Announcing Maine’s Official State Dog: The Seppala Siberian Sleddog

Honoring a Century of Courage, Character, and Maine Heritage

Maine has officially recognized the Seppala Siberian Sleddog as the state’s official dog breed—a long-overdue tribute to one of the most heroic and historically significant dogs in American history, and one whose roots are deeply planted right here in the Pine Tree State.

Why the Seppala? Because no other breed carries the legacy of honor, endurance, and Maine heritage quite like this one.

In 1925, during the infamous “Great Race of Mercy,” it was Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo who traveled the longest and most dangerous leg of the serum run to Nome, Alaska—braving -50°F temperatures, blizzards, and shifting sea ice—to deliver lifesaving medicine and save countless children. Their heroic feat became the foundation for the Seppala Siberian Sleddog line.

Leonhard Seppala with his Seppala Siberian Sleddogs in Poland Spring Maine

And yet, this isn’t just an Alaskan story—it’s a Maine story.

After their legendary achievement, Seppala and his team were invited to Poland Spring, Maine, where they would win major races and defeat top competitors—including teams led by Arthur Walden, whose Chinook later became New Hampshire’s state dog. With the help of Elizabeth Ricker of Poland Spring Inn, Seppala founded the first official Seppala Siberian Kennel right here in Maine. For the next decade, this state became the epicenter of Seppala breeding, training, and racing.

Togo himself spent his final years in Maine. His legacy, and the bloodline he founded, live on today through working kennels like Poland Spring Seppala Kennels, where the breed is preserved in its original form. These dogs are more than symbols—they are still out there, working, training, and racing, including on modern expeditions retracing the very trails their ancestors once broke through the Arctic wilds.

Arriving in Nome after completing the re-enactment of the 1925 Serum Run (from L-R Jamie Nicholls, Jonathan Hayes, Jeff Kelley, Caleb Gringas)

This year, on the centennial of the 1925 serum run, we celebrate this breed not only for its legendary past but for its living legacy in Maine. Thirteen other states have designated official dog breeds—now Maine joins them with a breed that truly reflects our values: resilience, humility, endurance, loyalty, and honor.

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog isn’t just a breed. It’s a symbol of what we aspire to be.

Thank you to all who supported this legislation and helped honor a true Maine legacy.