The Chinook: New Hampshire's Gentle Sled Dog

The Chinook is a rare and uniquely American breed of sled dog, treasured not only for its power and endurance in harness but also for its gentle, affectionate nature as a family companion. Developed in the mountains of New Hampshire, the Chinook is a dignified and loving dog that embodies the spirit of the New England outdoors. In recognition of its heritage, the Chinook was named the official State Dog of New Hampshire in 2009.

History and Origins

The story of the Chinook begins with one man and one dog. In the early 20th century, Arthur Treadwell Walden, a polar explorer and sled-dog driver from Wonalancet, New Hampshire, set out to create his ideal sled dog. He wanted a dog with immense power, speed, and stamina, but also one with a gentle and friendly temperament. In 1917, his efforts culminated in the birth of a puppy he named "Chinook," who became the foundation sire of the entire breed.

Chinook was renowned for his strength and his wonderful disposition. He and his descendants became famous, accompanying Admiral Byrd's first Antarctic expedition in 1929. Sadly, after Walden's death and the decline of sled dog freighting, the breed's numbers dwindled. By 1981, they were on the verge of extinction, with only a handful of dogs remaining. A dedicated group of owners and breeders worked together to save the Chinook from disappearing, and today the breed continues to have a devoted following.

Appearance

The Chinook has a distinctive and powerful look. They are large, athletic dogs with a tawny-colored coat that is the hallmark of the breed. The ideal color is a golden fawn, often with black markings on the inside of the eyes and dark shading on the ears and muzzle.

• Coat: They have a thick double coat that is medium in length. It provides excellent protection from the cold but is not as long as that of some other northern breeds.
• Build: The Chinook is built for power and endurance, with a muscular body and deep chest. They are a picture of balanced strength and agility.
• Head and Tail: Unlike many spitz-type sled dogs, Chinooks have drop ears (though some may have prick ears) that frame a gentle, intelligent expression. Their tail is shaped like a sickle, not curled tightly over the back.

Temperament and Personality

The Chinook is famous for its "dual personality." In harness, it is a serious, hard-driving worker with incredible stamina. In the home, it is a calm, patient, and exceptionally devoted family member. They are known for being:

• Gentle and Patient: They are particularly noted for their kindness and patience with children, making them excellent family pets.
• Intelligent and Eager to Please: This combination makes them highly trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy working closely with their owners.
- Loyal and Sociable: Chinooks are "people dogs" that thrive on being part of the family. They are generally friendly with strangers and can get along well with other dogs, especially when socialized from a young age.

While they are capable watchdogs that will alert their family to visitors, they are not aggressive and are not suited for guard duty.

Care and Training

Exercise

As a sled dog, the Chinook needs regular, vigorous exercise to stay healthy and happy. They make fantastic partners for active individuals or families who enjoy hiking, running, skijoring, or backpacking. While they have an "off switch" and can relax indoors, they are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle.

Grooming

Their double coat requires weekly brushing to keep it clean and free of loose hair. Like other double-coated breeds, they will shed heavily, or "blow coat," seasonally in the spring and fall, during which time daily brushing is recommended.

Health

The Chinook is a generally healthy breed, partly due to the careful management by breeders after its near-extinction. However, like any large breed, they can be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and allergies. Responsible breeders screen their dogs to minimize the risk of hereditary diseases.