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Chinook

History

During the early 1920s Chinook was bred to German and Belgian Shepherd working types and perhaps other husky type dogs. The offspring were then bred back to Chinook to found the breed known today as the Chinook. Chinook was a “sport” of nature and the first of a new breed of dog. A comparison is often quoted between the Chinook breed and Justin Morgans creation of the Morgan horse. Perry Greene called it “An act of God”. With Chinook's offspring, Walden was finally getting the quality of dogs that he was accustomed to working with. In 1920, his new line of what he called "Husky half-breds" made their debut at the Gorham, New Hampshire Winter Carnival. Walden began to seriously promote dog sledding for draft, recreation, and sport. Racing in New England started a year later when Walden began promoting freighting by dogsled to the woodsmen as a faster, more economical way to move supplies to their logging camps. Walden convinced W. R. Brown's paper company of Berlin, New Hampshire to sponsor the first Eastern International Dog Derby in 1922 in part to encourage more people to breed quality sled dogs in the region. Four teams competed in this 123-mile race, Walden, with Chinook in lead, won easily. Competition was keen and Walden realized that Chinook, weighing just over 100 pounds in fit working condition, was too massive an animal to continue leading winning race teams. He started breeding Chinook with an eye for lighter boned, faster offspring, who still carried Chinook's intelligence, gentle nature and trademark color.Arthur Walden wasn't bothered by the loss but instead went seeking the next adventure. Walden and his wife, Kate Sleeper, brought electricity and telephone service to Wonalancet and the first hydro‑electric dam to Carroll County. Despite his achievements the bug of exploration was still strong in Walden. When hearing about the imminent Byrd Antarctic Expedition Walden applied though at age 56 was over the maximum age. He was given the duties of lead driver and trainer of all the dogs to be used on the expedition. Walden was also assigned to lead the three men, Vaughan, Crockett and Goodale, who helped with the dog teams. Dogs were obtained and sent to Walden’s home in New Hampshire. During the winter months of late 1927 and early 1928, dogs and drivers were assembled at Walden's Wonalancet Farm, and training began. Winter survival gear was also evaluated there, in the harsh conditions of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Together the drivers worked for one year training dogs and testing tents and supplies. By this time Chinook was nearing his 12th birthday.When the expedition reached the shore of Antarctica, there remained little time to unload the ships and prepare a safe living area for the men for the next year before winter set in. All the dogs were worked beyond capacity. Walden's dog teams broke records during that time for amount of loads carried as well as the weight of each load. Admiral Byrd wrote ‘Walden's team was the backbone of our transport”. When needed, Chinook was put into harness for his help. It was shortly afterwards that Chinook was lost. Many speculated that he left the camp and wandered off knowing he was dying. Another story speculated that he befell a grave accident, fell into a crevasse and died. In any case Walden had lost his best friend. Tragically, Walden had wanted to bury his friend in harness, but Chinook was never found. Chinook’s death was written in newspapers around the world. Upon Walden’s return home, the people of the area wanted to rename the road that connected the town of Tamworth with Wonalancet to Waldens' Road. He asked that instead they honor Chinook by naming it the Chinook Trail, the name which it still bears today.

General Appearance The Chinook is a large working dog capable of pulling light to heavy loads. This breed should be exhibited in its natural state and has a well-formed, smoothly muscled body. The dog is a northern breed and has a double coat, often tawny colored-longer coarser guard hairs over a soft downy undercoat, a strong well-muscled chest, a broad skull, slightly Roman nose, cheeks of a chiseled appearance, intelligent almond shaped eyes, a variety of ear sets, and a well-furred tail that is carried in a graceful sickle curve when the dog is alert. The Chinook should exhibit intelligence, dignity, friendliness, and never be fearful or aggressive. The Chinook is graceful but purposeful, alert but calm, intelligent, dignified, and regal in appearance.