Michael
Burtnick
About
Age: 35
Occupation: Engineer, Tour Operator
Website: http://www.keystonesleddogs.com
Location
Nationality: Canadian
Residence: N/A
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kennel & Mushing
Kennel Name: Keystone Sled Dogs
Kennel Bloodlines: D.Seavey, D.Osmar, G.Beck, R.Cook D.Swingley, J.King, R.Wright
Breeds: Alaskan Husky
Number of Dogs: 21
Years Running Dogs: 13
Recent Sled Dog Races & Best Performances
Caledonia Classic 200
Year: 2023
Position: 4
YQ250
Year: 2023
Position: 2
Michael
Burtnick
How did your kennel get its name?
Keystone Sled Dogs because they are so central to our lifestyle and after our home province of Manitoba.
How did you get started running dogs?
Watched a documentary on the Iditarod in the Lance Mackey era and we were hooked.
What do you love most about running dogs?
Time out on the land adventuring with my dogs- whatever we do, we're doing it together.
Please share with us some stories or facts about your dogs that will be running in the 2025 YQ450.
My dogs are all my favorites, but the majority of my team will be made up from a 2020 litter of dogs that just do it for me day in and day out. One stand out from that litter is a really high-drive female named Goose. Aptly named, she's an elegant yet ferocious dog with more heart and drive than the majority of my team combined. She's a lot of work some days but when we're out on the trail it's all worth it. She's one in a million!
Are you a member of any other organizations involved in sled dog sports?
N/A
Why did you enter the 2025 YQ450 and what are your goals for the race?
We've been dreaming about the Quest since we started dog sports, and after racing the YQ250 in 2023 we're eager to get on this all new trail in 2025. We love and believe in our dogs and feel this is a great proving ground to show everyone else how much they love running these trails in the Yukon.
What music do you listen to on the trail?
I prefer to listen to the pitter-patter of the dogs and the runners gliding across the snow.
How did your dogs get their names/How do you choose names?
A lot of our dogs came to us with great names, others were names we felt suited our puppies, and the latest littler was a themed litter named after songbirds.
Share a quick story about one of your indispensable Handlers.
Tell us about your favorite experience with a volunteer on the trail.
Bob is famous in Braeburn and makes everyone feel like the VIP while they're near him. I'm almost as excited to run the trail as I am to chat with him about the Wheaties this season.