A bronze statue honoring the Chinook, New Hampshire’s state dog, was unveiled on Saturday in Tamworth. This event celebrated the breed’s historic contributions and its connection to the Granite State. The Chinook was designated as the official state dog in 2010, making it one of only a few breeds with such recognition in the United States.
The breed traces its origins to a dog named Chinook, owned by the renowned author and explorer Arthur Walden. According to state history, Walden owned property in Wonalancet in 1917, the year Chinook was born. The Chinook Owner’s Association highlights that Walden and Chinook were the first sled dog team to successfully summit Mount Washington, introducing sled dog racing to New England.
In 1929, Walden and his dog were enlisted for an Antarctic supply expedition. During this journey, Chinook reportedly wandered off and was never seen again. The breed faced significant challenges over the years, reaching endangered status with numbers dwindling to just a few hundred across the nation. Fortunately, in recent decades, the Chinook has experienced a revival, known for its intelligence, energy, and friendly nature.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Tamworth History Center, where a bronze sculpture of the original Chinook was revealed. This artwork was meticulously designed and built over a year and a half, based on surviving photographs of Walden’s dog. Sculptor Peter Dransfield expressed his appreciation for the honor, stating, “It’s beyond flattering. I think, like a lot of bronze sculptures you see around town, it’s going to be here forever.”
Chinook enthusiasts traveled from across the country to attend the unveiling, with some coming from as far as Virginia and Washington state. Tyler Sweeney, a Chinook owner from Alexandria, Virginia, who hails from Weare, New Hampshire, remarked, “It’s the New Hampshire state dog for a reason, born and bred here. To me, it’s family.”
Sculptor Andrea Kennett added, “Ninety-six years later, we’re having the unique opportunity to bring Chinook home; if not in body, certainly in spirit.” The fundraising efforts for the statue were remarkably swift, as board members of the Tamworth History Center noted it was one of their fastest fundraising goals ever achieved.
This unveiling not only symbolizes the heritage of the Chinook breed but also strengthens the bond of community among its owners, celebrating a legacy that began in New Hampshire and continues to thrive across the nation.
