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Dave Dalton
62 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST Veteran
Nationality:
American
Occupation(s):
Dog Musher/Mushing Tour Guide
Kennel Name:
Dalton Gang Kennels
Kennel Name Origination:
By using my last name and the fact that dogs run in a gang-line.
Kennel Bloodlines:
Dalton
Breeds:
Alaskan Huskies
# of Dogs in Kennel:
32
http://www.daltongangkennels.com
Sponsors:
Dalton Gang Members, Alaska Heli-Mush Tours, Dog sponsors, Puppies' name sponsors, Lee Lowery, Kitchen Family and Handlers Kirsten Thureson and Wendy Hawkins.

Musher Question & Answer

How many years have you been running dogs?
31
How did you get started running dogs?

I became the owner of a litter of 13 Airdale/Alaskan Husky puppies and they started my recreational sled dog team.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?
Are you a member of any other organizations involved in sled dog sports?
Yukon Quest and Iditarod Finishers' Clubs.
Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?
To improve over last year with a happy and healthy dog team.
How did your dogs get their names?/ How do you choose names?

By sponsoring a puppy name and litter themes.

What music do you listen to on the trail?
Share a quick story about one of your indispensable Handlers

All the Handlers I have had are my favorite. The hurry up and wait, endless hours of driving, raking straw, feeding, cleaning and caring for the dogs. They are the back bone on keeping us moving forward down the trail with a positive attitude, without them I would not finish the race.

Tell us about your favourite experience with a volunteer on the trail
Coming into a check point where a volunteer had placed drop bags next to the sled and a warm meal inside, place to dry gear and lay my head, along with the Super Bowl score.
List recent sled dog races and/or best performances
2018 - Yukon Quest - 10th; 2008 - Yukon Quest - 3rd; 2006 - Yukon Quest - 4th; 2005 - Yukon Quest - 4th; 2004 - Yukon Quest - 3rd and the Veterinarian's Choice Award for finishing with all 14 dogs; 1988 - Yukon Quest - Rookie Race - 21st and started and finished with 12 dogs.