Lightening” duo. Max is a hard charging leader, with tons of spunk. Just don’t ask her to eat on the trail! Most of us require calories while travelling- Maxine needs only oxygen! Or, so she thinks… This will be her short-coming as a race dog.
Exclusively sponsored by Theresa and Gary of CA.
LILAH
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Born 6/2021- The “Antiques”
Lilah is a large female, with a big appetite to match. Unlike her super-focused, super-leader sisters, Lilah prefers the middle of the team where she can focus on being powerful (and it’s OK to be distracted once in awhile).
Sponsored by Anka R of WI; Jenn & Steph of IN; The Linns of CA; and William Levon of TX.
JOHNNY
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Born 6/2021- The “Antiques”
Johnny finished his first Iditarod in 2026, and was the most eager dog at the last checkpoint of White Mountain. Johnny absolutely LOVES being a sled dog, and for a while, his over-enthusiastic personality was his downfall. Now approaching middle age, Johnny has finally figured out how to pace himself and enjoy the long game.
Sponsored by Doug & Arlene of WA; Anka R of WI; Lunette P of TN; and by Ashleigh S of CA.
SHUCKS
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Born 6/2023 – The “Mistakes”
Shucks is perhaps the most exuberant dog at Black Spruce. This guy LOVES to go! And, he loves pretty much everything else about being alive, too. He’s a sweetheart in the yard, but you want to watch your proximity to his mouth when he’s in the team- he likes to snap at anything in range (out of pure joy, of course).
Sponsored by Peter S of Scotland; Caio & Morgan of AK; Todd & Tina of WI; and Rebecca K. of CO.
LEGEND
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Born 5/2021- The “Literates”
Legend was the only two-year-old to make the Iditarod team in 2024, and finished every race he ran in 2025 (including winning the Quest!). Legend is a boss, and likes to make sure that everyone else knows it! But, he also has a sweet streak, and is one of our best dogs with small children. This guy is sure to live up to his name in the coming years.
Sponsored exclusively by John and Claudia B. of Rolla, MO.
LOUIS
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Born 6/2022- The “Roaring 20’s”
Louis is a standout among his siblings, mature beyond his years (he fathered his first litter at only 11 months, after all!). This may have been an accidental breeding, but it still counts- according to Louis. As a two year old, Louis was one of two in that age group to make the Iditarod team! This lover-boy has big things to come in his future.
Louis is father to the “Mistakes.”
Sponsored by Heavy Lift Home Gym of VA; Max & Jack of AK; Maria L.R. of NE; and Mark & Michelle C of MO.
SALVADOR - Sponsor!
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Born 6/2022- The “Roaring 20’s”
Salvador is all attitude! He thinks being a sled dog is THE coolest thing! Although he was a wild-card for the first couple of years, he is maturing into a smooth and focused member of the distance team. Wheel has been his preferred position, but he is slowly making his way up in the ranks.
Salvador finished the Kuskokwim 300 and the Iditarod in 2026!
Sponsored by John and Claudia of MO; Dave & Gina of IA; and Stan & Anne of NC. Salvador needs 1 more sponsor!
STANNIS - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2022-
Stannis came to us in the spring of 2023, from Brent Sass of Wild and Free Mushing (champion of the 2022 Iditarod, and numerous other races).
Although Stannis has been a solid member of the race team, he has struggled with the challenges of long-distance travel and has yet to garner an Iditarod finish. His love of running is exceptional, and we have high hopes that with time he will make it to Nome.
Sponsored by the Mathews/Burton Family of IN; Deb D of AK; and Deb S of CO. Stannis can have 1 more sponsor!
GATSBY
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Born 6/2022- The “Roaring 20’s”
Gatsby would be the jester of the kennel, were we a medieval court. He’s famous among our visitors for his incredible high jumps, and persistent barks that beg you to “pet me, pet me, pet me!” But Gatsby is also pretty great on the trail! He’s got a beautiful, smooth trot and a fun-loving attitude.
Sponsored by Jules L of FL; The Maddox Family of TX; The Witt Family of CO; and Betty M of WI.
GAMBLE - Sponsor!
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Born 6/2023 – The “Mistakes”
Gamble, aka “Gobble,” is our favorite underdog. Despite being out-done by his uber-talented siblings for the first couple years of his life, Gamble is finally starting to come into his own! His confidence grows more and more each day, and we’re totally excited to see how far this little tough guy wants to go!
Sponsored by Jason & Elaine of CA; by Rich & Julie of PA; and by B. Baird of FL. Gamble can have 1 more sponsor!
DARNIT
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Born 6/2023 – The “Mistakes”
Darnit has two brothers that tend to overshadow him. Does he mind? Not a bit! This guy is calm and collected, mature beyond his two years. Darnit is mister “steady eddy,” and is making a good attempt to show us that he is ready for the distance team. Just remember to clean your plate, Darnit!
Sponsored by John & Claudia of Rolla, MO; Bev G. of Sherrils Ford, NC; Doug & Arlene of WA; and the Bandstra Family of BC.
KISMET
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Born 6/2023 – The “Mistakes”
Kismet is making serious strides to being the “next big deal” at Black Spruce. She excelled on her Yearling trip to the Arctic, leading for dozens of miles with no trail. Are the random ptarmigan still tempting? Sure. But when it comes to speed and overall focus on the trail, this girl has it going on.
Sponsored by Noel R. of TX; Sue & Kevin of NY; Stan & Anne of NC; and Jay & Barb of TX.
RISK
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Born 5/2023 – The “Mistakes”
Appropriately named, she is taking Risks at every turn- primarily in free time where she zips at 30mph around the yard and through the woods.
In harness, Risk is a steady “driver,” and has been coming into her own as a young lead dog. She finished the 2026 Kuskokwim 300 and completed all of the training for Iditarod.
Sponsored by Tim & Cathi of OR; Jordan & Rose of FL; Lori S of AK; and Leslie T of TX.
ROBIN
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Born 5/2019 – The “Characters”
The epitome of spunk, Robin goes through life with a care-free attitude, taking each day as it comes. In harness he has always exhibited enthusiasm, but not always a ton of endurance. But finally in 2026, he shone as a superstar on the Iditarod team, making it all the way to the last checkpoint of White Mountain, with a smile on his face the whole way.
Sponsored exclusively by Kai and Andy of Palmer, AK.
RUGGED
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
This guy has at last grown into his long legs, and boy-oh-boy, is he a good looking dog! With an eager attitude, super appetite, and high level of focus, we have got one heck of a team member here. With some more experience, we expect Rugged to become a strong leader.
Sponsored by The Hein Family of KS; Sheryl B of OR; TerraDice Games in TX; and Gloria & Vince of AK.
NOBLE - Sponsor!
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
This guy is something else! From his striking face, to his diligent drive and appetite, Noble is going places as a sled dog. He also has the self confidence of a much older canine, and has major leader potential.
Sponsored by Chris & Angie of AK; and Bev G of NC. Noble can have 2 more sponsors!
WARREN
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Born 6/2024 – Our “Pick of the Litter”
There is something about this guy… He is a born leader who has been independent since day one. While indifferent to most people, Warren is constantly seeking approval and love from the canine members in the yard. Look for him to be at the front of our team in coming years.
Thanks to our buddy Brent Sass, and the Grey family, for entrusting us with this unique individual.
Sponsored by Bill & Lori of MI; the Karstensen Family of ND; Max B. of GA; and Anka R. of GA.
BALLER - Sponsor!
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
This little man is life of the party! Nothing happens in the dog yard without Baller’s knowledge and approval (or we hear about it!). In the team, he is “steady-eddy” who already runs like he is on the Iditarod trail — as in, he likes to give about 70% effort, instead of the 100% that is typical for young dogs. Is he lazy, or wise beyond his years?
Sponsored by Brittany & Justin of WI; The Burns Family of NM; Christina M. of TX. Baller needs 1 more sponsor!
BOSS
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
Despite his name and big build, Boss is as sweet as can be. He’s also a bit of a scaredy-cat in new situations. As the largest in his litter, Boss is still filling out and putting on muscle. While the rest of his litter will probably do some racing this year, Boss is going to be working confidence and appetite.
Exclusively sponsored by Meaghan P. of ID
SOUT - Sponsor!
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
This boy is all business! At his house, he is stoic and reserved, but when that harness comes out, he lets his true colors shine. He is the most talented leader of his litter, and will certainly become a key member of our race team in the future.
Sponsored by John & Claudia of MO and The Rosenblum Family of NY. Stout can have 2 more sponsors!
DAPPER
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Born 7/2024
Just look at that guy! Great appetite, excellent attitude, focus and determination in harness, and good looks (of course!) Dapper ran in lead on his first day ever in harness, and is maturing into one of our “go-to” young leaders.
Dapper is the father to our newest litter, the “insects.”
Sponsored by Gary & Kathy of FL; The Setlock Family of PA; and Anka R. of WI. Dapper needs 1 more sponsor!
The Yearling Squad
There are no yearlings for the 206-27 season.
The Puppies
Puppy pictures are always out-of-date. They grow so fast! Catch us on social media to see the latest pupdates.
BEETLE - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2026 – The “Insects”
Beatle was born the biggest girl in this litter, but only time will tell if she keeps that up. So far, she’s mellow, confident, and easy to cuddle.
Sponsored by John & Claudia of MO; and by Leslie T of TX. Beatle can have 2 more sponsors!
CRICKET - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2026 – The “Insects”
Every litter has at least one pup who can’t get enough snuggles. For now, this little girl is that one. What does it predict about future sled dog behavior? Not much!
Cricket is sponsored by Anne & Jeff of KS. Cricket can have 3 more sponsors!
FLY - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2026 – The “Insects”
The bravest of the bunch! Fly is the first one to meet us at the door of the puppy pen, and the first one to greet each new tour group.
Sponsored by Peter S of The UK. Fly can have 3 more sponsors!
HOPPER - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2026 – The “Virtues”
Hopper just stands out… His coloring is unique among this litter, but his personality is also striking. Hopper was growling and barking at unfamiliar adult dogs at just 3 weeks old!
Sponsored by Noelle & Stacy of NC. Hopper can have 3 more sponsors!
LADY - Sponsor!
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Born 5/2026 – The “Insects”
Along with brother Fly, Lady is brave and social with new groups. And just look at that sweet face!
Sponsored by Sandra Kaye Lee of AZ. Lady can have 3 more sponsors!
Pets & Puppy Trainers
These dogs no longer race, but still have important jobs to do! Some may be eligible for adoption.
RAVE
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She is a pet because she doesn’t want to be a sled dog! It’s that simple. Rave is our resident barking attendant – er, we mean – parking attendant and cuddle buddy.
Rave is sponsored by ML P. of AK
FIERCE
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Fierce was an exceptional leader during her prime racing years. Now she’s retired due to a torn ACL – a very rare injury for sled dogs. These days Fierce believes her job is to get attention from visitors and assist the teams coming in and out of the yard.
Fierce is sponsored by ML of AK
KNOX
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Born 5/2015- “The Mines”
Knox is one of our most experienced racing dogs, with numerous Iditarods under his belt. 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, he is now a key trainer of the next generation.
Exclusively sponsored by Anka R of WI
MARTEN
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Born 4/2017- The “Animals”
Although he started his career with a bang, Marten had some serious setbacks, too. Among other things, he had a bad collision with a moving sled when he was three, and at seven, Marten partially tore his Achillles on a race. Some dogs just have all the luck! Marten’s days of racing are now in the rearview mirror, but as a strong and focused leader, he is going to be a key member of the “puppy team” – teaching our youngsters what it means to be a REAL sled dog.
Marten is the father to the “Characters.”
Sponsored by the Woodwell Family of PA; by Larry & Lorrie of AK; and by Anka R of GA.
TOLVI
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Born 8/2019- “The Norwegians”
Tolvi is an earnest lead dog, with a strong desire to please. Although her brothers, Bjorn and Oyvind, are key racing dogs, this has never been in the cards for Tolvi, as she lacks the appetite critical to endure the long runs. Instead, Tolvi spends her time training the next generation and running tours. In summer, Tolvi joins us on adventures around Alaska.
Sponsored by Melissa M of WA; and by Manuel S of CA.
OWL
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Born 4/2017- “The Animals”
Owl is one of our funniest team members. Her role, as she sees it, is to reaffirm our commands. She lets out a strong series of barks at every trail command that is given, and loves to keep the other dogs in line. Owl’s one position is in wheel (at the back)- the perfect place for a “seargent.”
Owl was exclusively sponsored during all of her racing years by Marilyn C. of NM. Marilyn was a dear friend to Owl, and helped to form our sponsorship program. Owl carries on Marilyn’s memory down the trail.
FORTY
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Born 5/2015- The “Mines”
Forty has always been the “Energizer Bunny” of our race team. With pep in his step, and endurance to last a lifetime, he has consistently outperformed those around him. Now one of the elders on the team, Forty’s days of racing are limited. That doesn’t slow him down a bit, however- he knows there is a couch with his name when he is ready to hang up the harness.
Father to “The Musicians.”
Sponsored by The Karstensen Family of ND; and by Chyrisse & Tim of ND.
YENTNA
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Born 5/2019- The “Rivers”
Who is queen of the kennel? Everyone points their paw to Yentna. Whether she wants it or not, Yentna garners the interest and attention from everyone around her. In harness, she is a focused and steady contributor, and can often be found (reluctantly) leading the team through some of the most difficult sections of trail.
Sponsored by John & Claudia of MO; and by Anka R of WI.
BRAAVOS
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Born 8/2015- The “Game of Thrones”
Every kennel has an MVP, and for years, it was this guy. Braavos led the team to numerous race finishes, including 4th place in the 2024 Iditarod! His high spirited attitude, durability, and strong-willed independence are his key features- along with a unique desire to run solo. Braavos is now retired, but will be followed by a legacy of offsping in the kennel.
Father to the “Rivers,” the “Literates” and the “Roaring 20’s”
Exclusively sponsored by John and Claudia Berges, and Pam and Mark Manjarrezes of Rolla, MO