The Chinook dog breed - The next New Hampshire State Dog?

 A group of seventh grade students from Bedford, New Hampshire appeared before the Granite State's senators to push for the passage of a bill that would make the Chinook dog breed the official dog of New Hampshire.

The students from New Hampshire's Ross A. Lurgio Middle School weren't alone; a Chinook dog named Abby also appeared at the hearing on N.H. Senate Bill 13.

The NH Senate did vote unanimously in favor of recommending the passage of the senate bill that, if passed, will make this dog a symbol of New Hampshire.

Why Pick the Chinook as the New Hampshire State Dog?

The Chinook, many argue, should be named as New Hampshire's official state dog thanks to the breed's history. The Chinook was originally bred in the state of New Hampshire by author and dog lover Arthur Walden (pictured at left with the original "Chinook").

Unlike some other state symbols, the Chinook dog breed's history is interwoven with that of the Granite State's, making this dog breed a fitting choice to be the official New Hampshire State Dog.

About the Chinook Dog Breed

"Chinook" was the name of one of the first dogs of this breed (pictured with Walden above). The Chinook is one of the few dog breeds to originate in the United States.

The Chinook breed was founded by Wonalancet, New Hampshire native Arthur Walden. Walden developed the Chinook breed by crossing a husky and farm dog breeds. The goal: to create a new working dog breed that would make a good sled dog and a great family pet.

This relatively rare large breed dog is loved for his gentle and friendly temperament, combined with great athleticism as a racing dog and sled dog.

(Photos Courtesy of Rick Skoglund, chinook-dogs.org)