Managers of the historic Denali sled dog kennels in Denali National Park and Preserve breed sled dogs to honor the cultural tradition of mushing that dates back many thousands of years in Alaska. Sled dogs also provide the most effective means for the National Park Service to patrol vast areas of designated Wilderness throughout the winter.
This year’s litter of sled dogs was born on May 3, 2025. To celebrate 100 years of weather data collection by the mushing rangers of Denali, each of the five dogs were given a name related to weather: Squall (f), Storm (f), Graupel (m), Dew (m), and Fog (m).
Through a partnership with Alaska Geographic using proceeds from the Denali Park Store, Denali National Park runs the Puppy Cam, allowing people from around the world to tune in and watch these puppies grow. The puppies are frequently sleeping, but viewers can catch their feeding time at 11:45am and 4:45pm AKST. Make sure you check out the puppy cam here.
Ideal traits for Denali sled dog include long legs for breaking through deep snow, compact paws that resist the build up of ice between the toes, and sturdy coats and puffy tails to keep warm during the frigid winter. Ideally they’re also tenacious and have an unbridled love for pulling and running as part of a team in addition to social skills that tolerate the attention of thousands of visitors every summer.
