This Adorably Small Pup Thinks He’s a Sled Dog!
Sled dogs usually tip the scale at 50 pounds or more, but Muppy barely hits 18. She isn’t built like the typical racer, yet her name shows up at Midwest mushing events again and again. Despite having a small frame, short legs, and a stubborn streak, somehow, she’s in the middle of it all. Most dogs her size stay home. Muppy lines up and runs.
She Got Her Start by Refusing to Walk
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Muppy never liked walking on a leash. Instead of dragging her through the park, her human, Betsy Heidt, started running. Muppy ran faster. Betsy strapped her to a bike, and off they went. That bit of stubbornness turned into a full-blown sport.
Built Low to the Ground—and Built to Go
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At just four inches tall, Muppy often has to swim through puddles on trails. Her short legs don’t keep her from moving fast, though. She averages over 14 miles per hour in races and charges into harnesses with all the force of a dog five times her size.
She Needed Special Gear Just to Compete
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It is not always easy to find the right harness for a dog of that size. Betsy had to contact a company for the smallest adjustable fit. Muppy also wears goggles to protect her eyes from trail debris, sticks, and burdock. The custom setup keeps her safe and ready to charge forward.
She Once Raced Back-to-Back Events Without a Break
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During a dryland event in Pearson, Wisconsin, Muppy entered multiple races so close together that she crossed one finish line, then sprinted straight to her next starting line. Even the bigger dogs were catching their breath while Muppy kept pushing forward.
Crowds Know Her by Name
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Some dogs get polite claps, but Muppy gets chants. At races across the Midwest, spectators cheer when she rolls up. People shout her name, take photos, and watch her in the starting chute like she’s the main event.
She Trained on Deer Trails and Compost Rows
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Most mushers practice on trails or open land, but Muppy started on narrow deer paths in Wisconsin woods. Later, Betsy added compost rows to Muppy’s training schedule. The rows smelled distracting, which made them perfect for helping Muppy stay focused during real races.
Her First Race Was a Total Gamble
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Before her first race, Betsy worried Muppy might freeze up, or worse, react to other dogs. She’d once been harmed by three golden retrievers, so passing teams posed a risk. The plan was to pull over and hold her if needed. It turns out they flew so fast that no one caught them.
Other Mushers Didn’t Realize She Was Racing
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Early on, competitors assumed Muppy was just tagging along with a spectator. At check-in, some thought she was a pet there for the ride. Then she lined up at the chute and took off like she meant business. After that, nobody doubted her place in the sport.
She’s Learned to Handle Passes Like a Pro
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Passing another dog team is tough, especially when you’re the size of a loaf of bread, but Muppy doesn’t blink. She holds her line, stays focused, and rarely swerves. Sometimes the other dogs get distracted, trying to determine if she’s a competitor or a chew toy. Meanwhile, Muppy just keeps charging.
She Races Year-Round—Even in the Snow
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Dryland racing is Muppy’s specialty, but she’s recently added winter events to her resume. Betsy bought a fatbike so they could train on snowy trails. Muppy also does a little kick-sledding, which keeps her active when snow piles up.
Muppy Trains With a Bigger, Less Enthusiastic Teammate
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Muppy’s household recently gained a second dog, Journey. She’s a terrier-shepherd mix who doesn’t love pulling, but she enjoys running. In some races, Muppy does the work while Journey tags along. Muppy leads, Journey follows, and Betsy just tries to keep up.
She Can Smell Distractions Before You Even See Them
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Betsy has learned to watch Muppy’s tail to predict what’s ahead. If it goes up and stiffens, something’s caught her attention. That early warning helps Betsy brace herself in case Muppy decides to take a detour mid-run. Reading her body language is part of the game.
She Doesn’t Need Podiums to Make an Impact
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Muppy’s first race didn’t earn her a medal, but she wasn’t last either. That didn’t matter much. The growth and the cheering crowd were the real prizes. What mattered was proving she could do it. That first run sparked years of training and becoming a legend in a four-inch frame.
She Treats the Starting Line Like Showtime
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Right before a race, Muppy howls like a tiny banshee. Her eyes lock on the trail. Her paws twitch. Her whole body screams, “Let me GO!” The second the brake lifts, she explodes into motion.
She Turned a Backyard Hobby Into a Full-On Sport
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What started as a fix for an over-energized dog became a lifestyle. Muppy now races most weekends in the fall, trains multiple times a week, and even has a social media fan base. She’s gone from an 18-pound mystery mix to one of the most beloved faces in Midwest mushing.