A team of Seppala Siberian sled dogs—newly designated the Official State Dog of Maine on the centennial of the legendary 1925 Serum Run—will compete in this year’s Can-Am Crown 250, one of New England’s premier long-distance sled dog races.
The designation of the Seppala as Maine’s state dog commemorates the 100-year legacy of the dogs whose endurance and reliability helped carry lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin across Alaska in winter conditions that remain iconic in sled dog history. Leonhard Seppala and his dogs, including the legendary Togo and Balto, were instrumental in saving the children of Nome. What few Mainers know is that Seppala and his team then relocated to Maine to establish the first breed kennel here—giving the Seppala a century-long history rooted in the state.
The Can-Am Crown offers Mainers a chance to see their newly designated state dog not as a symbol, but as it was originally intended: working as part of a cohesive sled team under demanding winter conditions. Seppala Siberians are distinguished from modern sprint-oriented sled dogs by their efficiency, durability, and mental toughness over long distances—traits that made them indispensable in early winter travel and remain central to the breed today.
The team competing in the Can-Am Crown is based at Poland Spring Seppala Kennels in Saint David, Maine, and is owned and operated by Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes. Hayes and his dogs recently completed the Centennial Seppala Expedition in Alaska, a long-distance commemorative journey honoring the heroic mushers and dogs who undertook the same route a century ago.
“As beautiful as they are, these dogs aren’t meant to be ornamental,” Hayes said. “They were bred to travel, to endure, and to work in partnership with people in winter. Having Maine’s newly designated state dog represented in a race like the Can-Am Crown 250 reflects that history in motion.”
Notorious for its challenging terrain, elevation changes and variable winter conditions, the Can-Am Crown provides a fitting stage to demonstrate the Seppala’s historic strengths. Spectators and communities along the trail will witness a living connection between past and present—where heritage is not merely remembered, but actively practiced.
“It’s like racing a 67′ Camaro against a Formula1 Racecar. We arent here to win. We are here to showcase this heritage breed as a living part of Maine history. I’m excited to enjoy this Northwoods trail with my furry friends.”
Seppalas will also be featured in the Can-Am 30-mile race, including a team run by Aimee Nichols of Naples, Maine, further showcasing the breed’s continued relevance in the Northeast’s premier sled dog events.
As Maine marks the centennial legacy of the Serum Run and celebrates its newly designated official state dog, the presence of Seppala teams in the Can-Am underscores the breed’s enduring role as a working sled dog—one mile at a time.
About Poland Spring Seppala Kennels (Mush Maine)
Poland Spring Seppala Kennels is dedicated to the preservation and active use of traditional Seppala Siberian sled dogs through expedition travel, distance racing, and historical education.
Media Contact:
For photos, videos, and interviews, contact:
Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes
Owner, Poland Spring Seppala Kennels
www.MushMaine.com
207-728-5997
moc.liamg@seyahleinahtannahtanoj
All photos courtesy of Caleb Gingras
