Before the 2016-17 Dog Mushing season starts for us, we want to take the opportunity to go through the SP Kennel dogs in depth. This will be a Series of videos showing our Racing Dogs grouped by their age class. These videos are shot while Aliy and the dogs are in one of the kennel’s ‘Play Pens’.

Here are the 8 and 9 Year Olds:

We generally say that our Racing Dogs are between the age of 2 and 9 years old. The youngest and oldest of these dogs will usually compete on the less competitive JV Teams, whereas the dogs who are between 3 to 7 years old are often on the Varsity Teams. There always have been, and surely will be, exceptions to the average.
The Yearling Class will also have a chance to compete in limited Races during their first season in harness. However, the Youngest Class — the Puppies — will not be in harness until they are mentally and physically able to succeed. This depends upon what time of year they were born and their genetics. They could be in harness as soon as Spring or as late as Fall.
Remember that all of our dogs are individuals and there are no “Age, Gender or Size Rules” at SP Kennel. Every dog gets a chance to race.

8 Responses

  • Oh my, how time flies!!! The Car litter and Honkey Tonks now senior players on the team!!!

    What wisdom they bring and willingness to keep having fun!

    Thanks so very much for news of these veteran dogs who have meant so much to SP Kennel (at least since I've been following ChaCha and SP Kennel beginning with the 2006 Iditarod)!!!

    Best always!!! WOOF!!!

  • Woo Hoo! the Seniors Class.
    Love these pups amazing to think they grew up to be such wonderful smarties. even more amazing is the thought that the 3 & 4 yr olds will grow into their paw steps one day.
    You and Allen and crews are wonderful examples of how great dog training can bring out the best in any dog. Terrific teachers as well as number one mushers!
    Thanks!
    Padee Fairbanks

  • Crystal said

    I love, love these updates on all of SP's dogs!

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Woof woof! Bow Wow!!

  • Ah….the remaining awesome SPK Car Litter Dogs and of course the very talented Honky Tonks!! Now mature and very wise….wow!! I unfortunately wasn't tuned into SPK when these pups were real pups, so nice to see puppy pictures of them in this clip! Sillie Willie and antenea eared Waylon…Scruggs is as tough as they come and Big O is always so gorgeous as well as talented…Scout (Mr. Fun Police) and awesome Leader!! Gotta love them all!!

  • How magnificent is that! What a great group of dogs! And yes,
    Great Mushers to boot! Thanks for all the updates and videos.
    SP Kennel is the BEST!

  • Awesome group of Seniors. I too was not tuned in to SPK when these dogs were puppies, but of course they are very familiar from watching the racing season for the past 3-4 years. Happy, talented pups.

  • Your older group of dogs,your 8 and 9 year olds look great. Running several of your retired dogs for several years now has been a pleasure. Just knowing the time and effort you put into training those dogs is incredible. I must say your professionalism in this sport is second to none. Thank you again for the pleasure I got in running those S.P. kennel athletes. Ron Bates.

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