GreatMountain Chinooks Breeding
Barkerville Sweet Maple Mae x Desert Sol Makani Kai
7 Puppies - August 11, 2026
GreatMountain Chinooks welcomed 7 Chinook puppies into the world on 8/11/26. Their parents are Barkerville Sweet Maple Mae (dam) and Desert Sol Makani Kai (sire). Maple whelped these 7 pups in 5.5 hours. There are 5 male and 2 females. The puppies had a full week with LOTS of support. Many thanks to Kim, Marin, Bridget, Cieran, Jenny, Joy and Tom for helping with whelping and puppy/Maple care. Thanks to Jess and Karen for the initial conformation evaluation. And more thanks to the staff at Animal Hospital of South Gorham for excellent care of Maple and her pups this week.
The “Good Signs” Litter.
When Kai arrived for the breeding Tara (his person) said, “I just drove past Maple Street and thought, ‘that’s a good sign.’” We saw more good signs as we traveled to the reproductive vet and drove on Lover’s Lane and Great Road then taking a left onto Mountain Road. All the puppies’ temporary names refer to things that have been considered good signs.
Meet Maple's and Kai's Puppies
Leo
Male
Week 1 weight – 1 lb 15.7 oz
In astrology, those born between July 22 – August 22 are, astrologically, Leos. As a fire sign ruled by the Sun, Leos are seen as natural leaders who can inspire and motivate others. They are open-hearted and magnanimous, showing generosity to friends, family, and even strangers. Sounds like a good sign to me.
Clover
Male
Week 1 weight – 1 lb 12.1 oz
A four-leaf clover is considered a good sign due to its rarity, historical folklore, and symbolic meanings. In ancient Celtic culture, the four leaves represented the four elements of nature—earth, air, fire, and water—and that a clover with all four leaves symbolized harmony and balance.
Acorn
Male
Week 1 weight – 2 lb 0.0 oz
An acorn is often seen as a good sign because it carries deep symbolic meaning representing potential, growth, strength, and protection, a powerful emblem of hope and prosperity. The transformation from a small acorn seed to a mighty oak tree is a metaphor for life’s journey — showing that even the smallest beginnings can lead to great achievements
Olive
Female
Birth weight – 15.6 oz
An olive is considered a good sign because it embodies peace, hope, resilience, wisdom, and prosperity. The olive branch is a universal sign of peace. The fruit of the olive tree is pressed to make oil and is seen as a blessing — a sign of abundance and prosperity.
Eagle
Male
Week 1 weight – 1 lb. 15.1 oz
The eagle is a universal symbol of positive change, protection, and guidance. An eagle inspires confidence and resilience; breaking free from limitations and pursuing one’s true potential; encouraging connection to truths and enlightenment; and gaining perspective and seeing the bigger picture.
Dove
Male
Week 1 weight – 1 lb. 14.1 oz
The dove is widely regarded as a positive symbol because of its gentle nature, beauty, and deep-rooted associations with peace, purity, and hope. A dove can symbolize peace (internal or external), love and loyalty, hope during difficult times, and renewal after transitions.
Crocus
Female
Week 1 weight – 1 lb. 12.2 oz
The crocus is seen as a good sign, symbolizing hope, renewal, and resilience. It blooms in the very first days of spring, sometimes even through snow - a sign that winter’s darkness is ending and new beginnings are near.
Sire & Dam
Desert Sol Makani Kai
Home: NJ
DOB: 1/21/2024
Sire: Lake Time Bailey (Purebred Chinook)
Dam: Desert Sol Vitality Aelin Fireheart (1st generation CBCP Cross)
Height: 24.5"
Weight: 82 lbs
Hips: OFA Good
Eyes: CAER Normal (2026)
Genetics:
Clear: MRD1, CDDY/IVDD, Chondrodysplasia, SOD1A, VWF
COI: 18%
Kai is smart and resilient. He is very vocal and good with kids. Kai likes to play in water. He is very attached to one person in the family who is a dog trainer and engages Kai in helping with the training classes. Kai was the mellowest, even-keeled pup in his litter.
Kai's pictorial pedigree from Dogs Global
Barkerville Sweet Maple Mae
Home: ME
DOB: 5/3/2021
Sire: Vanguard North Brother Mtn (1st generation CBCP Cross)
Dam: Barkerville Cora Anne (Purebred Chinook)
Height: 22.5"
Weight: 52 lbs
Hips: OFA Excellent
Eyes: CAER Normal (2024, 2026)
Genetics:
Clear: MRD1, VWF, SOD1A.
Increased risk-CDDY/IVDD.
Carries-Chondrodysplasia
COI: 26%
2022: ChesterH Sweetie Award, 2021 COA Chinook National Specialty.
Maple whelped her first litter of 6 puppies (3 female, 3 male) in December 2025. Those pups are healthy and living their best lives in different locations around the country.
Maple's pictorial pedigree from Dogs Global
Maple is a 2nd generation Chinook x Tamaskan cross. Kai is a 2nd generation Chinook x Bernese Mountain Dog cross - both in the Chinook Breed Conservation Program (CBCP). Their offspring will also be registered as crossbred and if bred with a purebred Chinook in the years ahead they will produce puppies who are eligible for United Kennel Club purebred registration.
Maple and Kai bring strong health and genetics. Maple and Kai have strong hip ratings as do their relatives. Maple’s COI is 26% and Kai’s is 18%. Kai is clear of MRD1, CDDY/IVDD, and dwarfism. Maple is a proven bitch who bred and whelped naturally, cared well for her pups, and recuperated from breeding quickly. All 3 males in her previous litter had testicles descend in their first 3 months.
We love Kai and Maple’s personalities. Maple is sweet and adores her people. She likes new people but needs a moment to get used to them. She could use a bit more confidence. Kai is a laid back and confident dog, who serves as a demonstration dog in obedience classes. They are both loveable companions. And they really liked each other.
Both Maple and Kai have wonderful conformation. Maple has strong conformation with lovely balance and movement. Kai has heavy bone, a broad head, a balanced body, level topline, and nice substance.
We are interested in seeing what benefit is gained through breeding these 2nd generation crosses with one another, combining their Tamaskan, Bernese, and Chinook ancestry.
Many thanks to Barkerville Chinooks and Desert Sol Chinooks for producing these two wonderful dogs. Gratitude also to the breeders and Chinooks behind these dogs - we aim to keep your stories alive.
We are taking applications for puppies, particularly from breeding potential applicants.
To make an inquiry, email greatmtnchinooks@gmail.com.
