New Hampshire’s state dog was memorialized Saturday during a statue unveiling in Tamworth, to honor the heroic past of a breed that started in the Granite State.The Chinook became the official state dog in 2010 and is one of the few officially designated state dogs in the country. The name is adapted from a dog of the same name, owned by author and explorer Arthur Walden.State history tells that Walden owned property in Wonalancet in 1917, when Chinook was born. The Chinook Owner’s Association says that the two were the first sled dog team to summit Mount Washington successfully, and brought sled dog races to New England for the first time.In 1929, Walden and Chinook were enlisted for an Antarctic supply expedition. During the trip, Chinook is said to have wandered away, never to be seen again.Over the years, the Association says the breed faced endangered status, at one point, with numbers only in the hundreds registered nationwide. In recent decades, Chinooks have found a resurgence across the country as a dog known for its energy, intelligence, and kindness.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play > Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

New Hampshire’s state dog was memorialized Saturday during a statue unveiling in Tamworth, to honor the heroic past of a breed that started in the Granite State.

The Chinook became the official state dog in 2010 and is one of the few officially designated state dogs in the country. The name is adapted from a dog of the same name, owned by author and explorer Arthur Walden.

State history tells that Walden owned property in Wonalancet in 1917, when Chinook was born. The Chinook Owner’s Association says that the two were the first sled dog team to summit Mount Washington successfully, and brought sled dog races to New England for the first time.

In 1929, Walden and Chinook were enlisted for an Antarctic supply expedition. During the trip, Chinook is said to have wandered away, never to be seen again.

Over the years, the Association says the breed faced endangered status, at one point, with numbers only in the hundreds registered nationwide. In recent decades, Chinooks have found a resurgence across the country as a dog known for its energy, intelligence, and kindness.

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Saturday afternoon, the Tamworth History Center unveiled a bronze sculpture of the original Chinook, modeled after surviving photographs of Walden’s dog.

The sculpture took a year and a half to design and build.

“It’s beyond flattering,” said sculptor Peter Dransfield. “I think, like a lot of bronze sculptures you see around town, it’s going to be here forever.”

Chinook owners from all over the country were invited to the unveiling ceremony, with some coming from as far as Virginia and Washington state.

“It’s the New Hampshire state dog for a reason, born and bred here. To me, it’s family,” said Tyler Sweeney of Alexandria, Virginia, originally from Weare.

“Ninety-six years later, we’re having the unique opportunity to bring Chinook home,” said sculptor Andrea Kennett, “if not in body, certainly in spirit.”

The Tamworth History Center used local fundraising efforts to create the statue. Board members say it was one of the fastest fundraising goals they’ve ever reached.

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