Dogs

Photos: Cute puppies, mini sled dogs start Beargrease with smiles

DULUTH — The 40th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begins Sunday morning north of Two Harbors at the Highway 2 Gravel Pit, but on Saturday, other dogs took center stage at Fitger’s.

The annual Cutest Puppy Contest attracted dozens of dogs (ages 4-9 months), and many dog enthusiasts, while some smaller dogs had a chance to live out their mushing dreams in the KQDS Mini Sled Dog Races.

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A dog looking straight ahead.
Zelda, a Siberian husky, looks straight ahead during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1. Zelda lives with her family in Hermantown.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

Saturday also featured the

opening ceremonies and vet checks at the Buffalo House

near Duluth. Opening ceremonies at the Buffalo House also included the swearing in of the mushers. Every year, each Beargrease musher is sworn in as an official U.S. mail carrier, as they take letters to a post office at the end of the trail, just as John Beargrease did 100 years ago. The tradition is called “Trail Mail.’

For more on the 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, visit

beargrease.com.

A man encourages his small dog that is pulling a mini sled.
Josh Jarvela, of Gilbert, encourages Ahri, a multi-breed mix, during the mini sled dog races at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

A dog being held by its adult male owner.
Maverick, a mini Australian Shepherd, receives pets from his owner Dylan Michaud, of Cloquet, during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

A young girl feeds a treat to a dog.
Harper Ulvestad, 8, of Duluth, feeds a treat to Fiona, a French bulldog, during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

Two dogs jumping up and playing.
Sidney, a golden retriever, left, makes friends with Evie, a multi-breed mix, during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

A dog sitting in a person lap while being pet.
Bailey, an 8-month-old Maltese-shih tzu mix, sits on the lap of Charlene Eastman, of Superior, while receiving pets during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

A replica sled dog standing by a merchandise table.
A replica sled dog stands guard near the merchandise table during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

A woman carrying a dog that is wearing a princess costume.
Tesla Chester, of Duluth, carries Senna Vienna, a multi-breed mix, outside during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitger’s in Duluth on Saturday, March 1. Senna Vienna is the reigning Lake Superior Ice Festival Canine Queen.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

A dog standing in the snow.
Spud, an Australian Shepherd, enjoys one of the few snow piles outside at Fitger’s in Duluth during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

Dogs on leashes playing.
Dogs enjoy some play time outside at Fitger’s in Duluth during the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

Two small dogs being encouraged with treats.
Two participants in the mini sled dog races at Fitger’s in Duluth receive some encouragement on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

People and dogs gathered outside for a cutest puppy contest.
Dogs and humans wait outside at Fitger’s in Duluth ahead of the results for the Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest on Saturday, March 1.

Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group

Dan Williamson

By
Dan Williamson

Dan Williamson joined the Duluth News Tribune in June 2021 where he’s involved in digital content such as video, photos and podcasts as well as covering breaking news. Previously, he worked in television broadcasting as a Sports Director/Anchor at WDIO-TV in Duluth, Sports Director/Anchor in Bismarck, N.D., News and Sports Anchor at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, and Reporter/Photographer/Editor with the syndicated show “Life to the Max” in Eden Prairie. He was also the Development Director for the Duluth Salvation Army. Williamson grew up in Alexandria, graduated from St. Cloud State University and has lived in Duluth since 2012.

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