MEET THE DOGS
HUSKY LOVE
"The stars are her dogs!
They are athletes and I’m still in awe how they run for hours uphill, breaking trail through fresh powder and sleeping in -30F outside.
They are SO sweet, obviously well trained and absolute joy to watch what they love to do."
- Rommy
THE HEART OF THE OPERATION
Lisbet & Nils operate the Fairbanks branch of the oldest Siberian Husky kennel in the world - Alaskan Kennels.
The heart of the operation is the beautiful sled dogs and we are committed to our dogs for the entirety of their lives.
We enjoy sharing our lifestyle with guests and are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about sled dogs.
We have 45 sled dogs ranging in age from 2 to 12. Each dog has its own unique and individual personality.
ANADYR SIBERIAN HUSKY
The line of dogs produced by Alaskan Kennels is known as Anadyr Siberians (Anadyr is pronounced “Anna-deer”).
Dogs from the Anadyr River region of Eastern Siberia were imported into Alaska from 1908 until about 1930 during the gold rush. Fast and agile, they quickly proved their endurance outperforming other Alaskan working dogs. Read more about Siberian history.
We are committed to maintaining the workability of the Siberian Husky. We believe that participating in sled dog races, both sprint and distance, is is the best way to benchmark the breed.
KENNEL HISTORY
Alaskan Kennels was established in 1947 by Earl & Natalie Norris (Lisbet’s grandparents). Earl and Natalie were Alaskan pioneers and adventurers, and it is due to their dedication to the breed we still have a genetically rich pool of working Siberian Huskies in Alaska. The breeding program has been taken over by their son J.P. Norris and his wife Kari Skogen (Lisbet’s parents).
For seventy years, the primary focus of the kennel has been to preserve and promote the original function and appearance of the Siberian Husky as a sled dog. Alaskan Kennels has come to be known as the preeminent breeder of working Siberian Huskies, producing dogs that compete successfully in both sprint and distance races, an accomplishment few kennels can claim. The line of dogs produced by Alaskan Kennels are known as Anadyr Siberians.
The Norris’ are committed to maintaining the workability of the Siberian Husky. They believe that participating in sled dog races, both sprint and distance, is is the best way to benchmark the breed.
The main branch of the kennel is located in Willow, Alaska and operated by Lisbet’s parents. Puppies, young race dogs, and retirees live there. The young dogs train for the Fur Rendezvous, and the retirees teach the puppies how to be good sled dogs.
LISBET'S FAMILY HISTORY
Lisbet’s father, JP, is an accomplished sprint musher who has successfully competed since the 1950s. His race season culminates each year at the Fur Rendezvous World Championship Open Class Sled Dog Race in Anchorage, a historical Alaskan sled dog race his parents helped found. Lisbet’s mother, Kari, is a 2-time veteran of the Iditarod (’84, ’86) and today competes in limited and open-class sprint races.
In 2016 Kari became one of few people in the world to have participated in all three of Alaska’s major sled dog races: the Fur Rendezvous, the Open North American, and the Iditarod.
Working with the family's dogs, Lisbet completed the Iditarod, Alaska’s famous 1000-mile sled dog race, in 2014, 2015, and 2016, finishing as the #1 Siberian Husky team in 2015 and 2016.
Fun fact:
Lisbet and Kari are only one of two mother-daughter pairs to both have completed Iditarod (Barb & Lisa Moore were the first).
KENNEL HISTORY:
ALASKAN KENNELS/ANADYR SIBERIANS
INTRODUCING
Photo by Pale Blue Wanders.
Photo by Pale Blue Wanders.
Photo by Pale Blue Wanders.
Photo by Pale Blue Wanders.
Photo by Pale Blue Wanders.
Photo by Pale Blue Wanders.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Photo by WM Photography.
Sweet Jenny is one of our most reliable lead dogs. Shy at first, she ends up being a particular favorite of many due to her gentle loving nature. Age: 7 Siblings: Jasmine, Jet. Photo by WM Photography.
Elsa is a big girl, a hard worker, and a very sweet girl that prefers working over making new friends. Age: 5 Siblings: Anna, Olaf. Photo by WM Photography.
Jasmine is a doll. She loves each and every person she meets at first sight. Age: 7 Siblings: Jenny, Jet. Photo by WM Photography.
Winken is one of our smallest girls. She has a hyper personality and a monster appetite for snacks. Age: 4 Siblings: Nod, Blinken. Photo by WM Photography.
Jet. One of our biggest boys, Jet is a gentle giant who loves to give kisses. 2x Iditarod finisher. Age: 7 Siblings: Jenny, Jasmine Photo by WM Photography.
Orro is a super dog with a serious work ethic. Orro loves pets and kibbles but his main drives in life are going faster and further. Iditarod finisher. Age: 9 Siblings: Mini Lu, Orro. Photo by WM Photography.
Wiluna is the goofiest silliest girl! Full of personality and funny dances, it takes a few days for new people to get to know this side of her. To get the most out of a friendship with Wiluna, we recommend a 3+ day excursion. Age: 7 Siblings: Rusja Photo by WM Photography.
Lovely Oskar looks like a little polar bear cub from the back when trotting down the trail. He is quite shy and his affection feels like the best reward in the world! Age: 4 Siblings: Mamaboy Oskar was a single pup! Photo by WM Photography.
Hilary is a sweet girl who really wants to be friendly but is a little shy about it. She is not very bold when it comes to people, but she dominates any type of trail condition with her sweet disposition and serious work ethic. She and Buff are the lead dogs of the litter. Age: 7 Siblings: Buff, Bitey, Michele, Barkley Photo by WM Photography.
Big boy Buff is a lead dog with a lot of speed and work ethic. He is quite powerful and is very friendly. He has a big bark! Age 7: Siblings: Hilary, Michele, Bitey, Barkley. Photo by WM Photography.
New Ray is long, lanky, and always ready to go. Sweet, steady and reliable, New Ray joins his brother Blue Ray as stars in the making. Age: 4 Siblings: Decibel, Amp, Blue Ray Photo by WM Photography.
Barkley loves to bark! He does the silliest paw pounds and head swings as he vocalizes. Very sweet, Barkley loves pets from everyone. Age: 8 Siblings: Michele, Hilary, Buff, Bitey. Photo by WM Photography.
Beautiful Rusja loves to talk to you (roooo rooo rooovvv roovv ) and run in lead. She and her sister Wiluna are about the goofiest girls there are. Rusja is quite shy with new people and so charming once she comes out of her shell. We recommend a 3+ day excursion to see this wonderful side of her. Age: 6 Siblings: Wiluna Photo by WM Photography.
SPREAD THE LOVE AND SPONSOR A DOG TODAY
What will you receive?
A beautiful picture of your sled dog, a handwritten thank you note PLUS a locally made glass husky mosaic magnet in the image of your dog. After your purchase, we will email you a personalized dog sponsorship certificate that can be printed or forwarded to your special person.
What does your money go towards?
Dog sponsorships go towards race fees, new Christmas collars (a yearly treat), new harnesses, new lines, dry bedding of imported weed-free Washington straw and pallets and pallets of super high-quality meat and kibble.