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Chinooks - History

The Chinook dogs breed is named after explorer Arthur Walden's famous lead dog, Chinook. In 1917, at a farm in Wonalancet, New Hampshire, a yellow pup was born in a litter belonging to Arthur Walden. This pup was named Chinook and he grew up not looking like either of his parents. Chinook's offspring inherited his large size, coloration, general characteristics, but most importantly his gentle personality.

Years later Admiral Byrd selected Walden to train the dogs used in his Antarctic expedition. Known then as Walden's Dogs, Walden trained his dogs and other breeds at his home in New Hampshire, but Chinook himself led them all. Under heavy work loads and time constraints Chinook assisted the teams. He made no mistakes; he was strong and eager to lead. Chinook's activities and triumphs were reported regularly to the newspapers of the day. His achievements as a lead sledge dog and his wonderful disposition were well known all over the world. Admiral Byrd was quoted, "That without these dogs the mission could never have been accomplished." Chinook died during the expedition and his body was never found. His obituary appeared in many newspapers and on the front page of the New York Times. Later the Chinook dog was declared "an all-American dog" by President Herbert Hoover.

Chinooks of today are returning to the public eye after being listed several times in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most rare of breeds. In the 1980s there were fewer than 100 existing purebred dogs. The Chinook came close to extinction but are now being carefully bred by breeders to restore their place as leaders. Devoted breeders are doing their part to make sure the breed stays strong and healthy enough to pull sleds far into the future with their beloved families. The breeders strive to breed towards the strength, stamina and excellent disposition of the original Chinook. The Chinook of yesteryear were large freighting dogs, and today should carry the same body attributes.

The United Kennel Club (U.K.C.) recognized the Chinook breed in March of 1991. Today over 400 purebred Chinooks are registered with the U.K.C. The Chinook Owners Association, the national breed club of the U.K.C., also maintains a cross breeding program and Chinook crosses recognized by the program for Chinook dogs are eligible for Limited Privileges registration with the U.K.C.

Special thanks to Phil & Laurel Morrissette of

Mountain Laurel Chinooks for providing the information on this page.

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