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Jo Svenstad on Building a Championship Team, Bloodlines, and the Future of European Sprint Mushing

July 12, 2026
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After more than four decades in sled dog racing, Norwegian musher Jo Svenstad has returned to the top of European sprint mushing. In this episode, Robert Forto and co-host Karosh sit down with Jo to discuss his remarkable comeback, his carefully preserved Alaskan bloodlines, and the breeding philosophy that helped him capture the Scandinavian Championship.

Jo explains how a trip to Alaska in 1989 shaped his kennel for generations, why he believes successful breeding starts by looking outside your own kennel, and how he balances genetics, movement, nutrition, and training to develop elite racing dogs. He also discusses the current state of open-class racing in Scandinavia, preparing young teams for championship competition, and his goals for the upcoming World Championships.

Whether you’re interested in sprint racing, breeding, conditioning, or the history connecting Alaska and Scandinavia, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of Europe’s most respected mushers.