The Chinook is a breed that is as American as apple pie and as rugged as the White Mountains of New Hampshire from which he hails. He is a sled dog, but he breaks all the rules of the spitz family. He is not aloof; he is a giant marshmallow. He doesn’t run away; he sticks by your side. With his tawny coat and drop ears, he looks more like a Mastiff mix than a Husky, but his power in the harness is undeniable.

He is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, having once teetered on the brink of extinction. Today, he is the official State Dog of New Hampshire and a cherished secret among those lucky enough to know him.

History and Origin: The Dream of Arthur Walden

The story of the Chinook is the story of one man: Arthur Walden. In the early 1900s, Walden was a prospector in the Klondike Gold Rush and later a sled dog driver in Wonalancet, New Hampshire. He wanted to create the ultimate sled dog: one with the power of a freighter, the speed of a racer, and the gentle nature of a family pet.

The Foundation Sire

In 1917, a puppy was born on Walden’s farm. He was a cross between a descendants of Peary’s North Pole Huskies and a large, tawny Mastiff-type male. This puppy was named “Chinook.” He grew to be a magnificent dog—strong, intelligent, and gentle. Walden bred him to German Shepherds and Belgian Sheepdogs to create the breed that now bears his name.

The Antarctic Expedition

In 1928, at the age of 12 (an old age for a working dog), Chinook led Walden’s team on Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition. He was the most famous dog in America. Tragically, Chinook wandered away from camp on his 12th birthday and was never seen again, presumably dying on the ice he loved.

Saved from Extinction

After Walden’s death, the breed dwindled. By 1981, the Guinness Book of World Records listed the Chinook as the rarest dog in the world, with only 28 breeding dogs left. A group of dedicated fanciers worked tirelessly to save the breed, and while still rare, the Chinook’s future is now secure.

Physical Characteristics: Power and Grace

The Chinook is an impressive dog. He is a “freighting” dog, built for pulling heavy loads over long distances, not for sprinting.

• Height: 22–26 inches (56-66 cm).
• Weight: 50–90 pounds (23-41 kg).

Distinctive Features

• Coat: He has a thick double coat that is famously “tawny” in color, ranging from a pale honey to a deep reddish-gold. Black markings on the ears and muzzle are preferred.
• Ears: Unlike most sled dogs with prick ears, the Chinook can have drop ears, prick ears, or “helicopter ears” (one up, one down). The drop ear is the classic look.
• Eyes: Dark looking, with a soft, intelligent expression.
• Tail: A saber tail that hangs down, unlike the curled tail of a Husky.

Temperament and Personality

The Chinook’s temperament is his crowning glory.

The Gentle Giant

He is incredibly calm and non-aggressive. He was bred to work in a team without fighting. This makes him a terrible guard dog (he would likely show a burglar where the silverware is) but an excellent family dog.

The Kid-Lover

He has a special affinity for children. He is patient and tolerant, often letting toddlers crawl all over him. He is a “nanny dog” in a sled dog’s body.

The Velcro Sled Dog

Most sled dogs are independent. The Chinook is devoted. He wants to be where you are. He bonds deeply with his female and suffers if isolated. A kennel is no place for a Chinook.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: A Working Dog

He needs a job.

• Daily Needs: A long hike, a jog, or a pull.
• Draft Work: He excels at sledding, skijoring (pulling a skier), and bikejoring.
• Packing: He loves to carry a backpack on hikes.

Training: Eager to Please

• Intelligence: He is smart and learns quickly.
• Sensitivity: Like many Mastiff-descended breeds, he is sensitive. Harsh training methods will cause him to shut down. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise is essential.
• Recall: He is generally better off-leash than a Husky, but his prey drive can still be triggered.

Health and Lifespan

The Chinook is a generally healthy breed, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Because the gene pool was so small (descending from only a few dogs), breeders are extremely careful about health testing to prevent genetic bottlenecks.

• Hip Dysplasia: Always check the parents’ OFA scores.
• Epilepsy: Can occur in some lines.
• Atopy: Skin allergies.
• Eye Issues: Cataracts and retinal dysplasia.

Grooming and Care

• Brushing: He is a heavy shedder. Weekly brushing is mandatory, and daily brushing is needed during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
• Bathing: He does not have a strong “doggy odor” and only needs bathing when dirty.
• Climate: He loves the cold. He acts like a puppy when it snows. He can tolerate heat better than a Husky, but he should not be exercised vigorously in high temperatures.

Is a Chinook Right for You?

The Chinook is a rare treasure, but he is not for everyone.

Yes, if:

• You want a sled dog personality without the independence. You want a dog that pulls a sled but also cuddles on the couch.
• You are an active family. You hike, camp, and play in the snow.
• You want a rare breed. You enjoy talking to people about your dog’s history.
• You want a gentle dog. You have kids or other pets.

No, if:

• You want a guard dog. He is too friendly.
• You hate shedding. The tawny fur will be everywhere.
• You live in an apartment. He needs room to move.
• You want a cheap dog. Chinooks are rare and puppies can be expensive and hard to find.

If you are lucky enough to welcome a Chinook into your life, you are not just getting a dog; you are holding a piece of American history at the end of the leash. He is a loyal, loving, and noble companion who will pull you through life’s storms with a wagging tail.