The Dogs
The canine athletes of YoopAK Kennel and Tours are a diverse group of dogs, each with his or her own set of likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. In our kennel standards we look for a love for pulling and working in a team, a THICK double coat capable of camping in the heart of Interior winters, large tough feet for rough snow or overflow, compact and thick build which makes hauling heavy loads a breeze, a fierce appetite, and a friendly disposition.
Fun Fact! When mushers have a litter they often use a theme to name the puppies. For an individual new to the kennel its a quick way to learn who are siblings! Check out the profiles to see each dog's litter theme and try to spy littermates!
AllierDOB: May 2014
Position: Leader Weight: 50 pounds Litter Theme: Wines Pronounced Al-LEE-air, this girl is a fireball. Allier joins us from Bravo Kennel. When she was just 22 months old Allier ran the Iditarod, completing half the race in lead! Endless go and drive, she is does not play well with other females. We are excited to have this sweet girl in the kennel. |
BaxterDOB: February 2016
Position: Mascot & Official Greeter Weight: 60 pounds Litter Theme: Baxter State Park Baxter is the official greeter and mascot of YoopAK Kennel and Tours. Baxter joined the kennel at eight weeks old from a local musher. She is half Akita, half freight husky. She takes great pride in watching over the property. She entertains the kids and works one-on-one for wood hauling. |
DysonDOB: May 2010
Position: Leader Weight: 60 pounds Litter Theme: Vacuum cleaners Dyson has been with the YoopAK Kennel since our beginnings in 2014. His calm laid back nature has been an asset for training the young up and comers. Generally he prefers human affection over play time with his teammates. Dyson has led us down many trails and he has many more adventures to still experience! |
Flash DOB: July 2017
Position: Leader Weight: 50 pounds Litter Theme: Lightning Flash is a real riot! Quirky and playful Flash loves people and dogs alike. Like his brother Voltage, Flash shows real promise as a maturing leader. Flash really proved himself last winter, training for a 300 mile race and loving every minute of it. His big smile and enthusiasm is contagious. We look forward to the many adventures we will have with Flash! |
KatahdinDOB: January 2016
Position: Leader Weight: 65 pounds Litter Theme: Appalachian Trail The only puppy born in his litter, Katahdin has always been a unique individual. Focused and driven from a young age, Katahdin was leading his six dog team at just seven months of age! Intelligent and soft tempered, Katahdin always wants to please. His favorite position is single lead! |
PiperDOB: 2010
Position: Leader Weight: 45 pounds Litter Theme: Airplanes Piper joined the kennel fall of 2019 from Willow, AK. Ryan has known Piper since she was just a tiny pup and spent several years running Piper in her youth. Now, she is retiring from long distance racing and has a comfy dog bed in the house. She still enjoys leading and running with her team. |
Q-BallDOB: 2015
Position: Team Weight: 60 pounds Litter Theme: "Q" litter Q-Ball the resident Hollywood Dog. With a personality for the movie set and looks to match Q is a favorite with guests. A real workhorse, Q-ball LOVES people and being with his husky companions. There is no mistaking Q-ball with his flashy markings and blue eyes! Q often runs team or wheel with Little John, they are true BFFs! |
Taku DOB: October 2019
Position: Team Weight: 65 pounds Litter Theme: Juneau Icefield Glacier Big, bold, and beautiful! Taku embraces all of these qualities and knows she's a crowd favorite. Taku along with sister Eagle have started their training to become seasoned sled dogs. This winter will be filled with fun, confidence building runs to encourage all of her sled dog instincts. Like her mother Baxter, she loves to give hugs! |
Voltage DOB: July 2017 Sponsor: The Stover and Sinke Families
Position: Leader in Training Mattawan, MI Weight: 45 pounds Litter Theme: Lightning "Small but mighty" has been Voltage's motto since he was a tiny puppy. At 8 weeks old he was the constant trouble maker, leading his siblings off on naughty adventures! Voltage has been learning the ropes from veteran leaders Piper and Dyson and shows all the promise of being our next main leader. Voltage took the charge and led the team during difficult runs and huge mountain climbs last winter, we are excited to share more adventures with him! |