At Points Unknown, we LOVE puppies! At the same time, we have a very aggressive spay and neuter program. We only keep dogs intact that have rare lines, the most well-rounded temperaments, sound structures and the very best work ethic and abilities. We will only have a litter if dogs in our team move into retirement and spots become available and/or if we have a long enough waiting list of approved homes.
When we do have a litter, we’re interested in placing those available in like-minded, active, forever homes. Members of the Hedlund Husky Preservation Project are few and we’re always interesting is speaking with folks who may like to help with the preservation of our rare traditional lines by receiving a sanctioned pup or two. If you would like to begin the approval process to be placed on a waiting list for a Points Unknown puppy, please contact linda@points-unknown.com.
You can meet the dogs here.
2016 Half Hedlund/Half Zulu Line Alaskan (Minnesota Rocks and Minerals Theme)
2014 Half Hedlund/Zulu Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan (Historical Dogs in Lineage Theme)
Rayna
Breed: Bassich line Alaskan
Birthdate: 09/23/2011
Position: Leader
Arrow
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a Dash of Zuli line
Birthdate: 11/20/2011
Position: Leader
Ilos (Granite)
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Happy Active House Pet
Vistonic
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Sled Pet in Training
Grazie (Gucci)
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Sled Pet in Training
Rollo (Lobo)
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Happy Active House Pet
Tikan
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Sled Pet in Training
Typhoon
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Sled Pet in Training
Coco
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Sled Pet in Training
Zuli (Flame)
Breed: Half Hedlund Husky/Half Bassich Line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/27/2014
Position: Sled Pet in Training
2012 Hedlund Husky Litter (The Hooligans with a Holiday Theme)
Irish
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Birthdate: 11/20/2011
Position: Leader
Irish is from the Topa/Oken 2011 litter and is the spitting image of her papa Oken. Irish’s name is derived from the road on which we live in the northwoods of Minnesota; Irish Creek Road. She’s also the dam to the 2012 Hooligans litter with Ilo. She is a hot ticket, this one! She is independent and inquisitive. Being wicked smart, she was the star of her obedience class and is becoming one of the star leaders here at Points Unknown.
The litter with Ilo, although an excellent one, was not planned. Irish was far too young to breed, but Ilo had other ideas. Although we did the very best we could to manage Irish during her first heat, she had what was called a “split” heat cycle, going out of heat and then shortly after, coming right back in. Ilo caught this ocurrance, we did not. Our practice is to breed no younger than two years old.
Ilo
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Birthdate: Fall of 2003
Position: Versatile
Ilo joined us at Points Unknown in June of 2010 and comes from Kim Fitzgerald, the founder of the Hedlund Husky Preservation Project and Mush Knik Networking. Illo is our Phoenix and Ari’s sire, as well as the sire to the Hooligan litter. Being the happiest dog we’ve ever met, he wags his entire body to greet us and it puts a smile on our faces every time. We were so excited that he joined the Points Unknown family and he has indeed proven to be a great asset to our family and team! Ilo is currently in semi retirement, preferring the house to his kennel and going on shorter runs.
Ilo has since retired and is living with friends in a nearby town where we get to see him often.
Wyakin (Baby New Year)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of our Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Team, Point, Wheel
Wyakin is one of the Hooligans out of the Irish/Ilo 2012 litter that remained with Points Unknown. He got his name from the Sawtooth Mountain Wolf pack and it means “Spirit Guide”. Being a kind and sensitive soul, Wyakin reminds us of his brother Phoenix, a true Hedlund Husky personality. His size is noteworthy as he is significantly larger than his brothers and his paws are HUGE. Wyakin was a bit stubborn during his introduction to his job but quickly became the go-to guy when we wanted someone steady and calm.
Tyro (Tiny Tim)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of the Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: He has endeared himself in the hearts of his family, playmate for Troy and Tory, and co-leader when skijoring and running with Dad
Tyro the “Tiny Tim” of the Irish/ Ilo 2012 litter was adopted by a family with two Siberians Huskies who needed help pulling when skijoring. Tyro’s name was made up by rearranging the letters of his new brother and sister’s names, Troy and Tory, but it turns out it is actually a word that means beginner or novice.
Tyro started out as the smallest of his litter, but has grown to be the largest in his new family at 73 pounds. His long legs make his chin able to rest on the kitchen table, but he has never used that to his advantage to snatch food from the table. The other dogs’ food bowls are fair game though! Tyro is very curious and always wants to be where the action is.
When he is not wandering the yard or house looking for action, he can usually be found laying next to one of the other dogs waiting for something to happen. Tyro is always the first to greet you at the door and will patiently let you hug on him.
Akai (Jingle)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of our Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Team, Wheel or Point
Akai is from the Irish/Ilo 2012 litter and is among the pups we affectionately call the Hooligans that remained with Points Unknown. Akai’s name came from the Sawtooth Mountain Wolf Pack. Being the most outgoing and people oriented of his litter, Akai was the first one to greet visitors to the kennel, as a puppy. He voices his concern if he isn’t included in the goings on to make sure you haven’t forgotten him or when stopped on the trail. He just wants to keep moving!
Kamotz (Dreidel)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of our Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Leader in Training
Kamotz is one of the Hooligans out of Irish/Ilo 2012 that stayed here at Points Unknown. His name came from the Sawtooth Mountain Wolf Pack and means “free spirit”. Being one of only two black puppies in the Hedlund line thus far, he appears to be a throwback to the Joe Redington Sr. lineage that was introduced into the Hedlund line in the early 1990s. He has a solid build and a mild temperament and reminds us so much of his grandpa Oken. He seeks approval and direction which is something we like to see in our young leaders.
Teyah (Solstice)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Happy house dog and foundation out-cross for the Tamaskan Dog Breeding Program
Teyah is the Inuit word for “precious” which describes this girl perfectly. She is the happiest dog, full of energy and has a bounce in her step. Teyah loves every dog and person she meets and kittens too! She is very smart but is not food motivated. However, she will work for a good game of tug or play! After a full day of play, Teyah is happy to snuggle into your lap for some loving.
Vixen (Hanukkah)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of our Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Active House Pet
Vixen is the puppy that allowed us to come full circle with our Hedlund line. She was placed in the home in Alaska that gave us her great grandmother Tuloon, our Hedlund Husky foundation female, in 2004. She enjoys pulling a sled and romping free in her fenced in yard with her other furry and human family members.
Miss Squish (Kwanzaa)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of our Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Leader in training
Miss Squish, Missy to her friends, was the biggest female in the litter and one of only two black dogs, the other being her brother Kamotz, in the Hedlund line. We believe this to be a throwback to the Joe Redington Sr line which was introduced in the early 1990s.She was placed with friends in the Uktousa Kennel in New Hampshire where she lives and works in a touring kennel much like Points Unknown. So named for her grace and elegance, she deserves to be addressed formally. She is silent, graceful, hard driving and extremely focused. She’s a budding flower waiting for the right time to bloom and when that time comes, she will be spectacular.
B’Zhoo (Festivus)
Breed: Hedlund Husky with a dash of our Zulu line
Birthdate: 12/10/2012
Position: Team, Wheel and Point
B’Zhoo is from the Irish/Ilo 2012 litter and he stayed with us here at Points Unknown for the first 2 years of his life and then went on to live with friends at Uktousa Kennel in New Hampshire. He’s one of the Hooligans! His name is a unique spelling of an Ojibwe greeting. Being the class clown of his litter, he always brings a smile to your face. He’s funny with a sensitive spirit, always concerned that he’s doing the right thing. This is a trait we like to see! To us, this means that he’ll look for our direction and should make a super leader like his grandpa, Oken.
2011 Hedlund Husky Litter (Minnesota’s North Shore litter)
Topa
Breed: Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/27/2009
Position: Lead
Topa is from the Tuloon/McKenzie 2009 litter. The significance of her name comes from the founder of the Hedlund Husky Preservation program who is a dear friend of Points Unknown. Kim Fitzgerald grew up in California and the spent the most formative years of her life on her uncle’s ranch overlooking the Topa Topa mountain range. Topa is a sweet girl and her eager-to-please personality makes her easy to work with and train. In the fall of 2010 she began her leader training and has just been introduced to open country leading. Topa keeps her line tight and pushes ahead, looking back on occasion for direction. Once she’s had more trail time to practice her commands, they will stick and we’re sure she will be another awesome open country leader in the Points Unknown kennel. This is the first of two planned breedings for Topa.
Oken
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Lead
Oken is from the Tuloon/Bazil litter 2007. He is a Zulu grandson and a nephew to Sweet Pea, Klaus, Bazil and Blue. His name came about while driving on the Gunflint Trail and noticing a sign for a place called Okontoe that gives sleigh rides. A little modification and you have Oken!
This long-legged guy is extremely attentive, sweet and playful. He has a bit of the cautiousness from the Hedlund line and if everything checks out, he’s right in the middle of it all. Oken loves to explore and you’ll find him with the group for a bit then off on his own mission he goes. He has a nice dense winter coat. Oken has long legs and a long body, taking after both lines. When tried in harness for very short puppy runs, Oken proved to be a solid puller with a willingness to be up in lead. As for being eager to please, you don’t get any better than Oken!
Animosh (Grand Marais)
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Versatile
Animosh was adopted with her sister Chetan, by Thom Swan at Stardancer Historical Freight Dogs. Once proven, she could be one of the foundation lines for his Hedlund Husky Preservation kennel. While with us, she was one of the most attentive puppies, always wondering what we were doing and following us around to make sure it got done correctly. Animosh as the coloring and markings of many of the historical dogs.
Arrow
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Leader
Arrow is one of the three pups chosen to remain with Points Unknown. His namesake is the place where we call home; the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota. He was the only male in the litter. He’s a super smart and eager-to-please pup that is sweet as can be. At 10 weeks old, we could no longer walk with he and his sisters on leash because they pulled far too hard! We placed little harnesses on them and they were naturals. Arrow is a natural leader.
Chetan (Lutsen)
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Versatile
Chetan (formerly known as Lutsen) was adopted with her sister Animosh, by Thom Swan at Stardancer Historical Freight Dogs. Once proven, she could be one of the foundation lines for his Hedlund Husky Preservation kennel. While with us, she was one of the most independent pups, always on a mission. Her coloring comes from her grandma Tuloon and her build is a throw back to our Zulu line dogs.
Irish (Gooseberry)
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Leader
Irish was one of three pups chosen to remain with Points Unknown. She is the spitting image of her papa, Oken at this age. Irish’s name is derived from the road on which we live in the northwoods of Minnesota; Irish Creek Road. She is a hot ticket, this one! She is independent and inquisitive. Being wicked smart, she was the star of her obedience class and is becoming one of the star leaders here at Points Unknown.
Jitter Bug (Temperance)
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Versatile
Jitter Bug, along with her sister, Salsa, went to live with our dear friends Jim and Judy Dunlop in their kennel in Northfield, MN. While with us, Jitter Bug was a quiet and independent thinker with a real soft spot. She had blue eyes until around 14 weeks then they began to change and are now a beautiful hazel just like her sister Misquah’s. Although independent, once the Hedlund Husky makes a strong connection with their owner, they will do anything for them. We think she’ll make a super leader!
Misquah (Silver Bay)
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Versatile
Misquah has very unique eyes and personality to boot! She was born with an almost blue slate colored coat that has been changing to include some liver colored tones. Her eyes were blue until a few weeks ago when they began to change and now they are hazel! She is the ring leader of the three puppies that remained at Points Unknown kennel. Misquah is a social butterfly and a very busy puppy who just has stuff to do! The names for this recent litter came from the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota where we will soon be relocating. Misquah is derived from the Misquah Hills which exist in our area. Misquah is Ojibwa for “red rock outcroppings”.
Salsa (Tofte)
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 11/20/2011
Position: Versatile
Salsa, is a female of exceptional size that, along with her sister, Jitterbug, went to live with our dear friends Jim and Judy Dunlop in their kennel in Northfield, MN. While with us,Salsa was a bundle of motion, always on the move. She was also one of the most vocal and voiced her opinions openly. We think she’ll make a fine leader someday.
2009 Hedlund Husky Litter
Tuloon
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/16/2004
Position: Lead
Tuloon has proven to be a thoughtful open country leader and had produced one exceptional litter already. The current litter is no exception. Tuloon had six puppies and sadly, two did not survive. The remaining four are healthy, intelligent and beautiful and have all of the wonderful Hedlund Husky traits we had hope for when choosing McKenzie as the sire. This was Tuloon’s second and litter and then she was spayed.
McKenzie
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 08/01/2001
Position: Point/Wheel
McKenzie joined us in April of 2007. This is his first working season with Points Unknown and he has proven to have an exceptional work ethic. Wanting him to settled in this first season and not wishing to add additional stress, we haven’t placed him up in lead and won’t do so until the end of the season at the earliest. He was training to be a leader at Mush Knik Networking in Knik, Alaska prior to his arrival and we’ve been told he was making great progress. McKenzie is a mild mannered gentleman of a dog that gets along with everyone in the kennel.McKenzie is the sire to Journey, one of our young leaders, and her four exceptional littermates.
Hana
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/27/2009
Position: Lead
Hana is a true Hedlund husky through and through. At 9 weeks old she went to live with dear friends at Uktousa kennel in New Hampshire, USA, where she is being showcased in a traditional freight dog team in sled dog races and in their touring business. While with us, she was a very independent pup but sweet puppy. This, now 60lb girl, has an excellent work ethic and has been working in lead like a pro.
Topa
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/27/2009
Position: Lead
Topa is a sweet girl and her eager-to-please personality makes her easy to work with and train. In the fall of 2010 she began her leader training and has just been introduced to open country leading. Topa keeps her line tight and pushes ahead, looking back on occasion for direction. Once she’s had more trail time to practice her commands, they will stick and we’re sure she will be another awesome open country leader in the Points Unknown kennel. Topa was bred with Oken from the 2009 Tuloon/Bazil litter and produced seven healthy and talented puppies.
Tumac
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/27/2009
Position: Lead
Tumac is the biggest male to have come out of the Points Unknown kennel, tipping the scale as an adult at 85lbs! At 9 weeks old he went to live with dear friends at Uktousa kennel in New Hampshire, USA, where he is being showcased in a traditional freight dog team in sled dog races and in their touring business. His work ethic is exemplary as is his build. While with us, Tumac was a sensitive and inquisitive soul. Once in his new home, it is reported that he wanted to be carried all around the kennel until he could no longer be lifted. Tumac has sired two litters
White Feather
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/27/2009
Position: Lead
White Feather was one of the two pups chosen to stay here at Points Unknown. Her name has personal significance to Linda as White Feather was born at a time when the wildlife lake on which the kennel lies had been populated with a number of white feathered birds, more so than in years past. Also, feathers have found their way to Linda over the years which have accumulated into a large collection, making the name White Feather the perfect choice. This little girl is a social butterfly and is extremely active, always looking for something new to do. What a perfect personality for a working sled dog! She has an even balance between independence and eager-to-please personality traits. She is one of the main leaders in the Points Unknown kennel.
2007 Half Hedlund/Half Zulu line Alaskan Husky Litter
Tuloon
Breed: Deep line Hedlund Husky
Age: 06/16/2004
Position: Lead
Tuloon has proven to be a thoughtful open country leader and had produced one exceptional litter already. The current litter is no exception. Tuloon had six puppies that are healthy, intelligent and beautiful. This was an outcross litter to bring genetic diversity into both the Hedlund and our Zulu lines. This was Tuloon’s first of two litters and then she was spayed.
Bazil
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
Bazil is a Traditional Alaskan Husky with lineage that includes Siberian Husky, Village Dog and Susan Butcher’s famous leader, Granite. He is a Hedlund compatible Alaskan Husky. He’s an easy going, eager to please kind of guy that would love to spend his day by your side rather than be out with the other dogs. Weighing in at over 70lbs, he is as strong as an ox and can outpull the best of them. Bazil was a leader in his previous kennel. He comes from a family of strong leaders that include both parents and most of his seven littermates. Bazil returned back to Points Unknown at the age of 11 1/2. We are so happy to have him back and are happy to be able to give him the very best retirement home he deserves.
Our sweet Bazil passed away in the fall of 2014 from a cancerous mass.
Cookqiz
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Lead
Cookqiz was consistently the biggest of the female pups of her litter, now weighting in at 60lbs. At 9 weeks old she went to live with a dear friend at Uktousa kennel in New Hampshire, USA, where she is being showcased in a traditional freight dog team in sled dog races and in their touring business. It has been reported that Cookqiz is very inquisitive and intelligent which gets her into trouble sometimes! She learns quickly and only has to be shown something once. In harness, her desire to pull is never ending. Leader training begin in the fall of 2008 and she is now a reliable single leader.
Oken
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Lead
Oken was chosen as one of three pups to stay at Points Unknown. He was always the pup that stuck to himself, never calling attention to himself. He reminded us early on of his uncle Klaus who is now our amazing open country leader. Oken is quiet and a bit reserved but sweet as can be and extremely attentive. In harness, he is proving to have an excellent work ethic. His line never slacks. He’s one of our main leaders.
Q
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Lead
Q was consistently the biggest of the male pups in his litter, now weighing in at 74lbs. He was placed in a nearby kennel and after 6 1/2 years found his way back to us. We’re so happy he’s with us! He is a mild mannered boy with a fun-loving personality like his Dad, Bazil. Being tested in harness, he was found to be a natural like his litter mates.
Wahya
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Active Pet
Wahya was the most like Tuloon was as a pup. She is independent and intelligent and is always thinking. Wayha is now retired from dog mushing and living as an active pet with Ari, with whom she grew up. They are living the life all retired sled dogs deserve.
Zala
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Lead
Zala has always been “Miss Personality”. She was chosen as the female pup to stay with Points Unknown. She is the peanut of the litter weighing in at 42lbs. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in desire and drive! A “pocket husky” she is, but she will be a very important part of the traditional freight dog team here at Points Unknown. She’s one of the main Points Unknown leaders.
Zodiak
Breed: Hedlund/Zulu line Alaskan
Age: 09/26/2007
Position: Lead
Zodiak was chosen as one of the two males to remain at Points Unknown. He has always been the “mamma’s boy” of the bunch. Zodi is a sweet, thoughtful boy with a very mild temperament. His build is solid, as is his desire to pull and be a part of the team. He has always reminded us of his grandpa Zulu, our now passed on, magnificent open country leader and furry angel. He excels in lead.
2005 Canadian Inuit Dog Litter
Icoa
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 7/14/2003
Position: Anywhere
Icoa was an excellent mother to her six black and white puppies. She came to Points Unknown from Toadhall Kennel in Inwood, Manitoba when she was a pup. Her father came to Toadhall directly from Greenland and her mother from Hinckley, Minnesota. Three of her pups were sent to our friends in Nunavik to be the foundation bloodlines for their Inuit Dog Recovery Program, Qimmiit Itirtut. Icoa is as smart as a whip with an extremely positive attitude. She has recently been doing quite a bit of work in lead. Icoa is now spending her retirement near Winnipeg with her son Ilu.
Renoir
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 2003
Position: Lead
Four-year old Renoir, son of Norsuak, whose line goes back to the Canadian Inuit foundation dogs Bill Carpenter obtained from Baffin Island in the early 70s, works in lead with his mother Lulik, who was raised on the land by an Inuk hunter from Iglulik. He never initiates a fight but never steps away from one. His broken ears are proof of it. He displays all of the qualities required of a boss Inuit Dog of which include calmness and intelligence. At 90lbs, Renoir is amazingly gentle with the children in the sled. He is very affectionate and willing to work as long as it takes. Renoir lives at Toadhall Kennel in Inwood, Manitoba which is north of Winnipeg. He is the sire of Icoa’s 2005 litter.
Photo courtesy of Genevieve Montcombroux
Ilu
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 6/28/2005
Position: Anywhere
Ilu translates to “Black Frost” in the Inuktitut language. He is very playful as a young adult and has the most positive and fun attitude about life. When playing with a group of dogs, you will find him abandoning the group and seeking out the people. He wants to make sure that if you want him to do something, he’s right there to get it done. Ilu runs every position in the team and is learning to be a leader. He’s learning to put his, sometimes, out of control exuberance into his pulling with great results. About 5 years ago, Ilu was diagnosed with dyscospondolytis and had to retire. He did so with his mother near Winnipeg.
Inka
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 6/28/2005
Position: Active Pet
Inka was an attentive pup more interested in people than her pack of six. She was placed in a small kennel in Seattle, Washington. She’s a delight. She’s definitely a companion first, sled dog second. Inka got a gentle soul, whether it is playing with the cat, the goats, people, or dogs large and small. She’s incredibly intuitive, a quick learner, and very adaptable. Sadly, several years ago, in a freak accident while running through the woods, she was impaled by a stick and consequently passed away.
Gus
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 6/28/2005
Position: Versatile
Gus was placed at Wintergreen as a bloodline trade to add new lines to each kennel. He is one of those sled dogs who’s a perpetual puppy. He has the same gleeful playfulness now as he did when he was a few weeks old. Small & round in stature, he maintains a puppy-ish physique as well. He generally runs in swing position and is a very consistent puller, though perhaps not a very powerful one.(yet) But his sparkling personality makes him a kennel favorite and he never fails to compel anyone who passes by his house to spend a few minutes wrestling or rough-housing with him.
Piuna
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 6/28/2005
Position: Versatile
Piuna was a very independent pup. She always had plans and her own agenda. Moving up to Nunavik at 4 months old wasn’t much of an adjustment for her as she is where she was meant to be, doing what she loves. She is a confident and steady worker. Being so independent, she has “issues” with the other females on the team and when running fan hitch style, this can be tricky. Many of the older females on her team are retiring, thus giving her the position she desires; Alpha Female.
Arpiqutik
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 6/28/2005
Position: Versatile
Arpiqutik was the Alpha Male of Icoa’s litter of six from the beginning. He would wriggle up to the milk bar first and continued throughout his puppyhood to make sure the others knew his superior status. He was, however, a mamma’s boy. Icoa couldn’t go anywhere without this little guy right along side her. He was the pick of the litter male to move up to Nunavik to fulfill his destiny; being a foundation male for an Inuit Dog Recovery Program. He is a strong puller and like some males, slow to mature so he still can be found being a big silly puppy.
Akkutuk
Breed: Inuit Dog
Age: 6/28/2005
Position: Versatile
Sadly, Akkutuk was mortally wounded in a dog fight within her first year after arrival to her new home in Nunavik. Akkutuk was a sweet puppy that was very attentive and drawn to people.
2002 Traditional Alaskan Husky Litter (Zulu Line)
Jesse
Breed: Alaskan Husky
Age: 7/1999
Position: Lead
Jesse was a patient and easy-going mom to her eight pups. She had nine and one died at 4 days old. This was her first and only litter. Jesse is a leader and has done some open country leading with a partner. She loves to get on the trail of a critter on the lake and will occasionally try to talk her partner into checking it out with her but quickly comes back into focus with a brief word of encouragement. Jesse has since passed.
Zulu
Breed: Traditional Alaskan Husky
Age: 6/17/1996
Position: Lead
Zulu has Susan Butcher’s Granite lineageas well as Alaskan “Village Dog” lines. He is the most amazing intuitive and attentive open country leader. Zulu won’t be swayed, intimidated or distracted by anything he encounters on the trail. He has a mission and is so tuned in to his musher’s mission, its as if we are one. Zulu is getting close to retirement age and will surely let us know when he wants to trade in his harness for a nice lounge chair and mixed drink. Until then, there are plans in the making, for yet another adventure trip with the trusty Zu in lead. Zulu passed away in early 2010, leaving his genetic legacy in the Points Unknown kennel.
Bazil
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
This photo is entitled “good against evil”. As a puppy, Bazil stuck out among his litter of eight. There was just something special about him. He was sweet, attentive and a very happy boy that always wanted to be with people. He was open to new experiences and learned quickly. Bazil continued to impress us as he grew with his work ethic and abilities. He sired an exceptional litter with Tuloon in 2007. And although placed in a neighboring kennel for most of his life, he has now found his way back to us and is living in retirement luxury.
Sadly, this beautiful soul passed away in the fall of 2014 of a cancerous mass.
Klaus
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
Klaus was the kind of puppy that just had things to do. While all of the others were playing in a group together, Klaus was exploring the yard. He’d come when called, but just didn’t need to be a part of the group. The confidence he had as a pup continued to grow. When he was 6 months old, being up in front of the team, holding the line as tight as he possibly could seemed second nature. At three years old he was doing some open country leading with only minor distraction. Fully mature at the age of four, he successfully led the team that set the first trail around our 5 mile training lake.
Sweet Pea
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Anywhere
Sweet Pea was just a darn sweet puppy. No other name seemed to fit her. As a pup, she was just so happy and attentive. Wherever the people where, that’s where Sweet Pea was. As she matured it was apparent that she had a temperament much like her father, Zulu. Whatever you want, whenever you want it and exactly how you want it. She lacks the confidence to be a strong single leader, however does takes consistent commands from point position. When in lead with a partner, she thrives. Sweet Pea decided to retire in 2013. She now enjoys her retirement with us, spending lots of time in the house.
Sadly, our beautiful Sweet Pea passed in the summer of 2014 of an aggressive sarcoma.
Blue
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
Blue was a quirky and eclectic puppy and always a sneaky prankster. She was the first out of the plastic pool of a whelping box at 4 weeks of age and continued to be the first for just about everything. Blue seemed to be years beyond her age as a pup, so full of personality and wisdom. She was tested in lead at 6 months and began taking commands like a pro. Blue is an excellent open country leader with the occasional “hey, let’s check out this critter track” behavior of her mother. Although placed in a neighboring kennel years ago, at 11 1/2, she found her way back to us and is now living out her retirement with us.
Zimbi
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
Zimbi is an excellent leader and is living in a nearby kennel. She has a very strong head and is quite independent. This fearless girl can scale a 6′ fence in seconds and likes to take a quick run around the training trails that leave the yard. Zimbi has since passed of natural causes.
Greta
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
No puppy picture of Greta available. Greta was a pup on a mission, much like her brother Klaus. She didn’t need to be a part of the group and did her own thing. She was a relatively cautious pup, not always sure of herself. Extensive socialization over the years and a placement in a small adventure trip kennel has allowed her to blossom into a quite the social butterfly. She is a leader in training, as she spent the first part of her life in a racing kennel where she ran in wheel. Turns out she learned her commands from wheel position because it didn’t take long for her to catch on. Greta has since passed of natural causes.
Juma
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Anywhere
Juma and Nacha live a wonderful life in Northfield, MN. She weighs in at sixty-two pounds, and is less serious, more playful than Nacha, and is just a very happy dog. Juma likes both people and dogs, and like Nacha, is affectionate but not fawning. She loves treats and is clever at swiping them from a pocket and does the same with handkerchiefs and even towels, which she has been known to tear up and eat. Juma is a strong puller and can run pretty much any position, but does best in point. A bit uneasy in lead, she has a habit of looking back for answers. She runs comfortably with any dog, even new acquaintances.
Nacha
Breed: Zulu line Alaskan Husky
Age: 8/5/2002
Position: Lead
Nacha lives with her sister Juma in Northfield, MN. She is the most outstanding and confident leader and is all business, just like her brother Klaus. She is more serious and less playful than her sister Juma.
