Diana Fowler,
Chinooks
Diana Fowler has been involved with Chinooks for fourteen years.
(Biography) |  |
Breeder Spotlight
How long have you been involved in your breed?
I have been involved with Chinooks for fourteen years.
List three words that you feel best describe your breed.
Chinooks are kind, loyal, and companionable.
In your opinion what physical characteristic defines your breed the most?
A strong defining physical characteristic of the Chinook breed is a rich tawny color, often with dark or black shadings around the muzzle and on the ears, with black eyeliner and eyebrows, but a much more subtle physical characteristic that is evident in every Chinook is the “bump” at the end of the nose, the “aquiline nose” the standard notes.
In your opinion which behavioral characteristic defines your breed the most?
A strongly shared behavioral characteristic of Chinooks is their desire to be with their owners, to the point of often choosing to sit on their owners’ feet – and, yes, several Chinooks can and do sit on the same human feet at the same time!
What is the largest false impression your breed gives?
Possessing guard dog characteristics is one false impression of the Chinook breed, possibly due to many Chinooks’ resemblance to either the German Shepherd Dog or the Belgian Malinois. Even though the Chinook will often alert the owner to an intrusion by barking, this is neither a guarding nor a protection breed.
What should breeders be most concerned about today?
Breeders today should be concerned with correcting dropped croups and weak pasterns, both of which have adverse effects on proper, strong reach and drive. Breeders should also be diligent in the socialization of their puppies, making sure new owners understand the importance of continuing the good start each Chinook puppy needs. Keeping genetic diversity still remains a challenge.
Is your breed standard sufficient? If you do not feel it is sufficient, briefly list changes you would like to see made.
Yes, the Chinook breed standard is sufficient. UKC, in developing the Chinook standard with the Chinook Owners Association, was well aware of the near extinction of the breed less than twenty-five years ago. The standard was developed to be inclusive, rather than exclusive, permitting the historical variety that had existed in the earliest Chinooks, which has allowed the breed to move forward and develop. The only change I would suggest at this time is to add the word “moderately” in front of “large” in the first sentence under General Appearance: “The Chinook is a moderately large dog.” Compared to many breeds in UKC, the Chinook is not a large breed.
What counsel would you like to give to newcomers?
Newcomers to the Chinook breed need to spend time getting to know and appreciate the rich variety within the breed. No dog is perfect, and breeding is as much art as science, and can be frustrating, especially within a breed such as the Chinook. Potential purchasers should seek good counsel from those breeding and exhibiting dogs who represent the best the breed has to offer - in conformation, temperament, and working ability.
What is the single most charming attribute of your breed?
I find the most charming Chinook attribute to be their incredible EARS!! We have up ones, down ones, sideways ones, even “fruit bat” ears, all of which go right along with the legendary Chinook sense of humor!
Do you prefer your breed judged moving or standing?
I prefer the Chinook to be judged moving, giving the judge the opportunity to see the strength of the back – that “arch over the loin” – and the reach and drive.
What is the most common judging mistake in your breed?
The most common judging mistake is the “big and brown” syndrome. If the Chinook is tawny and big, the dog is thought to be the most capable in the ring to pull a sled, and then consequently the best dog. However, smaller, but certainly within the size parameters of the standard, and lighter in color can pull just as well, possibly with more desire, and can often have better movement, better reach and drive, and better overall conformation.
What quality lends itself particularly well to the show ring?
The calmness of the Chinook lends itself well to the show ring as well as to the obedience trial. Chinooks tend to take life in stride. Kissing the judges always helps, too!
Who would you like to see judge your National Specialty?
I have had the privilege of exhibiting my dogs to so many supportive and interested judges. Many have gone above and beyond to ask questions to understand the breed better, have been so kind and helpful to Chinook newcomers as they struggle to show their dogs for the first time, and, above all, have shown respect for the Chinook Dog – a rare and unique breed that was almost lost.
Some judges that I would like to see considered for a future National Specialty, who have not already judged one for Chinooks, are Dan Crutchfield, Violet Denney, Helena Engelauf, Carol Gaines, Dot Jacobs, Joyce Lea-Hanson, Eleanor Main, Cecil “Skip” Miller, Olen Nichols, Linda Reese, and Lorraine Tayeb.
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 This Weekend At UKC
Grand American - Orangeburg, South Carolina. The January 1st opening ceremonies of Grand American mark the traditional start of the coonhound year! The first big competition event of 2009 will take place this weekend, with nite hunts and bench shows, the exciting start of a new Purina race, and of course great food, entertainment and fellowship. Head to the fairgrounds in Orangeburg this weekend to ring in the coonhound New Year!
Find an event in your area. 
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The Redbone was the second coonhound breed to be registered with UKC, the first being registered in 1902, two years after the American Black & Tan. The Redbone is known to be a well-balanced breed, making them adaptable to various types of hunting and terrain. Their agility benefits them when hunting in fenced country or steep, rocky ground. Redbones are known to make excellent water dogs. |
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Read more about UKC's many dog breeds here. |
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