Chinooks

Chinooks are a breed apart. Truly an American dog, they have accomplished much in the 96 years since the birth of the first pup in New Hampshire. The dam was a Greenland Husky descended from Admiral Peary’s lead-dog Polaris and the sire was a St. Bernard/Mastiff-type dog. Chinook was one of 3 pups. But Chinook was unique and the breed to this day does not share any of the Spitz traits typifying sled dog breeds. Unlike Huskies and Malamutes, Chinook was a large tawny dog with down ears and broad, blocky head, weighing 100 pounds. Unlike the bushy coats of Spitz breeds, Chinook’s coat laid close to his body. Most importantly, Chinook’s loving, easy-going disposition made him an ideal companion. Chinook was a “sport” and reproduced himself when bred to other dogs. His unique traits made “Chinook” the obvious choice for the breed’s name.

To Chinook owners, however, the historical contributions pale in comparison to the characteristic gentle temperament, solid work ethic, and broad versatility that Chinook bestowed on his descendants and distinguishes them from sled dogs and other large breeds, making them uniquely American. His descendants are still tawny with a blocky head and a wash and wear coat that only sheds out once or twice a year. Like Chinook, his descendants are characterized by service.

Today’s Chinooks can still be found in harness – but that harness is just as likely to be pulling skis, bicycles and carts, as it is a sled. Other Chinooks carry packs and are as much at home in kayaks as they are on the couch. Chinooks love agility, rally, obedience, visiting hospitals and nursing homes as therapy dogs, or in classrooms as “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” helping children learn to read. As a large breed, regular exercise and training will ensure a healthy Chinook that behaves appropriately. Harsh handling or lack of socialization may create a shy Chinook, but rarely an aggressive one. Chinooks need to be with their owners and don’t do well if regularly left alone for long periods. They are not good kennel dogs, not territorial and therefore, not good guard dogs.

Chinooks are intelligent, sensitive, and catch on quickly to consistent training. They gravitate toward children and are gregarious with other dogs. Chinook Club of America attends many of the AKC Meet the Breeds. We’re the booth where children are “hand” holding a Chinook and Chinook kisses are always available! An amazing family dog coupled with work ethic and versatility gave the Chinook a proud and historical past and offers it a bright future!

Arthur T. Walden, Chinook’s owner, was an explorer, author, innkeeper, and most importantly, a sled dog driver. Walden and his dog sled team, with Chinook in lead, were credited with bringing the sport of sled dog racing to New England and founded the New England Sled Dog Club in 1924; the oldest club of its kind still in operation. But history had an even bigger role in mind for Walden and Chinook. Walden was appointed to head the Dog Department for Admiral Richard Byrd’s first Antarctic Expedition in 1927. Walden and his sixteen Chinook dogs were described by Admiral Byrd as the backbone of the expedition transport. In fact, in 1931, Walden received the Congressional Medal for his part in Byrd’s Antarctic Expeditions.

But more than a sled dog, Chinook’s gentle temperament allowed Byrd to take him to lectures and fund-raising events. Chinook became the signature dog of Byrd’s expeditions. Chinook made news around the world when he was 12 and was lost during an expedition. At Walden’s request, Route 113A from Tamworth to Wonalancet, New Hampshire, now bears the name “Chinook Trail” to honor his famous lead dog.

The Depression forced Walden to sell his beloved Chinooks, but their imprint on American life continued. For a time, they were the face of Old Mother Hubbard Dog Food. From the 1940s into the 60s, they were solely bred by Perry Greene in Waldoboro Maine and it was a Chinook named Charger that was obtained as a mascot for the Boeing Helicopters and sent to Vietnam. By the 1980’s, the breed almost died out, but efforts by breeders brought the breed back and it now numbers about 1000 dogs. In 1991, Chinooks entered the UKC registry and in 2001 the breed began seeking AKC recognition. 2009 brought the unexpected honor of being named the state dog of New Hampshire, brought about by the efforts of New Hampshire’s Lurgio Middle School students. Chinooks entered AKC Miscellaneous Class in 2010 and the Working Group in 2013. We currently have a few AKC Champions and a Group IV win in the Working Group. For more information and a list of Mentors and Presenters contact The Chinook Club of America.

The Chinook is unequalled by any other breed in its success as a house pet while still maintaining its versatility as a working dog. Created to be happy both in harness and at the hearth, the Chinook has overcome near extinction to once again enjoy the love of so many people around the world. From the South Pole in 1930 to the AKC Working Group in 2013, it has been a long journey for the Chinook… a journey on which the Chinook enthusiastically embarks with happy barks and wagging tails.

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Judging Chinooks and the Breed Standard

As you begin to examine the Chinook, you will see a large, tawny dog with dropped ears. You want to see a large head, more mastiff-like than foxy. The ears … Oh my! Unlike other Spitz-type breeds, Chinook ears are preferred dropped. Any ear carriage is acceptable, including pricked and helicopter (flying out to the side like helicopter blades!) and matching is definitely preferred. The expression should be a balance of intelligence and kindness. Dark, warm eyes should meet your gaze.

The Chinook is a large dog, historically weighing nearly 100 pounds. In the 1980’s, only 11 breeding dogs remained. Since then, the Chinook has averaged in smaller sizes. However, they still need appropriate bone, size, muscle and structure to perform the job for which they were intended. Bone weight should be moderate enough to support heavy work, but light enough to display grace. Size for males is 24-26 inches and 70-95 pounds. The average size of females is 22-24 inches and 50-70 pounds. Larger size and more substance are preferred but should not take the place of correct structure and movement. Chinooks are a slow maturing breed and will have a gangly appearance well into their 2nd and 3rd year of age. And while females may be more refined than males, it should never be so discerning as to interfere with working compatibility.

While it can be said that color does not pull the sled, color is a defining characteristic of the Chinook. Its historical tawny coat has always set it apart from the other sledding breeds. Other colors have and always will occur, including white, black, and black and tan, but only the historically correct tawny color is acceptable in the AKC show ring. “Tawny” may range from a pale honey to a deep reddish-gold. Dilutes do occur within these acceptable shades of tawny, causing a fading of the coat and pigment color and therefore are not preferred. Black masking, black pigment, dark eyeliner and apostrophe shaped eye markings at the inner eye corners are preferred and highly desirable. Dark guard hairs may occur throughout the coat of adult Chinooks and may even appear like a saddle on the back of young Chinooks. Buff markings on the face and chest may also occur but white spots of broken pigment such as nape spots and blazes should be faulted.

The texture and length of the coat is always important for a sled dog. A coarse, medium length outer coat should lay flat over a softer, downy undercoat. Thinner coats do naturally occur during summer months and in warmer climates, but keep an eye out for coats that are too short or so long, the outline of the dog is obscured. Improper coats decrease a working dog’s efficiency. When, and if, the Chinook you are front legs turn out slightly. This is normal and allows for a more efficient transfer of energy. Front and back legs should be straight, strong, and in proportion to each other in length and angle. Feet are very important and should be tight and strong. Conformation should embody strength and grace. A Chinook in motion should be smooth, efficient and effortless. Pinched fronts, steep croups, weak and sloping toplines, and short front legs are common faults that trouble Chinooks. However, their enormous heart and desire to please their owners seems to overcome any challenge.

Today, Chinooks remain unequalled as a successful house pet and recreational companion. Many owners are using their Chinooks for recreational pulling – sledding, skijoring, rigging, bikejoring, and scootering. Some Chinooks are earning Agility, Rally, Lure Coursing and Obedience titles. Other Chinooks are tracking, performing therapy work, and even some herding. And all Chinooks enjoy close, active relationships with their owners, even if they do nothing more than share their time and affection. After a hands-on, close examination of a Chinook, you should be left with a sense of strength, beauty, pride and a smile on your face.

Chinook Club of America has a list of approved mentors and presenters available or if you have questions and would like to contact our Standard and Judges Education committee, please visit www.ChinookClubOfAmerica.org. You can find our club documents, Breed Standard, breed info and many color photos here as well. If you would like a personal meeting with Chinooks, feel free to contact our club or a Chinook breeder/exhibitor. On behalf of our Chinooks, we look forward to meeting you in the ring!!!

Chinook Breed Standard

General Appearance

The Chinook was developed in the United States as a sled dog whose function was drafting and sled dog racing. Bred to combine the power of freighting breeds with the speed of the lighter racing sled dogs, he is an athletic, hard bodied dog showing good forward reach and rear extension in a seemingly tireless gait. The Chinook is an impressive dog, with an aquiline muzzle, dark almond eyes, black eye markings, a variety of ear carriages, and a tawny, close fitting coat. His saber tail is held in a graceful sickle curve. The male should appear unquestionably masculine; the female should have a distinctly feminine look and be judged equally with the male. A dignified and affectionate family dog, the Chinook is known for his love of children. The Chinook is to be presented in a natural condition with no trimming. The following is a description of the ideal Chinook.

Size, Proportion, Substance

The Chinook is a slow maturing breed.

SIZE—Ideal height at the withers: males 24 to 26 inches; females 22 to 24 inches.

PROPORTION—When measuring from point of shoulder to the point of buttocks the Chinook is slightly longer than tall. The proportion of height to length of body being as 9:10 in ratio.

SUBSTANCE—Muscular with moderate bone, a gender difference is easily discernable. The Chinook exemplifies a sound athlete in grace, muscle tone, movement, and carriage.

Head

The HEAD is broad, wedge-shaped, and impressive but in balance with the size of the dog. Cheeks are well-developed and slightly rounded. The EXPRESSION is intelligent, inquisitive and kind. The EYES are medium in size and almond in shape with black rims. The eye can be any shade of brown but dark brown is preferred. Dark markings around the eye that accentuate the eye and give character are desirable. Extended black pigment in an apostrophe shape at the inner corner of each eye is preferred. Disqualification: Any eye color other than brown.

The EARS are set near the top line of the skull. They are medium in size, V-shaped, and slightly rounded at the tip. The ear tip should be just long enough to reach the inside corner of the eye. Any ear type is allowed, including drop, prick, or propeller ears that maintain a fold when at attention. For aesthetic purposes, dropped and matched ears are preferred. The TOPSKULL is broad and slightly arched between the ears. When viewed from above, the topskull is almost square, gradually narrowing and flattening on top as it approaches the eyes. The STOP is moderate and marked with a central furrow extending up the topskull. The MUZZLE is aquiline and shorter in length than the topskull, measuring from nose to stop as 2:3 in ratio with stop to occiput. Viewed from the front, the muzzle is tapered to form a blunt wedge. Viewed from the side, the top of the muzzle to the nasal cartilage and the topskull are almost parallel. The nose is large, prominent and the leather is solid black. The lips are black.

BITE—The Chinook has a full complement of strong teeth meeting in a scissors or a level bite.

Neck, Topline, Body

The NECK is strong, balanced in length, arched, and covered with fur that forms a protective ruff. The skin on the neck is pliable but a pendulous dewlap is a fault. The neck blends smoothly into the withers.

TOPLINE—The back is straight, strong and level, with no sign of weakness. There is a slight arch over the loins. Faults: sloping topline, roach or sway back.

The BODY is well muscled and hard. The chest is moderately broad, well filled and deep, and neither too broad or too narrow. The forechest has a prominent prosternum that extends beyond the point of shoulders when viewed from the side. The brisket reaches to or nearly to the elbows. The ribs are well sprung, oval in shape, flattening toward the lower end to allow for elbow clearance and efficient movement. The loins are muscular with a slight arch, having enough length to be athletic but still in proportion. The underline has a moderate tuck-up. The croup is muscular, slightly sloping, broad and without exaggeration. Faults: Narrow or barrel chest, dropped croup.

TAIL—The saber tail is moderately set just below the level of the topline and is well coated with distinct but moderate fringing. It is broad at the base, tapering to the end and reaches to the hock with a slight curve at the tip when relaxed. When alert or moving, the tail is carried in a graceful sickle curve, neither curling to the side of the body nor touching the back. The tail should never be docked. Faults: low or high tail set.

Forequarters

The shoulders are moderately laid back with the shoulder and upper arm forming an angle of approximately 110 degrees. The shoulder blade and upper arm are equal in length. The forelegs are straight, well-muscled, with moderate, oval bone. When viewed from the front, the legs are parallel, and straight. The elbows turn neither in nor out. The pasterns are flexible, moderate in length, strong, and slightly sloping when viewed from the side. Dewclaws may be removed. The FEET are tight, oval in shape, with arched toes, webbing between the toes, and with strong nails. The pads are thick, tough, and darkly pigmented. The front feet may turn slightly outward when standing.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are muscular and strong, moderately angulated, and in balance with the forequarters. The slope of the pelvis is approximately 30 degrees off the horizontal with the angle of the stifle at about 110 degrees. The upper and lower thigh muscles are well-defined. The rear pasterns are parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the ground when viewed from any angle. The rear feet point straight ahead. Rear dew claws must be removed.

Coat

The Chinook has a thick double coat lying close to the body. The outer coat is straight, strong, and coarse. The length of the outer coat is longer over the ruff, shoulder blades, withers, breeches, and along the underline and the underside of the tail but is never so long as to obscure the clean-cut outline of the dog. The undercoat is short and dense, downy in texture, providing insulation. The groin and inside of the rear legs are protected by coat. A winter coat feels soft and plush with coarser hair following the topline. A summer coat may be thinner, feel coarser, and should not be penalized. The tail is well-furred with feathering starting about four to five inches from the root. There is slight feathering of shorter hair along the back of the forelegs. The Chinook is shown naturally and trimming is not acceptable. Faults: Thin, sparse, or excessively short coat, long, rough, or shaggy coat, unprotected belly and/or groin. Trimming of the coat is to be severely penalized.

Color

Tawny coloration, ranging from a pale honey to a deep reddish-gold, is a distinguishing characteristic of the Chinook. Dilute tawny, and its associated diluted pigmentation of nose, lips, pads, and eye rims, is acceptable but not preferred. It is desirable for the ears and muzzle to have darker coloring than the body. This darker ear and muzzle coloring runs from a tawny that is darker than the body to a black shading, with some black shading being the most preferred. A black apostrophe shape mark at the inner corner of each eye is desirable. Symmetrical white or cream to pale gold markings are acceptable on the cheeks, throat, chest, breeches, and underside. Any other white markings are undesirable including blazes, socks, and scarves. Disqualification: Any color other than tawny as described.

Gait

The Chinook’s gait is smooth, easy, and seemingly tireless. When viewed from the side, there should be good reach in the front and good extension in the rear, covering ground with minimal effort. Viewed from behind, the rear pads should be fully visible. The back is strong and level when gaiting. As speed increases, the feet tend to converge toward a center line of gravity.

Temperament

The Chinook is an affectionate and playful family companion with a special devotion toward children. He is a willing worker who is eager to please and enthusiastic to learn. The Chinook is highly trainable, adaptable, and versatile in his abilities. Gregarious with other dogs, the Chinook works well in teams and within family packs. The Chinook is a dignified dog and some Chinooks may be reserved with strangers but should never appear shy or aggressive. Variations are penalized to the extent of the deviations.

Disqualifications

Any eye color other than brown. Any color other than tawny as described in this Standard.

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This series is a discussion about the natural tension that exists between how we view show dogs, field/working dogs and dual-purpose (show and work/field) dogs. The dog grouping last discussed was the Molossoid breeds of Mastiff type in the Working Group.

This month, we will explore those questions for other functional groupings within the AKC Working Group.

• How does the evolved morphological form relate to past and/or current function?
• How and why is it that some breeds have developed different types for field/work and show?
• What are the actual or perceived similarities and differences between the purebred show dog and field/work dog?
• What have breeders done to breed dogs that can do the job for which they were intended, if it still exists, and if not, what simulations exist that are as close to the original intent as possible?

Before standards were written for the Working Group breeds we recognize today, dogs were already being used and selectively bred to perform certain work. Multiple factors impacted the development of these breeds and their continued evolution, including geography, climate and terrain, culture and customs, as well as type of work to be performed.

Within this Group, we find breeds that serve as flock/livestock guardian dogs, human/property guardian dogs, farm dog/draft dog/watchdog, sled dogs, and other purposefully evolved dog breeds working in various jobs via snow, water, or big game hunting.

In so many cases, the original purpose of the breed has been supplanted by technology and machinery, enabling man to do the dogs’ work faster and more efficiently at times. Still, there are dedicated breeders who continue to breed quality specimens that demonstrate the individual breed’s working abilities where the actual work, or a simulation, exists.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has divided this grouping of dogs—all found in the AKC Working Group—mainly into two distinct groups:

• Spitz (FCI Group 5);
• Molossian (FCI Group 2).

Two of the breeds, Komondor and Kuvasz, fall into FCI Group 1 (Herding, Sheepdogs).

The Portuguese Water Dog falls into FCI Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing, Water Dogs). Neither the purebred Chinook nor the Boerboel are classified or recognized by the FCI.

Five of these breeds (Cane Corso, Doberman Pinscher, Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, and Boxer) are subject to working trials. For these breeds, their working ability is commonly demonstrated via IPO/Schutzhund. Internationale Prüfungs-Ordnung (IPO) is the FCI name for sport Schutzhund titles.

Within the Working Group, the Black Russian Terrier, not named in FCI as subject to working trials, also participates in IPO/Schutzhund.

The purpose of Schutzhund is to identify dogs that have or do not have the character traits required for these demanding jobs. Some of those traits are a strong desire to work, courage, intelligence, trainability, a strong bond with the handler, perseverance, protective instinct and a good sense of smell. The various levels of Schutzhund working trials encompass tracking, obedience and protection. There are various Schutzhund associations within the United States, some focusing on one or multiple eligible breeds.

In this installment of the series, the remaining two Pinscher breed types (Doberman Pinscher and German Pinscher) and the one Pinscher-Schnauzer type (Black Russian Terrier) will be explored, as well as a uniquely American sled dog, the Chinook.

The Doberman Pinscher and Black Russian Terrier each has a working certification requirement in its native country in order to gain the FCI’s CACIB.

The Guardian Dogs

Bred to be a protection dog exhibiting strength, stamina, and great intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher was developed by its namesake, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, in the Thuringia area of Germany in the 1870s. Thought to be a tax collector, part-time dog catcher and, possibly, an abattoir manager, Dobermann had a number of breeds to use in the formation of his ideal protection dog.

Among the breeds thought to have contributed to the development of the Doberman breed were a type of black and rust shepherd dog found in the Thüringen region, an early type of Rottweiler, the German Pinscher and, depending on the source consulted, possibly the Beauceron, Weimaraner, Manchester Terrier, and Greyhound.

Following Herr Dobermann’s death, Otto Goeller set about refining the breed in the very late 1890s and early 1900s, and was also the creator of the National Doberman Pinscher Club (Germany).

In the mid-20th century, Germany and the majority of countries dropped the “pinscher” portion from the breed name, considering it inappropriate to associate it with Terriers, and simply referred to it as “Dobermann.”

Frequently used by police forces, the breed also came to be known as the “Police Dog” in the early 20th century.

When one studies pictures of early “Dobermanns” from the first two decades of the 20th century, one sees a dog quite different in type than the one seen in show rings today. The breed at that time could not be considered elegant by any means and appeared somewhat off-square, stockier, and heavier in neck, rounder-eyed, with angulation front and rear that was significantly less than what is seen today. Sometimes described today as being “poured into its skin,” the Doberman of yesteryear could be termed “wet” or lacking the muscle definition and skin tightness seen today. By the 1940s, one sees a trend developing toward a smoother-bodied, tight-fitting dog.

Once known to be sharp in temperament, responsible modern breeders have done much to maintain the Doberman’s strength and intelligence, but not at the expense of a good family guardian dog’s temperament. The breed was used extensively in military work and is still used in police work, but not to the degree of the early 20th century. It competes favorably in Schutzhund, with a few show Dobermans having attained Schutzhund titles. The breed is well known for its versatility and for its highly successful participation in multiple dog activities, including agility, obedience, nose work, search and rescue, tracking, etc.

Having similar ancestors as the Schnauzer, and contributing to the development of the Doberman Pinscher, the smooth-coated German Pinscher is mentioned in the German Stud Book by 1880. Used as guardian dogs of their homestead and the family’s coaches, the breed is also known as an apt vermin killer.

Both World Wars had a devasting effect on the breed’s population, with no known litters produced from 1949 to 1958. By smuggling a black and red bitch out of then East Germany and breeding her with four different oversized Miniature Pinscher males—and also using an oversized female—Werner Jung is credited with saving the breed from extinction. Just about all German Pinschers trace back to these dogs.

Photos from the late 1890s depict a breed similar in body type to today’s German Pinschers, but with a head that favors the Miniature Pinscher in style. Successive breeding developed a head style that is longer and more substantial, balancing with the body. Of late, some show exhibits are being shown in the US style of a Doberman, which is incorrect for the breed. This versatile breed does not have specific working tests, but the parent club does have formal recognition for dogs that have achieved successes in multiple competitive arenas, i.e., obedience, tracking, nose work, agility, and barn hunt.

Created in Russia during the late 1940s and early 1950s by the military’s “Red Star” kennels to be a large, brave, strong, military working dog with a robust guarding instinct, the Russian Black Terrier (FCI) or Black Russian Terrier (AKC) is useful in varying climatic conditions and services. The breed was developed (and bred solely by the Red Star kennels until 1957) from the combination of Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale, and Newfoundland, with the Giant Schnauzer having the greatest influence.

The breed was first exhibited in Moscow in 1955, comprised of working examples owned by the military. These dogs were similar to today’s dogs in build and coat. In 1956-57, after achieving a breed that bred true, some military puppies were sold to the general public. An effort to establish the breed outside of the military began, including a move to breed for looks while also maintaining working ability.

Arriving in the US in the 1980s, the breed was seen with a docked tail. Today, the breed is seen—and rewarded—either docked or undocked. Show dogs are significantly trimmed, shaped, and “poofed” unlike the military working dogs.

The Black Russian Terrier is active in a variety of canine sports. However, there is no award recognition program listed by the parent club. The breed does compete successfully in Schutzhund/IPO but, numerically, there are few in competition as compared to other breeds. On the whole, the breed appears to have maintained its type while being bred to function in households as family guardian dogs and pets.

The Chinook

Developed in the 1920s by Arthur Treadwell Walden of New Hampshire to be a sled dog, the purebred Chinook is that state’s official dog breed. The breed’s namesake, “Chinook,” was derived from cross-breeding a Greenland bitch with a Mastiff/St. Bernard-like mixed breed dog. That dog was then bred to Belgian Sheepdogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Canadian Eskimo Dogs (and maybe other breeds) with their progeny bred back to him. Well experienced as a driver of sled dog teams in the Yukon, Walden was Admiral Byrd’s lead sled driver on a 1929 Antarctic expedition.

Walden is also credited with establishing sled dog sports in the New England area. Breeding stock was closely held and passed down from Walden to Julia Lombard, and then to Perry Greene of Maine in the late 1940s. In 1963, when Greene died, the population of this closely held breed quickly dwindled. In 1981, there were only 11 breedable surviving purebred Chinooks. These dogs prevented the breed from becoming extinct.

There are only about 800-900 of the breed in existence. The UKC’s registry allows a cross-breeding program under which Chinooks are crossed to other breeds that are thought to have contributed to the purebred Chinook’s development. The fourth-generation backcross descendants of such crosses may be accepted as UKC purebred Chinooks, if they meet certain requirements.

The breed is still used in sledding as well as dog-packing, skijoring, search and rescue, and other general dog performance sports. It has not changed appreciably from the breed’s origins.

I’ll look forward to your commentary and questions on this article as well as the ones that follow in this series. Feel free to send your comments to info@aramediagroup.com or to me at jollytimehounds@northstate.net.

The Guardian Dogs and the Chinook – Showsight Magazine March 2021 Issue
Featured image credit: Patti Richards

The post The Guardian Dogs and the Chinook appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Chinook is truly a different breed. An American treasure, the breed has come far since its beginnings on a small New Hampshire farm over 100 years ago. The breeding of a Greenland Husky bitch, reported to descend from Admiral Peary’s lead dog, “Polaris,” to a St. Bernard/Mastiff-type farm dog produced a litter of three tawny pups. One pup stood out from the rest, displaying great intelligence, courage, work ethic, and a gentle disposition.

“Chinook” was a tawny dog weighing around 90 pounds, with a blocky head and flopped ears. His appearance was distinct. Though characteristically different from the other sled dogs on the farm, he was able to successfully reproduce himself in his offspring. His owner, Arthur T. Walden, was so taken with Chinook and “Chinook’s dogs” that he felt he had created the perfect combination of loving companion and working dog. He named his kennel “Chinook Kennels.”

Walden was an explorer, author, innkeeper, and most importantly, a sled dog driver. He learned to drive dog teams during the Alaskan gold rush. When he returned to his home in New Hampshire, he brought his love of adventure with him. Walden and his dog sled team, with Chinook in lead, are credited with bringing the sport of sled dog racing to New England and founding the New England Sled Dog Club in 1924; the oldest club of its kind still in operation. But Walden and Chinook would play an even bigger role in history than either could have ever imagined.

Attracting the attention of Admiral Richard Byrd, Walden was asked to head the Dog Department for Byrd’s first Antarctic Expedition in 1927. Walden and his sixteen Chinook dogs were described by Admiral Byrd as “backbone of the expedition transport” in his book, Little America. In fact, in 1931, Walden received the Congressional Medal for his part in Byrd’s Antarctic Expeditions. President Hoover went on to declare a Chinook, “Paugus,” and his owner as America’s most typical “boy and his dog.”

Chinook was so much more than a commanding lead-dog. Chinook’s gentle temperament and playful personality allowed Byrd to take him to lectures and fund-raising events. Chinook became the signature dog of Byrd’s expeditions. He became the symbol of a sled dog to both adults and children everywhere. Chinook was even commemorated as a Steiff stuffed animal. He was so famous that when Chinook was lost in Antarctica during the expedition, it made headline news around the world! At Walden’s request, Route 113A from Tamworth to Wonalancet, New Hampshire, was named “Chinook Trail” to honor his beloved dog. It bears his name to this day.

When Walden returned from Antarctica, the Depression had already taken a toll on his farm. Heartbroken after the loss of Chinook, Walden sold his Chinook Kennels to Eva “Short” Seeley and the remaining Chinooks to Julia Lombard, whose family owned Old Mother Hubbard Dog Food. Julia went on to breed Chinooks with Walden’s direction until his death in 1947. She then sold her Chinooks to Perry Greene in Waldoboro, Maine, who was the sole breeder of the Chinooks until his death
in 1963.

During those years, Greene actively promoted the Chinook as a recreational companion and a cherished part of American history. He even sold a Chinook named “Charger” to Boeing Helicopter. Charger became the mascot for Chinook Helicopter Divisions during the Vietnam War.

After Greene’s death, the breed was shuffled around until it came to rest at the Sukeforth Kennel in Maine. By the early 1980s, the breed had nearly become extinct. With only 11 breeding dogs remaining, their future was uncertain. It was Chinook’s rich history and the impressions made on the hearts of children that would save the breed. Children who had grown up loving the Chinook went searching for them as adults, finding these remaining dogs at their most critical moment. Together, these few breeders joined their efforts and created a genetic plan for successful breeding.

In 1991, Chinooks entered the UKC registry, and in 2001 the breed began registering with the AKC Foundation Stock Service. In 2004, the Chinook Club of America was created to protect and promote the purebred Chinook as it continued its journey with the AKC. After many years of hard work by a small group of dedicated breeders and owners, the Chinook entered AKC Miscellaneous Class in July 2010. On January 1, 2013, the Chinook achieved full AKC recognition and was admitted to the Working Group.

Today, the Chinook enjoys quiet comforts in homes across the US and in Europe, once again imprinting on the hearts of children. In 2009, the unexpected honor of being named the State Dog of New Hampshire was brought about by the efforts of New Hampshire’s Lurgio Middle School students. With over 1,000 dogs alive today, the Chinook has escaped the grasp of extinction. As the Chinook moves into the ranks of a breed recognized by the America Kennel Club, it reclaims its rightful place in American history.

In the AKC show ring, expect the Chinook to retain its uniqueness. A large, tawny sled dog with various ear sets, he may seem out of place among other fancier, fluffier sledding breeds. Though the Chinook’s unexpected appearance and gregariousness may seem unrefined, their intelligence and deep, intuitive senses display a keen potential.

The Chinook has successfully claimed a niche in the dog world by finding a balance between pet and working dog. Strongly bonded to their owners, they yearn for companionship. Their bond cultivates a willingness to please and a desire to assist in any activity. Together, Chinook and owner can accomplish almost any task.

The Chinook is perfect for an active family that desires to have their dog accompany them on all their adventures. They do not thrive under harsh handling or chronic kenneling, and they are not a protection breed. They need an environment that can help fulfill their drive to connect with their family and their need to be active.

The Chinook is ready and willing to join its family hiking, biking, skiing, boating, or sledding. Chinooks have participated in 4-H, Obedience, Agility, Rally, Tracking, Coursing Ability, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Scent Work, and even Herding. Chinooks enjoy Therapy Dog work, visiting with the elderly, sick, and especially with children in classrooms. After a hard day of working, the Chinook is happy to curl up next to you on the couch and peacefully thump his tail.

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Chinooks are a wash-and-wear breed. A good brushing once a week, cleaning their teeth, and keeping their nails clipped is all that is required—and a bath when they need it, but not often. They are to be shown completelyb natural, with no trimming allowed.

When you have the privilege of judging a group of Chinooks, you will clearly see the reason this breed is so treasured. They are affectionate to a fault and will demonstrate this to you with their friendly demeanor. They will wag their way around the ring and may try to get in a kiss. Please be prepared for a distinct difference in size between the sexes. Females will be obviously feminine. The sexes should be judged equally, with correct structure being judged more important than size.

The Chinook Club of America attends as many AKC Meet the Breeds events as possible. CCA is the booth where children are “hand” holding a Chinook and where Chinook kisses are always available. Please come visit us and learn more about America’s unique and versatile family companion. Visit us on the web at: www.chinookclubofamerica.org.

Featured photo: Kathleen Riley Photography
Article photos by Patti Richards

Are you looking for a Chinook puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Chinook dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Chinook Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the devoted Chinook dog breed with articles and information in our Chinook Dog Breed Magazine.

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