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 Ollie K of AK. Lynx can have 1 more sponsor!
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 tries his hardest. Bjorn is an important member of our core racing team, with many race finishes to his name so far.
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!
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
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.Â
BRAAVOS
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Born 8/2015- The “Game of Thrones”
Every kennel has an MVP, and for years, it has been this guy. Braavos has led the team to numerous race finishes, including 4th 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 nearing retirement, 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
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.Â
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 - Sponsor!
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Born 6/2021- The “Antiques”
Johnny is an outstanding leader! No trail, no problem! This guy loves a challenge and is always eager to show that he knows his stuff. Johnny’s short coming? Pacing himself! It’s all about the long game, and this guy hasn’t fully figured that out…yet.
Sponsored by Doug & Arlene of WA; Anka R of WI; and by Lunette P of TN. Johnny needs 1 more sponsor!
PROPHET
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Born 5/2021- The “Literates”
Prophet is everyone’s best friend! From the smallest members of the kennel, to the toughest, no one misses an opportunity to give Prophet a hello. In the team, Prophet has learned to be cool and collected, and has even stepped into some leading (although, he usually leaves that to his bigger brothers- Chippewa, Kobuk and Legend). Prophet was on the winning Quest team in 2025!
Sponsored by Leslie T. of TX; Lunette P of TN; Debbie & Kyle of MO; and The Bandstra Family of BC.
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.Â
SALVADOR - Sponsor!
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Born 6/2022- The “Roaring 20’s”
Salvador is a wild man, no two ways about it! He may even be classified as a danger to himself and others! But boy, is he a DYNAMO in the team! Dealing with all that crazy energy takes patience, but this guy is worth it.
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. He’s originally from Brent Sass of Wild and Free Mushing (champion of the 2022 Iditarod, and numerous other races). This guy is living up to his family genetics, and was one of two in his age group to make the 2025 Iditarod team. We hope someday Stannis will be a key leader on our race team. For now, he’s a dependable team dog who is always focused and ready for the next adventure.
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.Â
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; and by Rich & Julie of PA. Gamble can have 2 more sponsors!
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 - Sponsor!
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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 tends to lack focus. Perhaps the speed is too slow for her liking… But, the potential is there and with some maturity, she will be a gifted athlete.
Sponsored by Tim & Cathi of OR; Jordan & Rose of FL; and Lori S. of AK. Risk needs 1 more sponsor!
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.
The Yearling Squad
Dogs between 1 and 2 years old. Not yet race-ready. Essentially puppies in adult bodies!
RUGGED - Sponsor!
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
This guy recently grew into his long legs, and boy-oh-boy, is he a big guy! With an eager attitude, super appetite, and high level of focus in the team, we have got one heck of a youngster here.
Sponsored by The Hein Family of KS; Sheryl B of OR; and TerraDice Games in TX. Rugged can have 1 more sponsor!
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 dog.
Sponsored by Chris & Angie of AK; and Bev G of NC. Noble can have 2 more sponsors!
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,” and 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 puppies. He is lazy, or is he wise beyond his years?Â
Sponsored by Brittany & Justin of WI; The Burns Family of NM; Christina M. of TX. Baller needs 1 more sponsor!
STOUT - Sponsor!
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
This boy lives up to his name- thick boned, solid and focused in harness, and stoic in personality. Stout is everything we could hope for in a young sled dog!
Sponsored by John & Claudia of MO and The Rosenblum Family of NY. Stout can have 2 more sponsors!Â
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!). He has already been doing some leading with his papa, Chippewa.
Sponsored by Gary & Kathy of FL; The Setlock Family of PA; and Anka R. of WI. Dapper needs 1 more sponsor!
BOSS
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
Talk about a looker- this guy is down right intimidating! But personality? Sweet and mild as can be. Boss is the biggest of his litter, and is still filling out into his frame. We’re excited to see where Boss goes with his career.
Exclusively sponsored by Meaghan P. of ID.
BRAZEN
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
As her name would suggest, this girl is full of confidence, and knows exactly what she wants. When that harness goes on, look out! Now Brazen, can you please learn to move your feet like a “real” sled dog?! This girl has a heck of a wild gait (probably related to all of that enthusiasm).
Sponsored by The Hein Family of KS; Linda of MS; Debra & Jennifer of AZ; and Melissa M of WA.
FEISTY
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Born 7/2024 – The “Virtues”
If we were breeding for cuteness, Feisty would be our prized specimen. With her compact size and “pig nose,” she is adorable! But she also happens to be a motivated and focused little sled dog.Â
Sponsored by Josey & Eli of GA; Allison N of MI; Penny R of WA; and Rita S of PA.Â
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 aloof and independent since day one. Although we wouldn’t classify him as outgoing with people, he enjoys and respects almost all the canine members of the yard. Look for this guy 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.Â
Sponsored by Bill & Lori of MI; the Karstensen Family of ND; Max B. of GA; and Anka R. of GA.
The Puppies
More puppies coming in 2026
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.”Â
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.
FRITO
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Born 6/2016- “The Chips”
Frito ran his first Iditarod as a yearling in 2018, and went on to run many more. But Frito was also born an “old soul,” and these days he’s happier going shorter distances. As a mellow, hard-working, serious team member, he sets a great example for our young dogs to follow.Â
Sponsored exclusively by Andy & Kai (and his brother, Pringles) of Palmer, AK.
ROBIN
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Born 5/2019= The “Characters”
The epitome of spunky, Robin goes through life with a care-free attitude, taking each day as it comes. In harness he exhibits enthusiasm, but not a lot of endurance. Although Robin has run a handful of races (including Iditarod ’22 and ’23), he is more cutout for show biz and entertainment- Tours are a great fit for this guy!
Sponsored exclusively by Kai and Andy of Palmer, AK.
EINSTEIN
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Born 6/2022- The “Roaring 20’s”
Einstein is the biggest of his siblings, and has a personality to match. He is full of love and affection, and- with the aid of neutering- has learned to love the other, four-legged members of the kennel, too. He is still developing his skills as a distance athlete, but with another year of maturity, we are hoping to see Einstein join the race team in 2026.
Sponsored by The Linns of CA.
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.
DYLAN
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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. Recently, Dylan was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He’ll spend this season getting himself healthy again, and we hope he’ll rejoin the race team before too long!
Sponsored by The Karstensen Family of IN; and by Linda B. of MS.Â
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.