We have some exciting puppy news.

Kennel Superstar, Yukon Quest Champion and Iditarod Rock Star: Chica is expecting a litter of puppies on or around the July 16th.

We are absolutely thrilled that we can perpetuate these amazing genetics. Chica is the daughter of Lance Mackey’s Zorro and the talented SP Kennel’s Venus. Venus’ lineage goes back to Jeff King’s Yuski and an Erhart sprint dog named Cream. Of course, Chica’s siblings are: the ultimate lead dog and two-time YQ Golden Harness winner Quito; YQ Champion, Iditarod swing dog and SP Kennel’s current main stud dog: Nacho; and the always Iditarod favorite: Bonita. Chica has had one previous litter five years ago. That litter includes the long-legged and magnificent YQ and Iditarod star: Mac; and the handsome and talented: Boris.

The BIG question is: WHO IS THE DADDY?

We thought long and hard before the breeding took place. The successes that SP Kennel has had over the last few years have been partially due to very selective combination of genetics. The ‘Zorro genes’ have played a crucial role but the dog that has contributed even more to the successful SP Kennel gene pool is ChaCha.

ChaCha was born at Husky Homestead in the summer of 2001. Her mother, Alberta, whelped the ‘Dances’ litter: Rhumba, Lindy, Tango and ChaCha. Her father, Yuski, was originally born at Susan Butcher’s kennel.

ChaCha ran Iditarod eight times, won multiple mid distance races and was SP Kennel’s ‘go to’ lead dog for many years. She has always been smart, fast and ultra competitive. She would bark outloud for miles when she was excited or if she saw competition ahead of her. ChaCha is also exceptionally friendly and sweet. She wags her tail at everyone and kisses anyone who will let her. Even more amazing is the fact that during her successful years as a sled dog athlete she also had four litters for a total of 25 puppies. For the past 5 years, her puppies have been the core of every SP Kennel team. They are well known because they are smaller, happy and fast!

So… back to the BIG question:

WHO IS THE DADDY?

The sire of this summer’s litter is a ChaCha pup. He has an exceptional resume despite being so young. In 2013, he raced the Iditarod and finished in Nome at only 17 months of age. This year he became a Yukon Quest Champion and a 2nd place Iditarod dog at only at 2 1/2 years of age. He is strong-willed, loves to eat and gives ‘ChaCha kisses’ whenever he can. His sire is Paul Gebhardt’s exceptional lead dog, Lieutenant.

Clyde is the proud papa to the next generation of SP Kennel dogs.

20 Responses

  • Congratulations in advance!!!

    It makes me so happy!!! So glad ChaCha's boy Clyde was given this opportunity!

    And thank you so much for giving such a full description of each of the parents-to-be's background!!!

    –Margaret

  • What an awesome breeding!, I'm excited too… We still have a cousin here so we'll be eager to see puppies.. All those Butcher dogs preceding Yuksi too, yea, Chica and Clyde!!

  • Yeah Clyde & Chica. More puppies, how exciting, & so close to the Fire Litter puppies birthday. Great lineage.
    Thanks for post & info.

  • We've been waiting for this news ever since the teaser post. Congratulations! This is fantastic and us folks here in Pittsburgh, PA look forward to the progress. What a great family tree, Chica!!

  • Yes…awesome pairing indeed!! I have been waiting to hear "who was doing who" for the litter this year!! Thank you for the insight to Cha Cha's lineage……I always knew she was a backbone to the kennel but the family tree that was posted on the Dog Log years ago didn't go back that far…..so cool to get the inside scoop!! Now Chica….easy does it….ya got a few weeks to go…and Clyde….you ole dog you….what a lucky fella with awesome genetics I might add!! Can't wait for the delivery news!

  • Woohoo!
    I'm so excited Chica is the Mama to be. I have been hoping it would be her. :-)))

    And Clyde, you lucky dog! But who wouldn't find you a catch, with all you've accomplished.
    What a great choice for Chica.

    Prayers for healthy, happy, strong pups, and easy delivery for princess Chica.

  • Hi!
    Well that was a very exciting story. WOW, connections all the way to Susan Butcher. =) We all cant wait to see the new family! Sending great thoughts to momma Chica!
    Thanks Aliy and SPK. Way to go daddy Clyde.
    Padee Santa Rosa,
    CA

  • Denali 🐾🐾 and I can't wait to see images of the forth coming pups of Chica and Clyde 🐾🐾🐾🐾😍. Look forward to footage of the pups when their ready to be out and about . All the best for the 16 th YIPPY ! more SP DOGGIES To admire. Cheers from Joanne , Melbourne Australia.

  • Congratulations to ALL at SP Kennel on the 'baby news', and especially the expecting Mom and Dad!!!
    With that pedigree, the tradition of SP Kennel champions continues to being perpetuated!!!
    And, with all the love and care that those pups will receive from Aliy, Allen, and all the handlers, friends and family, they will truly be very fortunate dogs!!!
    Best wishes!!!

  • c x c, or c squared
    Are we getting a Physics litter?

    Albert
    Einstein
    Energy
    Lightspeed
    Theory
    Special
    Relativity (Vitty)
    Magnetic
    Gravity
    Constant
    Speed (Speedy)
    Swifty
    Matter
    Lightning
    Particle (Party)
    ……
    so much to choose from….

  • 8.98755179 × 1016 m2 / s2

    Chica x Clyde = faster than the speed of light. Awesome.

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