Acquire a Seppala

In this post, I will list several kennels that breed and offer true, registered Seppala Siberian Sleddogs, in addition to our kennel here in Maine. But before I do, I want to provide some context for prospective Seppala homes regarding the current state of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog breed, as well as my personal stance on what I make available to whom. 

Since Disney released their live-action movie Togo, which chronicles the heroic deeds of Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo, I have received weekly requests for puppies. And with the success of the Centennial Seppala Expedition, and the State of Maine’s bill to make the Seppala Siberian Sleddog the state dog, those requests have only increased.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous Siberian Husky breeders have begun labeling their puppies as “Seppalas” in an attempt to increase the marketability of the Siberian Huskies. After conducting some recent investigations, I discovered numerous kennels offering “Seppalas”—some breeders I had never heard of despite working with the breed for nearly 30 years. When I called a few of them and asked detailed questions about their dogs, they quickly backpedaled, admitting they were “breeding for the Seppala-type” (which, in reality, means AKC Siberian Huskies with larger ears and less uniform markings, but no actual Seppala registration). This has flooded the market with counterfeits—wonderful dogs, but not Seppalas. 

As the current president of the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club, I am deeply frustrated by the proliferation of these counterfeits. Every buyer of a pseudo-Seppala is another lost supporter in the effort to preserve the true Seppala Siberian Sleddog.

Sadly, A century after these incredible dogs helped save the children of Nome, there are only about 100 remaining. We need fresh energy and real commitment from the next generation of enthusiasts, but this passion must be based on true understanding—and it must involve real Seppalas.

I reflect on how difficult it was for me, 25 years ago, to earn the trust of the breed’s stewards—Jeffrey Bragg, Doug Willet, Bob Davis, and others. Back then, as now, the stewards of the breed were hesitant to entrust their rare and valuable breeding stock to just anyone.

Real Seppalas are still available to those willing to learn and understand what a Seppala truly is and to those dedicated to preserving the breed. Seppalas are harder to acquire than Alaskan Huskies or Siberian Huskies. When you do find a genuine Seppala, they are often more expensive than other breeds. 

As a result, many new enthusiasts eager to own “a descendant of Togo” are disheartened by the challenges, and those of us working hard to preserve the breed sometimes feel discouraged. I know I have, and I still do. But if you are willing to get involved with the breed club and be an ambassador of the breed, then we need you!

Now, to the questions:

Do you have Seppala Puppies for Sale?
Yes, we breed a couple litters each year here at Poland Spring Seppala Kennels in Maine. However, our puppies are primarily placed with working and breeding homes—those committed to working with and preserving the breed. We will sell to pet homes, but those dogs are typically priced higher than those placed with homes dedicated to securing the breed’s future through the breed club.

Do you place adults?
Yes, adults often make wonderful pets. Seppalas have long lifespans and can live 5-8 years of healthy life after their working careers are over. These adults are my first recommendation for pet homes.

Still interested in a puppy after reading all of this?
Reach out and tell me a little about yourself and why you think you would be a good fit for a Seppala. We can go from there. I look forward to hearing from you!